My final action research

My site supervisor and I have agreed for me to evaluate why students TAKS scores drop from commendable to acceptable in our district from their elementary years to their high school years. I will look at population subsets, low income, and review what trends are occuring. Then I will propose actions that I see that can help increase TAKS scores.

Action Research Plan

Action Step: Person Responsible: Timeline Start/End: Needed Resources: Evaluation:
1. Research aggregated TAKS data to determine if specific population groups Carson 8/1-10/31 TAKS scores from feeder pattern schools, our high school. Looking at subset populations. After reviewing the TAKS scores, divide students who previously scored commendable and now scoring acceptable.
2. Once students are identified, interview teachers to gain insight on why that particular group of students fall off from commendable to acceptable. Carson 11/1-3/1 TAKS scores by student, and by group, past and present teachers of student groups. Evaluate recommendations from teachers on how to improve scores for this group of students.
3. Meet with principals to discuss the intended actions to help retain these students in the commendable category. Possible actions include: study groups, after school tutorials, computer programs that can help them at home. KHS Principal 3/1-5/1 Principals from each feeder pattern campus, the necessary action plan information, TAKS data to show which students we are targeting. Gain insight from principals and get their feedback. Make adjustments to program recommendations before proceeding.
4. Meet with parents of involved students to show the necessary reasons for the program Principals of each campus Fall, 2011 Principals, parents, Core teachers, TAKS data by student Were parents receptive? Are they willing to have their student participate in the program?
5. Implement the program with identified students Principals and Academic Associate at each campus Late fall, early Spring 2011-2012 Principals, Academic Associates, Computer program (if needed), Teachers Are benchmark scores improving on these students? Are students coming on a regular basis? Are they reaching commendable status?

Action Research: What I have learned from Interviews

Reflecting on this week, I have learned a new tool for educational leaders in action research. The difference between action research and typical research is the need to obtain information from sources close to you that have personal interest in the situation. There is a wealth of knowledge that is close, and has a personal stake in the results of your research. This would include: your local community, the teachers at your school, and your own experiences. While you still include data, you take it one step further and learn from the influences around you. It is important that you research and take action on subjects that you can take action on to help influence student achievement. Data must be desegregated to provide actionable results.

What I have learned about action research

Action research is essential to growth within a school community. To be successful, one must have a level of trust within themselves and their community to give honest, constructive feedback that will further the growth within the school. Action research is not simply a research where we gather facts to explain or theorize what is occurring in a school. Action research requires the community to define an issue to study that needs improvement, research the topic through traditional resources, take action on the recommendations, and use and share the results. The research is only productive if the community embraces and acts upon it. Educators can be valuable instruments of change if they see that change is growth, and not a negative reflection of their past performance.
Action research involves several steps to ensure its success: Identifying a need or problem, gathering professional literature on the topic, take action on the topic, and finally taking action. Each of these steps has to occur for the action research to be successful. It is imperative that the action is implemented by the educational community. Without that final step, improvement stalls.
In my school, I might be able to use action research to help in many areas. Some of these include: evaluating the tardy policy and how to get students in class in a timely fashion to not miss valuable instruction time, the gap between commended TAKS scores from elementary to upper level grades, creating a school community that fosters growth within departments, etc. While all of these are challenging initiatives, one at a time they can be accomplished.

Educators and Blogging

There are many ways in which an educator can use a blog. The first, and I believe the most important, is to use technology to communicate with your students. Students embrace technology and this is a great way to build relationships with students. If a student is at home and needs to remember the specifics of an assignment, get feedback or assistance from their peer group, what better way than with a blog. It can be an interactive learning tool.

Another option for blogging is for a principal to share the vision and happenings of a school to community, and get their feedback. A principal can get quick feedback from the community and respond, adjust, etc. This will save the school time, allow quick feedback, save money for postage, etc. It will also build a bridge to the community, parents, students, etc. so they can feel part of the school community.