Running head: DRAFT PROBLEM STATEMENT DRAFT 1. Draft Problem Statement. Monica R. Woods. University Of Phoenix

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1 Running head: DRAFT PROBLEM STATEMENT DRAFT 1 Draft Problem Statement Monica R. Woods University Of Phoenix

2 DRAFT PROBLEM STATEMENT 2 Qualitative-Quantitative Problem Statement Draft Qualitative Statement of the Problem African-American students in grades K-12, continue to perform below the proficient level Comment [HL1]: Good use of headings. Also, you are required to add an introduction to your paper for all doctoral papers. on formative assessments in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) (United States Department of Education (USDE) (2014) African-Americans only made up 5% of all engineering bachelor s degrees achieved and entering the field of engineering as of 2010 (NACME, 2012). 4 th -grade African-American students scored percentage points lower than the proficiency level in Reading and 25 percentage points lower for Math. In addition, 8 th - grade African-American students scored on average, 20 percent lower proficiency level for Reading and 16.5 percentage points lower than proficiency in Math (Smith, 2014). Improving Comment [HL2]: This material appears to be direct quotation and should either be paraphrased or cited appropriately. See the APA manual for proper citation when using material directly in your text. proficiency levels in assessments and closing the gap between African-American students academic performance is essential to leveling the opportunities for entering into STEM fields of study. This is an important step in our society and the world in preparing all of our students to Comment [HL3]: The gap between African American students and who? achieve according to their abilities and desires, and not being hindered because of their economical status or ethnicity., yyet, educators continue to demonstrate failure in implementing an effective solution for addressing the needs of students who are failing to perform at a proficient level or higher in science and math. This qualitative analysis will examine data collected through observations, questionnaires, and interviews to describe the attitudes and personal perceptions about science and math content of students and teachers in selected elementary classrooms in schools identified having scored below the proficient level on formative assessments. The intent of this study is to provide information that will drive classroom instruction towards effective instruction, motivation, and student understanding of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) Comment [HL4]: The basis for your problem stressed reading and math; not science and math maintain consistency in what is the problem. Does research exist that address this issue? This is a good point to add your interrogative problem statement that captures the problem to be studied E.g.. what are the perceptions of elementary school students and teachers on improving proficiency levels? You should end the basis for the problem but clearly stating the problem in a question or declarative form. Comment [HL5]: Good start to your purpose statement. You will develop this further in week5 with focus on specifying the research design; e.g. case study, grounded study etc. as well as the other requirements for the purpose statement.

3 DRAFT PROBLEM STATEMENT 3 content that will increase students knowledge, interest, and ability for consideration of STEM careers. Quantitative Statement of the Problem Teachers in Elementary schools struggle to teach standards to students effectively because they have to instruct 5-7 courses throughout the day (Gewertz, 2014). Elementary teacher should become more knowledgeable and specialized to teach in fewer content areas in order to fully instruct students. Under the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001, administrators and educators face excruciating pressure to make huge improvements in student achievement in their schools Comment [HL6]: The transition from this paragraph to the next is not clear or smooth. Consider consolidating into one to since they are both centered around classroom instruction. (Gewertz, 2014). Response to this pressure has led educators to rethinking how schools and classrooms are organized for instruction. A long time practice in U.S. middle and high schools, departmentalizing, may offer an effective solution. This model of instruction, also called specializing or platooning (p. 1), asks teachers to become experts in one to two content areas while student move from one classroom to another (Gewertz, 2014). This quantitative study is intended to analyze the data collected from an elementary school that operates generalized, self-contained classrooms and an elementary school that has implemented departmentalization or platooning at the elementary level. Data will be collected through surveys, interviews, and observations of student and teacher participants of selected elementary school classrooms in school districts identified to have consistent low scores on Comment [HL7]: Good development of the basis for the problem. Also state the gap that exist for your problem based on the question that you will address. Is there a comparative analysis between the results of both models of instruction. Use an interrogative statement here to wrap up the problem statement by asking exactly what the study will address. This way you will declare your variables for the study. Comment [HL8]: Good start to your purpose statement, but you will build on this in your week 5 assignment by choosing the research design (e.g. descriptive quantitative research, correlational, etc.) and adding other elements of the purpose statement. formative assessments. The intent of this study is to identify effective solutions that will provide teaching methods, classroom models, tools, and techniques that inspire student learning.

4 DRAFT PROBLEM STATEMENT 4 Conclusion Although there have been various efforts by administrators to improve instruction in the classroom, students continue to perform at a low level of proficiency on formative assessments in science and math in the Unite States. African-American students continue to perform at an even lower level of proficiency than students of other groups. This qualitative study seeks to Comment [HL9]: Ethnicity or racial groups??? examine key factors that promote or discourage African-American students to pursue studying or selecting careers in STEM fields. An examination of quantitative data will be used to derive meaningful, relative practices of teaching in the elementary classroom. Motivating students to learn is key to changing the trajectory of students formative assessment scores from low achieving to proficient or high achieving. Transitioning teachers from generalists to experts to specialize in fewer content areas may provide effective instruction and motivate student learning that leads to student engagement and comprehension. Comment [HL10]: Very good conclusion to your paper.

5 DRAFT PROBLEM STATEMENT 5 References Gewertz, C. (2014, February). 'Platooning' on the rise in early grades. Education Weekly, 33(21), Retrieved from contentproxy.phoenix.edu/ehost. University of Phoenix (2015). Transforming attitudes and lives: Liberating African-American elementary and middle school students in out of school time stem education. Retrieved from the University of Phoenix, RES/711 Fundamental Principles of Research Design website. U.S. Department of Education. (2014). U.S. department of education. Retrieved from U.S. Department of Education. (2015). No Child Left Behind. Retrieved from

6 DRAFT PROBLEM STATEMENT 6 University of Phoenix Material Written Assignment Feedback Form Student/Group Name Course Res 722 Date Assignment Revised Problem Statements & Feedback Summary Content and Development 7 Points Points Earned6.4 /7 Additional Comments: All key elements of the assignment are covered in a substantive way : Revised Problem Statement Problem formulation is constructive and complete with: o Clear, contextual topic, well documented issue, clearly presented context, alignment of problem, purpose, research question and design; appropriate methodological approach. Revisions clearly explain contribution to the knowledge including what is lacking, why it is important. Clearly defines rationale for the problem formulation Review of relevant scholarship Feedback Summary Summarize/synthesize all comments, questions and suggestions from peers and facilitator Provide adequate specific description on how you addressed each feedback item. Statements submitted to each team forum for peer review as required. Good revisions to your research problems and paper. See comments to improve the final problem statement that clarifies the gap that you are addressing in your research. Very good synthesis of the feedback. The content is comprehensive, accurate, and persuasive. The paper develops a central theme or idea, directed toward the appropriate audience. The paper links theory to relevant examples and uses the vocabulary of the theory correctly. Major points are stated clearly; are supported by specific details, examples, or analysis; and are organized logically. The introduction provides sufficient background on the topic and previews major points. The conclusion is logical, flows from the body of the paper, and reviews the major points. Readability and Style 1.0 Points Points Earned 0.9/1.0 Additional Comments: Paragraph transitions are present, logical, and maintain the flow throughout the paper. The tone of your paper is improved with good transition

7 DRAFT PROBLEM STATEMENT 7 The tone is appropriate to the content and assignment. between most of your Sentences are complete, clear, and concise. paragraphs. See comments on Sentences are well constructed, with consistently strong, varied consolidation. sentences. Sentence transitions are present and maintain the flow of thought. Mechanics 1.0 Points Points Earned 0.9/1.0 Additional Comments: The paper, including tables and graphs, headings, title page, and reference page, is consistent with APA guidelines and meets course-level requirements. Good use of APA style but there are still some inconsistencies with APA requirement. See comments in paper Intellectual property is recognized with in-text citations and a reference page. The paper is laid out with effective use of headings, font styles, and white space. Rules of grammar, usage, and punctuation are followed. Sentences are complete, clear, concise, and varied. Spelling is correct. Total 9 Points Points Earned 8.2/9 Overall Comments: Good improvement in your research plan. See comments on how to continue to improve your research plan including avoiding any form of improper citation.