Problem Solving Process (PSP) for SEN Students
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can teacher leaders effectively utilize the 4-step problem-solving process (PSP) and ecological framework to create, implement, and monitor targeted interventions that promote meaningful progress for students with special educational needs (SEN)?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How can the 4-step problem solving process (PSP) be effectively applied to support students with special educational needs (SEN)?
- What are the key components of the PSP and how do they contribute to creating effective interventions for students with SEN?
- How can the ecological framework be used to analyze the challenges faced by students with SEN within the PSP?
- What are the characteristics of effective SMART goals in the context of supporting students with SEN?
- How can progress monitoring be integrated into the PSP to ensure the effectiveness of interventions for students with SEN?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Understand the 4-step problem-solving process (PSP) and its application to students with special educational needs (SEN).
- Learn how to apply ecological framework to analyze the challenges faced by students with SEN within the PSP.
- Develop the ability to create effective SMART goals in the context of supporting students with SEN.
- Learn to design and implement intervention plans using the PSP.
- Learn to monitor progress and adjust interventions based on data collected.
Teacher Specified
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsSEN Success Stories (and Failures)
Share a series of brief, compelling real-world anecdotes – some showcasing successful SEN interventions using a problem-solving approach, others highlighting failures due to lack of planning or understanding. Ask participants to analyze what factors contributed to the different outcomes and if they can identify the steps of PSP that were used or missed. This will humanize the challenges and create interest in the project.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.PSP Deconstructed: The Four-Step Framework
Participants dissect the 4-step Problem Solving Process (PSP) to understand each stage thoroughly. This activity focuses on grasping the theoretical framework before applying it to real-world scenarios.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed outline of the 4-step PSP, including definitions, objectives, and the importance of each step with examples.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses Learning Goal 1: Understand the 4-step problem-solving process (PSP) and its application to students with special educational needs (SEN). Aligns with Standard 1 by providing foundational knowledge for applying PSP to a case study.Ecological Lens: Analyzing the SEN Student's World
Participants learn to apply the ecological framework to analyze a student's environment, including home, school, and community factors. This activity helps them understand how various environmental factors influence the student's challenges and successes.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn ecological map analyzing a case study of a student with SEN, identifying key environmental factors influencing the student's challenges and potential areas for intervention.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses Learning Goal 2: Learn how to apply ecological framework to analyze the challenges faced by students with SEN within the PSP. Aligns with Standard 1 by facilitating the analysis of a problem with the ecological framework.SMART Goal Forge: Crafting Achievable Objectives
Participants will learn how to formulate SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals to provide targeted support for students with SEN. This activity will emphasize setting realistic and meaningful objectives.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA portfolio of SMART goals tailored to address specific challenges of students with SEN, ensuring they are actionable and measurable.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses Learning Goal 3: Develop the ability to create effective SMART goals in the context of supporting students with SEN. Aligns with Standard 1 by focusing on setting SMART goals.Intervention Architect: Designing and Implementing Support Plans
Participants create intervention plans using the PSP and ecological framework, detailing strategies and resources to support students with SEN. The activity bridges theory and practice through hands-on design.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive intervention plan for a student with SEN, incorporating ecological factors, SMART goals, specific strategies, and resources.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses Learning Goal 4: Learn to design and implement intervention plans using the PSP. Aligns with Standard 1 by focusing on planning and implementing an intervention plan.Progress Tracker: Monitoring and Evaluating Intervention Effectiveness
Participants learn how to monitor the progress of students with SEN and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. This activity emphasizes data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA progress monitoring report that includes data on student progress, analysis of intervention effectiveness, and recommendations for adjustments.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses Learning Goal 5: Learn to monitor progress and adjust interventions based on data collected. Aligns with Standard 1 by focusing on monitoring progress.PSP Reflection: From Theory to Practice
Participants reflect on their experience using the PSP and ecological framework, sharing insights and lessons learned. This activity aims to solidify understanding and promote continuous improvement.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA personal reflection essay on the application of the PSP and its impact on their practice, highlighting key takeaways and future goals.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses Standard 2: Finds the PSP helpful in planning support for students with SEN.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioPSP Application and Reflection Rubric for SEN Support
PSP Application
Demonstrates effective application of the 4-step PSP (Problem Identification, Problem Analysis, Intervention Design & Implementation, and Progress Monitoring & Evaluation) to a case study of a student with SEN.Problem Identification & Analysis
Clearly identifies and analyzes the student's primary challenges using the ecological framework.
Exemplary
4 PointsComprehensive and insightful identification and analysis of the student's challenges, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of the ecological framework and its levels. Provides thorough justification for each identified factor.
Proficient
3 PointsClear identification and analysis of the student's challenges, demonstrating a good understanding of the ecological framework. Provides reasonable justification for identified factors.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some of the student's challenges, but the analysis is superficial or incomplete. Demonstrates a basic understanding of the ecological framework.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to identify the student's challenges and/or apply the ecological framework. Analysis is minimal or missing.
SMART Goal Setting
Formulates effective SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals tailored to address the identified challenges.
Exemplary
4 PointsDevelops highly effective SMART goals that are precisely aligned with the student's needs and challenges, demonstrating a deep understanding of goal-setting principles. Goals are innovative and promote significant progress.
Proficient
3 PointsDevelops clear and appropriate SMART goals that are well-aligned with the student's needs and challenges. Goals are realistic and achievable.
Developing
2 PointsAttempts to create SMART goals, but some elements are missing or unclear. Goals may be too broad or unrealistic.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to formulate SMART goals. Goals are vague, unmeasurable, or not relevant to the student's needs.
Intervention Design & Implementation
Creates a comprehensive intervention plan that includes specific strategies, resources, and responsible parties, aligning with the SMART goals and ecological analysis.
Exemplary
4 PointsDesigns an innovative and highly effective intervention plan that comprehensively addresses the student's challenges, integrating multiple strategies and resources. The plan is highly feasible and sustainable.
Proficient
3 PointsDesigns a well-structured and feasible intervention plan that addresses the student's challenges, including specific strategies and resources. The plan aligns with the SMART goals.
Developing
2 PointsDevelops an intervention plan, but it lacks detail or clarity. Some strategies may not be well-aligned with the SMART goals or ecological analysis.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to develop a coherent intervention plan. The plan is missing key components or is not aligned with the student's needs.
Progress Monitoring & Evaluation
Develops a system to monitor progress towards SMART goals, including data collection methods and analysis of intervention effectiveness.
Exemplary
4 PointsCreates a sophisticated and data-driven progress monitoring system that provides detailed insights into intervention effectiveness. The analysis is thorough and leads to insightful recommendations for adjustments.
Proficient
3 PointsDevelops a clear and practical progress monitoring system that includes appropriate data collection methods. The analysis provides a reasonable assessment of intervention effectiveness.
Developing
2 PointsAttempts to develop a progress monitoring system, but it lacks clarity or completeness. Data collection methods may be inadequate.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to develop a progress monitoring system. Data collection methods are missing or inappropriate.
PSP Reflection
Reflects on the helpfulness of the PSP in planning support for students with SEN and discusses its integration into their practice.Insights & Learning
Demonstrates deep insights into the application of the PSP and its impact on their practice.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides profound and insightful reflections on the application of the PSP, demonstrating a transformative understanding of its potential impact on their practice and student outcomes. Articulates a clear vision for integrating the PSP into their role as a teacher leader.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides clear and thoughtful reflections on the application of the PSP, demonstrating a good understanding of its impact on their practice. Discusses realistic strategies for integrating the PSP into their role as a teacher leader.
Developing
2 PointsReflects on the application of the PSP, but the insights are superficial or lack depth. Discusses some potential challenges and strategies for integration.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to reflect on the application of the PSP. Reflections are minimal or missing.
Application & Future Goals
Articulates clear goals for future application of the PSP in their practice as teacher leaders.
Exemplary
4 PointsArticulates ambitious and innovative goals for applying the PSP in their practice, demonstrating a strong commitment to continuous improvement and leadership. The goals are highly specific and aligned with school-wide initiatives.
Proficient
3 PointsArticulates realistic and achievable goals for applying the PSP in their practice. The goals are aligned with their role as teacher leaders.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some potential goals for applying the PSP, but they lack specificity or alignment with their role.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to articulate goals for applying the PSP in their practice.