Template for action research

Additional A.R.P. comments and actions: It was mentioned in blogging that as I implement surveys, I need to put who would create them and place a deadline on that task as well.  This gives us a goal for the completion of the survey instead of just saying I'd have one available.  It was also a concern of who would be adopting this program.  Would it be by all of the teachers or just a select few (like a pilot program)?  If it were a pilot program, then the results from this year could very easily be compared to determine how effective it really was. How much staff development time is needed to get this program up and going?  As this program is being presented by me and one other teacher.  I have a survey that I am asking Central Office to modify for SD, and targeting questions of our program's implementation. I want to make teachers aware that there will be a follow up throughout the year to determine effectiveness and take photos of sample work in their classes.  Another blogger said, “So often we only receive sit and get information so sit, use and evaluate staff development is awesome! In my opinion knowing someone will be checking to see how I use SD, would motivate me to use the information.”   Site Supervisor discussion did present a few additions to bring my plan to fruition.  His support in allowing me to track data for my target group by collecting student STAAR scores.  I appreciate the support and trust that my entire district is giving me in my endeavor.  Another addition that was mentioned; his plan is to have subs or additional staff to fill in my classes on occasion so that I may present and discuss progress in department meetings etc. in using this CI piece presented during in-service.

Action Planning Template Goal: Researching the idea of, Will we see increased student achievement by implementing “What’s Yours?” which is the continuous improvement model of targeting state standards? Action Steps(s): Person(s) Responsible: Timeline: Start/End Needed Resources Evaluation Discuss Possible topics with site supervisor. C. Bookhamer D. Patterson Aug. 1, 2013 – Aug. 8, 2013 Internship plan Principal School data Internet 2012-2013 STAAR scores for upcoming 7th and 8th graders Decide topic issue and analyze previous years test scores before the “What’s Yours?” presentation Modify district survey to target staff development piece C. Bookhamer C. Neal M. Johnson Dr. R. Perez Aug. 5-15, 2013 Previous year’s survey from  staff development Create a Pre- Evaluation form and modify post SD evaluation to address comprehension of “What’s Yours?” staff development/ Continuous improvement Request district staff development surveys for analysis C. Bookhamer C. Neal Aug. 12, 2013- Sept. 30, 2013 Surveys from 2013-2014 Staff Development/ Continuous Improvement Evaluate survey data after LMS staff submits for “What’s Yours?” Continuous Improvement Request and follow up with direct access to student STAAR score data C. Bookhamer D. Patterson Oct. 1, 2013- Oct. 15, 2013 District access to STAAR data for current 8th grade class for the previous year Record raw data on template to add comparisons to once Benchmarks and final 2013-2014 STAAR data results are released. Meet with department leaders, cite-based and focus committees on collecting qualitative data C. Bookhamer D. Patterson D. Greenhouse A. White Dept. and committee heads Oct. 1, 2013- Dec. 19, 2013 Detailed form of information being requested for collection.  Personal inquiry surveys for students and teachers. Skyward reports on first semester test score data. Evaluate and log findings of qualitative and quantitative data Meet with department leaders, cite-based and focus committees on collecting qualitative data C. Bookhamer D. Patterson D. Greenhouse A. White Dept. and committee heads Jan. 9, 2013- Jan. 29, 2013 Detailed form of information being requested for collection.  Personal inquiry surveys for students and teachers. Skyward reports on first semester test score data. Evaluate and log findings of qualitative and quantitative data. Continue to track qualitative and quantitative data for report C. Bookhamer D. Patterson Jan. 30, 2014- June 8, 2014 Principal or district surveys follow up. Skyward data reports and STAAR test score results for year end. Evaluate and compare to that of previous year and earlier practice prior to “What’s Yours?” presentation. Meet with site supervisor to discuss results C. Bookhamer D. Patterson June 9, 2014 Data from survey and all records. Evaluate data and survey to determine if there was increased performance by implementing “What’s Yours?” and ideas for improvement.

Active Research benefits

Tracking data is one of the main proponents in using active research, therefore, impacting instruction for tomorrow.  Data tracking is an accountability system that produces results and student performance.  As understood and used, it is how we teach, where the focus should be centered, and upon the needs of students, campuses, and districts.  The main purpose in driving the focus on data is ultimately increasing student performance.  There must a mindset of being practical, which creates more interest, which in turn brings about more focus, and the ultimate goal is to benefit the students.

Action Research/Inquiry

Administrative inquiry, stated by our prescribed authors, is the process of a principle engaging in systematic, intentional study of his/ her own administrative practice and taking action for a change based on what he/ she learns as a result of the inquiry.  Inquiring professionals seek out change and reflect on their practice by posing questions or “wondering,” collecting data to gain insight into their wondering, analyzing the data along with reading relevant literature, making changes in practice based on new understandings developed during inquiry, and sharing findings with others.  (Dana, 2009)

The need for inquiry is the essential component in order to establish a firm foundation for school improvement.  Inquiry is investigating in a systematic way.  It is examining data, asking questions, and requesting more information.  The inquiry process, based on logical reasoning, requires the collection of information in a systematic way. (Harris, 2010)

The steps in an Inquiry are a lot like those of problem solving.  You identify the problem, brainstorm possible solutions and pick the best one.  You apply it and see if the results solve the problem.   

Action research in general is where the practitioner inquiry movement focuses on the concerns of the practitioner (not outside researchers) and engages practitioners in the design, data collection, and interpretation of data around their question. (Dana, 2009)  Teachers and administrators that are involved with the everyday happenings have better insight to what will work or what the problem is.  Outsiders from Universities are not at the school in a day to day setting and their analysis of the situation may sometimes be delusional.

 Action Research is an idea, which you can apply to improve your own administrative practice, as well as other areas of academic work.  No one knows more about your class than you do and you should be the one to implement new ideas as you draw that information from your research.  This is an effective way of working through questions and problems with possible solutions to those situations that arise within the study.  As we work within the classrooms, we are to determine the most effective ways to focus on major points in which improvement  needs to take place.  Using data collection strategy; reflective journaling through blogging gives educators a fantastic way to communicate with other professionals on advise and to also record their own journal findings for later usage.