Sunday, October 24, 2010

Action Research Plan

OUTCOMES
ACTIVITIES
RESOURCES/ RESEARCH TOOLS NEEDED
RESPONSIBILITY TO ADDRESS ACTIVITIES
TIME LINE
Benchmarks/
ASSESSMENT
Prepare and approve all aspects of Action Research Project
Discussion Action Research Plan with Campus supervisor
Meeting times and notes
Self and Supervisor
On-going
Notes from meetings
Use research to increase understanding and effectiveness of Action Research Plan
Research various types of schedules and their effectiveness
Websites, books, and journals
Self
On-going
Research Findings
Determine teachers overall satisfaction with  the current schedule
Survey teachers at Staff Meeting
Survey
Self
Next Faculty Meeting
Survey Results
Determine students overall satisfaction with the current schedule
Survey students in their History Classes
Survey
History department
November
Survey Results
Determine if any correlation exists between our new schedule and benchmark scores
Evaluate Benchmark Exams
Score reports from this year and last year
Self
October
January
March
May
Score report correlations with schedule change
Use teacher comments to determine any effects of our new schedule on instruction and student achievement, and also their thoughts on moving to a traditional schedule
Have departments discuss positive or negative influences our schedule has had then interview department heads
Interview questions
Self and Teachers
January and May
Teacher comments
Compare test scores vertically and horizontally and look for any changes.
Evaluate Taks Data
TAKS Scores
Self and Departments
May
Test Results
Share results with the school district to help with the decision on scheduling
Share results with campus supervisor, faculty, assistant superintendent and school board
Action Research Plan Results
School District
June
Results

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Action Research Week 2

This week my eyes have been opened to many more ideas for action research projects. I enjoyed reading about the nine major areas for wonderings in action research. This helped me decide and refine my ideas for my action research project. This week I really appreciated the support and input from my campus supervisor.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Educational Leaders and Blogs

This is the first Blog that I have ever created, I did not realize that it was this easy. I am excited because I can think of so many ways to use a blog. In my classroom I could keep parents informed and involved with what we are learning in class. In volleyball I could post weekly updates to give parents and athletes feedback. As an administrator or Curriculum chairperson I think it would be a beneficial way for colleagues to interact and share ideas on curriculum and teaching as well as other topics that are under consideration on campus.

Action Research

Through this course I have started to understand the concept of action research. Action research involves stepping back and taking a hard look at some practice used and decisions made. After evaluating these practices and decisions an action is formulated in order to bring about change and then implemented. Action research is cyclical, so once the change is implemented a practitioner can re-evaluate and institute change as needed.
A major component of action research is reflection. This is simply taking the time to review a previous action. With all of the demands on an administrator it is very difficult to set aside time to actively reflect on actions and decisions. In order to practice action research it is critical and beneficial to find time to do so. It is beneficial because it allows principals to become less isolated, to become role models, and to grow professionally. (11-13) Action research is the key to bringing about positive and relevant change in today’s school system. It uses inside players with hands on experience and looks at specific problems that need to be addressed.  This allows for tailor-made solutions to specific problems that plague modern schools.

Fichman, Nancy Dana (2009).
Researcher.
Leading with passion and knowledge: The principal as actionThousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.