More CaseNEX case studies
A CaseNEX study:
Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School, USA
Context:
With sixty percent of graduating students reading at grade level, and Classrooms For the Future funding on the way, administrators at Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School realized there was much more they could be doing to reach all the students in their school. Doing so meant implementing a diverse array of reforms, from boosting literacy to integrating technology to post-secondary preparation, and focusing on students reading below grade level as well as those "in the middle," who, while they might graduate, might do so without any real plan for the future.
Case studies such as this one are “slices of life” that help educators develop the problem-solving skills needed to support student success in today’s complex, fast-paced world.
The CaseNEX model is used to support a deeper understanding of some of the key issues linked with the education reform process in this case study.
The focus for technology and school reform in this school was in the following areas:
- Collaboration
- Languages Arts/Literacy
- Leadership
- Math
- Social studies
- Standards
- Technology
What is the CaseNEX model?
CaseNEX offers online methods that apply to everyday professional situations educators encounter. The case-analysis algorithm allows teachers to approach problems with confidence by addressing five problem-solving steps to inform their decision making.
The five steps include:
- Identifying the issue
- Understanding different perspectives
- Linking knowledge with issue identified
- Proposing actions
- Forecasting consequences
This methodology can be used in a face to face workshop session or online exploration.
Studies have demonstrated that teachers who participate in the CaseNEX model of exploration are better in identifying problems, designing educational interventions to address them, and evaluating the effects of their teaching.
Some questions/discussions which are stimulated by this case study:
- What are the consequences of using technology for both students and teachers?
- How can technology support development of higher-order thinking and problem solving skills in students?
- How can traditional communication methods be enhanced through technology and what are the consequences?
- What are some training methods to support teachers to integrate technology into their classrooms?
Some questions to support deep analysis using this case study:
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What problems and opportunities do the teachers encounter as they integrate technology into their classrooms? (Iissues) |
 |
The administrators recognized that they had to develop teacher leaders if the reform was going to be successful. Imagine the range of teacher responses to this approach to reform. (Perspective) |
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Plymouth Whitemarsh uses a coaching model for both the literacy and technology programs. What knowledge is necessary in order to make this model work? (Knowledge) |
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As a result of the knowledge you have gained from this case, what actions do you plan to take in your own school setting? (Action) |
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What might be some of the consequences - intended, unintended, positive and negative - of comprehensive school reform? (Consequences) |
Resources
CaseNEX.
Area of Innovation
This case study focuses on the highlighted areas below.
