Abstract
The objective of this action plan is to introduce researched based strategies into a fifth grade collaborative classroom to increase students with learning-disabilities academic performance by incorporating brain-based strategies into daily lessons and implementing parental involvement. These students display poor test scores, low motivation and behaviors that negatively impact their learning. The purpose of the plan is to determine if incorporating brain-based strategies would help raise test scores and improve student behaviors. Researched based strategies will be included through the following methods: teaching to the brains natural learning systems, and BrainSMART strategies to increase the students’ ability to retain information. The success of this plan will be measured through examination of students’ Georgia Criterion Reference Competency Test (GCRCT), Quarterly Benchmark Assessments (QBA), a teacher-developed observation checklist, and a parent survey. As a result of this plan students will show an increase in academic performance in reading and math and appropriate learning behaviors.

Introduction Although research suggests that the specific teaching of thinking skills is proven to dramatically increase student achievement, these skills are seldom taught systematically in American schools. At the same time, studies suggest that IQ without such specific teaching may account for only 4% to 10% of life success (as cited in Wilson & Conyers, 2011). Brain-based research is a different viewpoint on how students can learn, which has gained national attention since introduced by Eric Jensen. Jensen defines, “Brain-based learning as the informed process of using a group of practical strategies that are driven by sound principles derived from brain research” (Jensen, 2000, p. 6). This research has ignited an