1. L AYERED C URRICULUM Action Research PowerPoint April 15, 2014 Jordan Stirtz

2. A REA OF F OCUS S TATEMENT The purpose of this study is to focus on how the teaching strategy Layered Curriculum can be used to address the needs of each individual student in a classroom setting, no matter what their ability level may be.

3. L ITERATURE R EVIEW The Layered Curriculum differentiates instruction in a way that teaches to every learning style and ability. Students will be highly motivated by the choices they are given in their learning. This three tiered style of learning will accommodate the needs of both the struggling student and the gifted student in a classroom.

4. R ESEARCH G ROUP The participants of this research project will be the students in my classroom. Each student will learn in a slightly different way, and at a different ability level. They will be given multiple assignment options at each tier (difficulty level), and will complete the necessary assignments to advance up through each tier.

5. E THICAL C ONSIDERATIONS Discuss both the pro’s and con’s of the Layered Curriculum with my administration. Send a letter home to parents or guardians of each student to inform them of this teaching style.

6. R ESEARCH Q UESTIONS Why give students some control in the classroom? Do educators have enough subject matter knowledge, classroom management skills, and administrative support to continue to challenge each gifted student? How do educators better understand the learner differences in their classroom?

7. D ATA C OLLECTION Reading scholarly articles relating to the Layered Curriculum. Most of my data will be collected by implementing this strategy in my classroom. Reflect on what is working well and what needs to be changed in my classroom. Analyze each test score at the end of a unit.

8. P LAN FOR D ATA A NALYSIS Reflect on each individual day in a journal Take notes on what worked, and what could be done differently for the next unit Invite other teachers to observe my classroom

9. P LAN FOR D ATA A NALYSIS Ask students to fill out an evaluation on the Layered Curriculum at the end of each quarter Ask them what is working well and what can be improved. Perform a full evaluation of the successes and failures of this teaching style at the end of the year

10. R EFERENCES Ebeling, D. G. (2001). Teaching to ALL Learning Styles. Education Digest, 66(7), 41. Furner, J. M., Yahya, N., & Duffy, M. (2005). Teach Mathematics: Strategies to Reach All Students. Intervention In School & Clinic, 41 (1), 16-23. Meo, G. (2008). Curriculum Planning for All Learners: Applying Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to a High School Reading Comprehension.... Preventing School Failure, (2), 21. Nunley, K. F. (2003). Layered Curriculum Brings Teachers to Tiers. Education Digest, 69(1), 31-36. VanTassel-Baska, J., Stambaugh, T. (2005). Challenges and Possibilities for Serving Gifted Learners in the Regular Classroom. Theory into Practice, (3), 211.