Mission to Mentor
Guiding your path towards becoming an inspiring and successful educator
Case Studies
Below are summary case studies of work performed by the Mission to Mentor staff. For a full version of the case study, please contact us.
Corresponding Test Scores to Curriculum and Teaching Methods
Purpose:
The purpose of this engagement was to analyze CTP test results for the 3rd and 4th grade in the area of mathematics in order to help better align the curriculum and teaching methods to ensure that material is naturally and cohesively covered throughout the year.
Method:
The Mentor performed a high-level review of summarized test results and curricular information prior to the site visit. The Mentor studied the questions answered incorrectly to determine patterns in missed areas/concepts and how the results mapped to the curriculum and schedule of concepts taught throughout the school year.
An on-site visit occurred to continue a more detailed analysis of the test results and current teaching approach and subject content. This included meeting with the teachers and math specialist, performing further research on patterns identified, examining textbooks in conjunction with the curriculum map and CTP test, and reviewing teaching techniques and strategies. A series of open discussions were conducted with the teachers, discussing their thoughts on the preparation of the students, test results, curriculum structure, and concept coverage.
A report was prepared for the organization, including findings and specific recommendations related to lessons, teaching techniques, and concept coverage and a roadmap identifying milestones to be achieved from grades K-4 in the area of mathematics.
Sample of Recommendations:
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Educators must become familiar with the variety of modalities related to mathematic concepts.
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The math curriculum should be more problem-centric.
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Exposure to a various forms/styles of questions helps students to better understand concepts and practice varying test formats.
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Applying "number sense" techniques helps students better comprehend the relationship of numbers.
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Teachers must communicate between grade levels throughout the academic year about how the curriculum is progressing.
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Test-taking strategies should be introduced in the primary grades in order to develop a positive attitude towards testing situations.
Evaluating Montessori Expansion of Grade Levels
Purpose:
The Montessori philosophy and technique of teaching children is specialized, progressive, competitive, promotes independent lifelong learners, and is on an upswing in popularity. On this engagement, we analyzed whether an existing Montessori school should expand to include a 6th grade section. The school was currently operating as a Pre-K to 5th grade.
Method:
In order to determine community desire in a 6th grade offering, our Mentor worked closely with the school administrators to develop and distribute a survey and analyze the findings. On-site visits were conducted independently with administrators, teachers, and parents to discuss the need, desires, opportunity, concerns, and feasibility of expansion. Further analysis was performed in the areas of curricular, plant, teaching materials and resources, admissions, marketing strategies, professional development and leadership.
A Feasibility Study was developed that analyzed numerous areas including curricula and related staffing requirements (for example, by 6th grade foreign languages are usually offered and the school had no foreign language instructors), funding, marketing, operations, facilities, target enrollment, safety/emergency plans and Board of Trustee implications. Presentation of the study was made to the school administrators and Trustees.