Action Research Update

After reviewing my action research project a little closer I realized that I have more than I originally thought. My research project explores improving Science intervention efforts in the classroom. Intervention must be based on student data so I first developed an Excel spreadsheet to record data from tests and quizzes. Each spreadsheet has an item analysis for the students and for the whole class. I then created a word document that includes a summary data sheet for each student that is linked to a detailed data sheet that includes qualitative and quantitative data. I also made a student data sheet that the kids kept in their journals to monitor their process in the TEKS.

All of this data is used to provide specific interventions to students. For three days a week and thirty minutes a class, the campus Science Content Specialist and I split my class in order to target weak areas in Science. This was a great way to provide more time for one on one instruction. I also used this data by targeting students and their weaknesses during our campus enrichment time at the end of the day. I was able to use this time to review any content that my small group was struggling with. This time also allowed me to collect more information on student progress to add to the student data sheets.

After reflecting on my project I realize that I need to expand the use of student tracking. So far I have mostly used it for struggling students. I need to develop a more proactive approach to monitoring all students. Also, I want to look at using Edmodo to provide a convenient way for students to track their own progress. This way the students can access their information from anywhere there is an internet connection. I also want to explore how I can use Edmodo to elicit parents to be involved in the process.

Any suggestions?

I met with my site supervisor and she offered many helpful suggestions to improve my action plan. The plan below is my agreed upon plan and reflects suggestions from some that I work with. Please offer any suggestions that you may feel is helpful to improve my plan.

SIP/PIP Plan of Action

SIP/PIP (SCHOOL/PROFESSIONAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT) PLAN OF ACTION – Brian Aiken

GOAL:  Develop a classroom level intervention program that effectively monitors student progress in science and supports campus intervention processes.

OUTCOMES	ACTIVITIES	RESOURCES/ RESEARCH TOOLS NEEDED	RESPONSIBILITY TO ADDRESS ACTIVITIES	TIME LINE	Benchmarks	ASSESSMENT
1.             Develop and expand data collecting processes that will provide a comprehensive picture of a student when taken as a whole.	Research and examine several methods of classroom record keeping and create one that is personalized to the needs of my classroom.	·         Web resources. ·         Literature including: Books, professional periodicals, blogs ·         Professional development ·         Teacher and administrator interviews ·         District technology specialist ·         Formal and informal assessment data ·         Student artifacts ·         Computer programs	Brian Aiken, Site Supervisor Or Action Committee comprised of vertical science team members.	January 9th, 2012-May 1st, 2012	Meet with site supervisor every two weeks to discuss and examine progress towards goal. Or Meet with action committee on progress of research.	End of year audit for depth and breadth of documentation. Or Action committee will evaluate the depth and breadth of student documentation.
2.             The teacher will be able to promptly assemble comprehensive data pertaining to any child in order to effectively report student progress and/or needs during meetings or conferences.	Create a classroom data collection system that integrates several forms of data (both quantitative and qualitative) compiled into a single source that is easily accessible from any computer.	·         Professional development ·         Web resources ·         Teacher and content specialist interviews ·         District technology specialist ·         Formal and informal assessment data ·         Student artifacts ·         Computer programs	Brian Aiken, Site Supervisor, Shanta Creeks Math Content Specialist Or Action Committee comprised of vertical science team members.	January 9th, 2012-May 1st, 2012	Meet with site supervisor every two weeks to discuss and examine progress towards goal. Or Meet with action committee on progress of research.	End of year audit for depth and breadth of documentation. Or Action committee will evaluate the depth and breadth of student documentation.
3.             Regularly provide intervention services in the classroom.	Schedule blocks of time each week during class to address individual student needs and coordinate with content specialist to facilitate classroom management during this time.	·         Literature including: Books, professional periodicals, blogs.	Brian Aiken, Kim Hillis, Science Content Specialist Site Supervisor	February 6th, 2012-May 1st, 2012	Supervisor will periodically audit my lesson plans and student data files.	End of year conference with content specialist and site supervisor.
4.             Current small group time that is built into my schedule is utilized for providing appropriate instruction that reflects student needs.	Use data collected in the record keeping system to personalize instruction during built in campus small group time.	·         Literature including: Books, professional periodicals, blogs.	Brian Aiken	February 6th, 2012-May 1st, 2012	Meet with content specialist every two weeks to discuss and examine progress towards goal.	End of year conference with content specialist and site supervisor.
5.             Students are aware of their own progress and needs through regular communication with the teacher.	Develop a method for students to track their own progress and needs.	·         District technology specialist ·         Literature including: Books, professional periodicals, blogs.	Brian Aiken, Students	February 6th, 2012-May 1st, 2012	Conference with students at least each six weeks.	End of year survey that will be completed by students.
6.             Parents are aware of their child’s progress through regular communication with the teacher.	Develop a method of regularly communicating with parents concerning their child’s progress and needs.	·         District technology specialist ·         Literature including: Books, professional periodicals, blogs.	Brian Aiken, Parents, Counselor, Family Involvement Coordinator	February 6th, 2012-May 1st, 2012	Develop a calendar to mark dates when parent communication is sent home.	End of year survey that will be completed by parents.

WK 2 Action Research Reflection

This week I learned that action research topics are born out of several "passions" that drive school leaders to improve aspects of their practices. These wonderings are usually "emerge from one's own experiences...real world observations, dilemmas, felt difficulties, and passions" (Dana, 2009, p. 30). These aspects of ones profession drive the processes of inquiry. Motivation to inquire are intrinsic because the curiosity is not abstract and detached from practical use.Often the benefits that result from effective action research are direct and are readily enjoyed by the inquirer and those who it involves.

EDLD 3501 Wk 1 Pt 3 "Building a Blog on Action Research"

Action research is a great way for a principal intern to grow professionally. It is designed to not only promote my growth but also real growth on my campus. Inquiry will allow me to choose a topic of interest that relates to a need on my campus to focus on. This focal point will provide a starting place to reflect on my own practices. Evaluating my practices will force me to discover my strengths and weaknesses. This is a great way for me to begin developing the habit of questioning and examining the effectiveness of what I do. The initial reflection stage will bring to light the need for change and improvement. Once the deficiencies are pinpointed, specific steps can be taken to address them. This is where much of the research takes place. The quest for new approaches to my practices will involve spending time learning underlying theories. This involves utilizing and consulting a vast array of resources including literature, co-workers, colleagues, and other professionals. The key aspect of action research though is action. The inquiry processes revolve around becoming familiar with theoretical knowledge and then melding it with real life application. Action research is cognizant of the reality that no two schools or people are alike and that theory is a guide and must be adapted to effectively influence positive growth. Action research at the campus level aides the principal in overcoming isolationism both with themselves and the teachers. It facilitates the development of networks of professional connections that move the staff to interact and discuss practices. The principal is the key person to implement and model effective action research as a regular practice. According to Dana, “learning must be something teachers and students do, not something that others do to or for them (2009, p. 12). Inquiry involves an exchange of ideas which motivates people to act, inevitably resulting in individual and collective growth. I am looking forward to incorporating the concept into my internship plan. I will use the process to first evaluate my own unique needs and then examine the needs of my campus. I am curious to see how the action research unfolds as I begin to implement it in my own practices.

Educational leaders can use blogs to facilitate the exchange of ideas and knowledge that is desperately needed in schools. For example, communication is an area that the campus where I teach has ranked low. I believe that a blog could be used by our campus as another collaborative tool. It is often difficult to physically get people together in work groups due to the demanding schedules of the individuals. A conversation on a blog is not dependent on this factor. The contributing parties can read and respond when it is convenient for them. Also, a blog helps keep the conversation going long beyond the conventional time constraints of a meeting. Due to collaborative nature of a blog, it is a useful tool in implementing campus wide action research.