JNT2_Needs_Analysis__.docx JNT2 Needs Assessment:

JNT2_Needs_Analysis__.docx  JNT2                                        Needs Assessment: Critical-thinking Constructed Responses  Assessment Code: JNT2  Needs Assessment: Critical-thinking Constructed Responses  Discussion of Instructional Problem  The American Public School District located in Anytown, USA, a small community with a population size of 24,000, serves approximately 5200 students across nine buildings. USA Middle School is the only middle school in the district, and it houses over 900 7th and 8th graders. Over the past 6 years I have taught 7th and 8th grade Language Arts, 7th and 8th grade Reading and  8th grade Communications, with the main concentration being 8th grade Communications. In teaching a section of 8th grade Language Arts it was noted that a majority of eighth grade students struggle with creating constructed-response answers for fiction or non-fiction reading. Contributing Factors to the Instructional Problem  The most significant contributing factor is the time of learning. Language Arts classes are typically held in the morning sections and many students are tired and unable to focus. One other factor of minimal significance is that the classrooms are interior spaces without natural light or windows and the low hum of florescent lights is bothersome to students.  Comparison of Conditions  8th grade students cannot create authentic, text-based constructed-response answers to questions related to their required fiction or non-fiction reading. Students entering high school n