Action Research Plan

1.      Examining the work: Setting the Foundation – There is a general observation that a very small part of the student population is involved in the many campus activities and organizations available to them.  2.      Analyzing data – Based on conversations with several students, teachers, and administrators, we have determined that the students with the highest numbers of discipline referrals are not involved in any way in campus activities.  Their grades are also generally lower than those of students who are involved on-campus. 3.      Developing deeper understanding – I have met with my site supervisor and examined data for the current 6th and 7th graders.  We pulled a list of students with the highest number of discipline referrals during this past school year.  We have also pulled their final averages for ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies.  We will begin looking at the correlation between their referrals and grades, as well. 4.      Engaging in Self-Reflection –   In the short amount of time that we have been in this course, I have learned a great deal about the process of action research.  At first, I was worried because I didn’t know how I would ever be able to find something to research.  Like the text said, the word “research” lends itself to some very negative connotations (Dana, 2009).  Teachers (myself included) don’t know how to approach it.  The more I’ve read, however, the more I realize that action research is simply putting a plan in place to fix a problem we have.  When I took that approach, it was easy for me start narrowing down what I wanted to fix based on my observations of my campus. 5.      Exploring Programmatic Patterns – It is my observation that, in life, we value what we are invested in.  For example, I have two sons who have no interest in ballet.  Because of this, I can’t really identify with my friends who have daughters and are searching for a good ballet program.  The same goes for our students.  If they are not invested in their school, they will not value their educational opportunities while they are there.  In looking at the list of students who have the highest number of discipline referrals, one thing they all have in common is that they are not involved in ANY extracurricular activities.  The vast majority of them have lost their electives to an improvement class, which provides them with additional academic instruction.  The problem with this model is that these students have nothing to look forward to when they come to school.  When talking with these students, they have often admitted to acting up in class because they’d rather just spend the day in detention instead of going to class. 6.      Determining direction – Because we are off for the summer, now is the perfect time to plan out my project.  It gives me an opportunity to meet with community members and business owners and give them a heads up for the upcoming school year.  Many of them have incentives in place and they are there for the asking.  It also gives me time to reflect on problems that may arise, meet with other teachers and administrators, and brainstorm ideas. We will discuss timelines and deadlines that different organizations may have such as physicals for athletes, registrations for competitions, and so on.  The more information we can compile ahead of time, the better informed we will be for our students. 7.      Taking action for school improvement – PLEASE SEE ACTION PLANNING TEMPLATE BELOW 8.      Sustaining improvement – The goal of this project is to show the positive impact that student involvement has on grades and discipline.  Based on the idea that we value what we are invested it, students will be more successful and have fewer office referrals than they did in the previous school year.

Action Planning Template

Action Planning Template
Goal: To improve student performance and decrease discipline referrals by keeping target students involved in extracurricular activities on campus.
Action Steps(s):	Person(s) Responsible:	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
Determine target group of 7th and 8th grade students.	Sally Braud Kathy Turner	July 2012- August 2012	Chancery reports listing students by number of discipline referrals	Final list of students
Determine specific list of on-campus extracurricular groups	Sally Braud Various club sponsors	August 2012- September 2012	List of teachers List of approved on-campus groups with specific descriptions and requirements	Final list of groups
Organize a plan for a student involvement fair.	Sally Braud Bob Anderson- principal Kathy Turner- site supervisor Group Sponsors Community Supporters	August 2012- September 2012	Written approval from principal Vendor booth applications	Final list of participating groups and community supporters
Meet with target students and inform them of the fair	Sally Braud	September 2012	Final list of groups	Informal meeting with students to discuss options that are available to them.
Promote and conduct the student involvement fair	Sally Braud Bob Anderson- principal Kathy Turner- site supervisor Group Sponsors Community Supporters	August 2012- September 2012	Flyers Posters Emails Signs at local businesses Mass phone call blast Word of mouth	Turnout at fair

What I learned in Week 2

This week was very eye-opening to me.  The wheels were definitely turning.  If I want to be an effective leader, I have to be willing to look for the problems, reflect on them, and come up with ways to fix them.  I can't do it all alone.  I have to be willing to work alongside others and use their knowledge to make the changes we want to see.  The most important thing I've learned this week is that no matter what area of education I look at, there is always an issue or concern that can be addressed.  I should use the data to help me focus my attention, but at the same time, I have to remember that the numbers don't always tell the whole story.  It's important to look at the big picture and include the people that are involved.

How can administrators use blogs?

In today's non-stop technological world, everyone is on the go. Most of us check our email, network, and basically function day to day via electronic means. A blog is a fantastic way to collaborate with others on multiple levels. In the case of action research, leaders can post questions, request feedback, and offer a place for reflection and suggestions for action in solving campus issues. Blogs can also be used to communicate with parents by giving them a place to voice their concerns, as well as give input on how to resolve those concerns.

What is action research and how can I use it?

To me, action research is a means to fixing the issues on my campus. As a teacher, I feel a certain level of frustration with all the issues plaguing schools these days. Too much testing, not enough time, tons of paperwork, nagging parents, and insensitive administrators- just to name a few. :-) As I learn more and more about the role of an effective administrator, I am realizing that the phrase, "a little less talk and a lot more action" is taking on a whole new meaning. Through the process of action research, I can now sit down and really focus my attention on how to solve some of these issues and lessen my frustrations. I know it will take a great deal of reflection on my part to really focus on finding the core issues hindering success on my campus.  I have also learned that in order for the action research to be successful, I cannot be the lone ranger in this process.  I have to continually seek out others, so that we can work together in improving our campus.  Most importantly, I have learned that “No one instructional leader in isolation improves learning for all children” (Ringler, 2007).