We will explore the issues and implications of qualitative research.

We very often overlook qualitative data to meet our "assessment needs." A literacy specialist, a classroom teacher, and a SUNY college professor will make an honest examination of their experience with a grant-funded research project on teaching literacy through tableaux.  Discussions and activities will encompass issues on developing visual literacy strategies, addressing qualitative research, and assessing crucial qualitative data. Participants will be actively involved with literacy and drama strategies coupled with group discussions on project and assessment implications.

Wednesday 3:30-5:00

Conference Strand: Education/Policy Reform

Educators: will learn how qualitative research questions drive our instruction, assessement ideas, and programmatic direction.

Artists: will learn how they play a critical part in the assessment process and how their reflective input drives programmatic decisions.

Organizational Administrators: will learn why authentic, meaningful assessments drive the work of what we do with students, and how this information plays a critical part in securing financial and programmatic support from funders.

Educational Administrators: Educational administrators will learn how students gain a deeper meaning of text through action strategies, such as tableaux. They will also learn about implications of qualitative research in the classroom.

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Joan Dain is a literacy specialist with the Oswego City School District.  She works with K-6 students on reading and writing and teaches inservice workshops on comprehension strategies. 

Tod Simons is a 5th-grade teacher with 12 years of teaching experience. He creates a community of learners with weekly classroom town meetings.

Dr. Dennis Parsons is a Literacy Professor and coordinator for the Masters in Literacy program at SUNY Oswego. He teaches qualitative and quantitative research, and oversees the SUNY Oswego Urban Education program in several New York City public schools.