Why+are+we+doing+this?

= __**Why are we doing this? **__ = In 2010 I began to take part in the Masters of School Leadership at Melbourne University through the Bastow Institute. As part of the course I am required to complete an Action Research Project within my school. Whilst working with my mentor we were discussing ideas for my ARP we discussed many ideas, trying to include the schools needs and goals with my own personal interests and expertise in mind.

Thus far my ARP has been developed through identifying a need that came out of looking at school data eg; NAPLAN results and teacher judgements against VELS in the school level report. Early indications of the need to look at writing have also come from the English Online interview results. Also as part of the current school review of the school strategic plan, developing a consistent approach to the teaching of writing was identified by staff members. My research will be focussed on the Year 4 students that I teach at the school, so I looked into the data gathered through the School Level Report (SLR) and the NAPLAN Data Service (NDS) to see what area was needed to focus on.

I gathered a range of school data (NAPLAN, VELS judgements as seen above) and analysed this data. Various patterns emerged, such as 11 of 18 at or below standard in writing in year 3 cohort from 2009 NAPLAN; I also used information in the SLR and school review document. I identified a group of staff members to collaborate with that included our school English coordinator, professional team partner, and my principal and mentor. Upon looking through our school review we decided to focus on the schools student learning goal, “To improve achievement levels in English” (Cations, 2010) and the particular target “to improve or maintain the achievement profile of each cohort in reading and writing as they move through the school from years 2 to 6.” (Cations, 2010) Based on data and trends indentified, the group brainstormed a range of ideas and strategies. The English coordinator then interviewed all teachers on current practices eg; what resources, strategies, particular needs, perceived strengths and weaknesses. This information is to be used as part of a whole staff approach to further the development of instruction within the English domain.