Thinking Maps: Research-Based Instructional Strategy in a PDS.

An exploratory action research case study was conducted at Moanalua Middle School from 2006-2009 to examine the impact of Thinking Maps on student achievement. Thinking Maps are not just another set of graphic organizers but a set of eight of unique visual mind maps with each linked to a specific higher-order thinking pattern. This study tells the story of one middle school where a school-wide initiative demonstrated an increase to 86% grade-level reading proficiency within three years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]