Saturday, January 26, 2013

Moving Along

I began collecting data on Thursday. I had anticipated some glitches and conflicts, but did not plan for the (no snow) snow day. The first group took a little longer than expected. I had already started a bit later due to morning interruptions (people stopping me for a quick question in the hall). I really hate being late to pick up my kids, but sometimes this is the only chance I have to speak with teachers or instructional assistance that work with many of the tier 1 and tier 2 students. Anyway, we started late and I was not able to collect data on two of the students in that group. I planned to do it first thing on Friday, but that didn't work out either. All of the other groups went according to plan!

With each group, I assessed reading fluency, as usual, using the DIBELS measure of Oral Reading Fluency (DORF). After students completed the 1- minute assessment, I asked them to retell what they remembered from the story. The timed measure and retell are both  part of the usual progress monitoring routine. Starting this week, instead of stopping after the retell, I asked the students to finish reading the passage and then gave them a set of 8 short-answer comprehension questions (including both literal and inferential). Students were asked to answer the questions independently. Many of my second graders struggle with written expression, so those students dictated their answers to me and I  jotted down their response.

As I glanced over the Excel spreadsheet that I am using to record data, I noticed some changes in fluency and comprehension scores. A few students may not be in the category (blue, red, black) that I had originally classified from the baseline data. I will take a closer look after the next round of data collection.

I was also able to collect some qualitative data through student observations. Student behavior and observational notes were added to the target observation chart. My plan was to observe 2 students this week, but was only able to get one.


Coming Soon: pictures of target observation chart and data spreadsheet

2 comments:

  1. I am just getting started tomorrow. I feel like I am already so far behind! I really like how you added comprehension questions to the DIBELS test. It makes the test more meaningful to you and the student. I can't wait to see your observation chart. Is this something you created on your own or did you find it from one of the readings last semester? I am not the most organized person so I am trying really hard with this project :) Good luck with data collection tomorrow! We will all be playing catch up because of Friday!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I did not get started today because of changes in our schedule..so I will be starting tomorrow. I really like how you have organized yourself and have your spreadsheet to help you keep up with your data collection. I am struggling on trying to find a method to keep everything organized and in one place. I am interested in seeing your target observation chart...what a good idea!

    ReplyDelete