Author: Elizabeth Carlson
Faculty Mentor: Jeanne Tunks, Department of Teacher Education and Administration, College of Education
Department and College Affiliation: Department of Teacher Education and Administration, College of Education
Bio: Elizabeth Carlson attended the University of North Texas where she majored in Interdisciplinary Studies EC-6th grade with English as a Second Language. She graduated summa cum laude in May 2012, having passed the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities and the Generalist EC-6 with ESL certification exams. She completed her student teaching at Paloma Creek Elementary School where she was placed in both third and fourth grade classes and was able to experience the preparation for the new STAAR test. Ms. Carlson volunteered through Communities in Schools. She also worked at Ultimate Family Fitness in the Kid’s Club for a few summers. Ms. Carlson looks forward to the gratifying experience of teaching.
Abstract: Through the tutoring project and additional research, I have determined multiple ways to assess students on their math skills and improve their comprehension. During each tutoring session, I chose eight third-grade students to test and tutor on different math concepts. I believed the students’ test scores would improve after the tutoring sessions. Each session was structured using the Mastery Model which incorporated the use of manipulatives as well as guided and independent practice. The Mastery Model allowed me to create a more authentic and organized RTI that met each student’s needs. Incorporating RTI into the process was imperative because it enabled me to analyze the students’ learning as well as assess my own teaching. The posttest results did not show a significant change from the pretest; however, observing the students in the tutoring sessions showed how hands-on activities allow students to view abstract concepts in a more concrete way.