According to evidence collected over the last four years, the Action Research Laboratory has improved student learning through teacher professional growth. Specifically, changes in the ARL teachers’ practice have produced changes in the school organization, teacher communication, curriculum development, and teacher leadership.

SCHOOL ORGANIZATION

·        Interdisciplinary Learning Teams organized around principles of action research

·        Looping between disciplines

·        School as a community of learners

TEACHER COMMUNICATION

·        Frequent cross-disciplinary discussions

·        Emphasis on “how to” teach and “why” teach, not “what” to teach

·        Professional sharings among faculty

·        Teachers presenting within and outside of the school

·        Teachers publishing in professional journal

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT

·        Freshman science curriculum revised using authentic assessment

·        Sophomore geometry curriculum revised to include more experiential learning

·        Integration of art projects into history classes

·        Interdisciplinary ventures between mathematics and science classes, Spanish and history classes

TEACHER LEADERSHIP

·        ARL teachers receiving training in the process of collaborative action research and the process of data-driven decision-making.

·        Teachers facilitating other teachers professional development

·        Teachers influencing other teachers in best practices

·        Teachers broadening their vision to include the whole school and the school system