ResearCH proposals
GRANT PROPOSAL
In the fall of 2015 I completed a professional grant writing course in which I developed all components of a grant required through the Institute of Educational Sciences (IES). This proposal was categorized under the IES topic of professional development for teachers and met the goal of development and innovation. The purpose of the proposed experimental research study was to improve the reading abilities of those with dyslexia through a teacher preparation practicum involving explicit reading instruction, student tutoring, and coaching of pre-service teachers. I hope to have the opportunity in the future to submit this proposal for funding and implement this study.
In the fall of 2015 I completed a professional grant writing course in which I developed all components of a grant required through the Institute of Educational Sciences (IES). This proposal was categorized under the IES topic of professional development for teachers and met the goal of development and innovation. The purpose of the proposed experimental research study was to improve the reading abilities of those with dyslexia through a teacher preparation practicum involving explicit reading instruction, student tutoring, and coaching of pre-service teachers. I hope to have the opportunity in the future to submit this proposal for funding and implement this study.
Single Subject Research Proposal
As part of a Single Subject Research course, I developed a proposal that focused upon the effects of a multisensory spelling strategy on the ability of students with dyslexia to spell irregular words. Spelling of irregular words is a skill that is often weak in students with dyslexia, yet there is little research supporting best practices for developing this ability. This study follows a multiple baseline design and proposes investigation of a spelling strategy being marketed to educators that does not yet have any research to support its effectiveness. The design of this study allows for a feasible way to measure a spelling strategy with students who have a learning disability.
Qualitative Research Proposal
I have designed and completed qualitative projects including teacher interviews, classroom observations, and document analysis as part of a qualitative research course. These projects focused on analyzing teacher knowledge of evidence based reading practices for instructing those with dyslexia. Results from the observation and interview demonstrated a lack of teacher knowledge in both reading skills and dyslexia, and factors such as funding, development opportunities, administrative knowledge and support, and classroom dynamics were discussed as impeding factors. This lead to the third project, a document analysis, in which I chose to evaluate the Arizona Department of Education's (ADE) Professional Development opportunities. Alarmingly, after coding and analyzing all the professional development opportunities of ADE listed on an online calendar, not one course or workshop was offered pertaining to dyslexia, or the instruction of those with reading disabilities.
Each of these projects served as a pilot study that lead to the development of a qualitative research proposal comprised of all three qualitative research methods. This proposal is available by request, but to provide a different type of work sample, I have chosen to include the document analysis project below.
Experimental Research Proposal
In an Introduction to Research Methodology course, I designed an experimental study that I plan on implementing once I have secured resources. The purpose of this study is to investigate teacher knowledge and student performance both before and after teachers receive a development workshop in a reading program following evidence based reading practices. There are many Tier I reading programs marketed to school practitioners that are grounded in evidence based practices, but do not yet have any research backing the program's effectiveness. This study could potentially add to successful ways in which to support teacher knowledge, increase student reading success and expand the body of evidence for a particular program's use. For this proposal I have included the presentation. The full written proposal is also available by request.