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RUNNING HEAD: Case Study: Project-Based Learning

Case Study: Project-Based Learning

Vanessa Vitiello
EDLP 6040
William Paterson University
November 22, 2014

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RUNNING HEAD: Case Study: Project-Based Learning
An analysis of high stakes test scores for District P has indicated many of the
students in the middle grades are falling on the cusp of proficiency. This can be
especially problematic for future funding and the districts overall rating. The
curriculum team is proposing a pilot extended-day program to target middle schools
students who, with extra support will score in the proficient range on high stakes
tests. The curriculum team has chosen the Oliva model as a basis of the proposal to
create the curriculum for the enrichment program extending the school day forty
minutes daily. Olivas model was chosen based on the fact that the extended day
program needed to be planned and strategies chosen by the curriculum developer.
This program is directed toward a subgroup of students whose performance is not
meeting standards and in the Oliva model faculty may focus on the curricular
components of the model to make programmatic decisions (Oliva & Gordon, 2013).
The Department of Education recognizes the relationship between actual
time in school to academic learning by noting, instruction in other subjects and
provision of enrichment activities that contribute to a well-rounded education, such
as physical education, service learning, and experiential and work based learning
opportunities (US Department of Education, 2012) are factors to increase student
achievement. The P District is currently falling just above adequate yearly progress.
To ensure the district increases adequate gains on state mandated testing, the
curriculum committee of District P is suggesting a program to target at risk
learners. Academic learning time is the most important variable associated with
student learning for most types of learners. Research indicates that more time in
school devoted to enrichment and activities increase student engagement and
achievement. (Farbman, 2012).

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RUNNING HEAD: Case Study: Project-Based Learning
The curriculum committee is proposing an extended day, project based pilot
program for students in grades 6-8 who fall between the 40 th and 50th percentile of
the scaled score for their grade level in both language arts and mathematics on the
Star Renaissance test administered in October. This group has been targeted to
ensure more gains in proficiency on state required assessments prior to entering
secondary school.
Rationale
Previous tests scores have indicated a weakness in ability to comprehend
nonfiction text in literacy assessments and a lack of understanding of algebraic
principles in mathematics. The purpose of this extended day program will have
students explore mathematics and literacy through project based learning in a small
group setting for forty minute after school daily. The purpose of project based
learning is to provide a structure through which students can demonstrate mastery
of a subject by creating and presenting a research based project that is driven by
their own interest in a topic and allows them to work within the same parameters as
real researchers. Students will choose a project based on their interest and the
programs that are available to cater to their survey results. District Ps goals are for
students to generate authentic interests in subjects by choosing topics to research.
The program will provide opportunities for multiple modes of learning. Teachers will
facilitate learning while allowing student to lead each other in exploratory learning.
Implementation
The steps that will be taken for implementation will be in September the
district will post openings for application to obtain a stipend taken from title I funds
to work after school daily from November until April. The teachers who will be

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RUNNING HEAD: Case Study: Project-Based Learning
participating in the program will share strategies, goals and objective while
attending professional development for project-based learning. In October, the data
from the Stars Assessment will be desegregated for identification of focus students.
In November, the parents of the students who have been identified will be
contacted asked for consent for their childs participation in the program. Once the
consent form has been signed, a student survey will be administered to students to
group the students by interest. The program will begin the first week of December
and continue daily for approximately sixteen weeks.
Beginning Week Two, students will choose their topic for presentation. After
the topic is chosen, teachers will guide students in the research process that will
support their project. Student groups will be organized by interest level rather than
grade level, to facilitate greater participation. Grouping like this will allow students
to learn from each other. The students will organize their information and data by
prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing through a method of their
choice.
Assessment
The district provides multiple Renaissance (STARS) tests throughout the
academic year and progress will be monitored on a bi monthly basis. Teacher and
student surveys will be administered to assess improvements and progress.
Modifications of the pilot program will take place in February to ensure the best
possible result on state standardized tests. The results of assessments and surveys
will be used to determine if the pilot program will be expanded to include other
schools within the district.

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RUNNING HEAD: Case Study: Project-Based Learning

Bibliography
Oliva, P. & Gordon II, W. (2013). Curriculum and Instruction Defined. In Developing the
Curriculum (8th ed., p. 112-115). New York: Pearson.
Farbman, D. (2012). The case for improving and expanding time in school: A review of
key research and practice. ().National Center on Time & Learning. 24 School Street 3rd Floor,
Boston, MA 02108.
U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education. (2012). Effects of curriculum
programs on school readiness: report from the Curriculum Evaluation Research Initiative. (n.d.)