My site supervisor made a minor change to my plan. She explained who is responsible for the activities. Initially, I put the campus administrators as partially responsible for planning the activities nights and for gathering attendance data. She said both of these portions would be handled by the department chairpersons and pod representatives. The administrators will attend the activities to make sure things are running smoothly.
I'm relieved that she thinks the plan is good!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Friday, August 6, 2010
Revisions to my action research plan - TBD
I spoke with my site supervisor over the phone this past Wednesday. I will be meeting with her sometime next week to "officially" review my plan. I know she has some things up her sleeve for the upcoming school year (that's a good thing), and we have a new superintendent this year. I'm sure he has some changes he will be making and I'm hoping all of our plans complement each other.
Friday, July 30, 2010
The Effects of Family Activities on Morale, Participation and Achievement
For some reason, I cannot cut-and-paste my original table into my blog. This format will have to suffice until I figure it out.
Action Planning Template
Goal: Our goal is to have improved teacher, student and parent morale, participation and achievement through the consistent use of academic activities.
Each action step is listed in bold lettering, followed by the person(s) responsible, the timeline (start/end), the resources needed for the step, and the evaluation that lets us know if the step was completed successfully and correctly.
Schedule activity nights
Building principals, department chairs. September – April
This will be done throughout the year as other activities are being planned. Campus and testing calendars will be used to schedule these events. The activities will be coordinated so as not to conflict with other activities. Also, they need to be spaced out to avoid burnout.
Plan activities to be prepared for each night
Each respective department (math, reading, science). September – April
This is done as student needs are assessed throughout the year, with activities for upcoming sessions prepared at least a week in advance. Grade level TEKS, curriculum guides, and
reproducible/game books as needed, depending on the activity will be used to plan what we will be doing during each session. Keep record of activities planned for each session.
Gather and record attendance data
Campus administrators and teachers. September – April, and after each session. School attendance rosters, individual class rosters, spreadsheet software will be used to gather and record data. Attendance numbers should increase at the school level. Likewise, classroom teachers can keep a closer “eye” on their own student groups and we should see an increase in the number of parents attending and/or participating in the planning and implementation.
“Advertise” upcoming sessions
We will need a publications committee to assist in this area. Newsletters, blogs, flyers, and public address messages will be used to announce upcoming events. This will be done starting two weeks before each session, with a reminder within the week. We will need a blog set up and linked to the campus website. Also, paper will be needed for the printed media. An increase in the number of attendees is a direct result of the advertisement. Some participants may find out by word-of-mouth, however.
Conduct surveys of teachers, students and parents regarding their perception of the sessions
A small committee will be needed to draft the survey, collect those that are completed and analyze the responses. Also, the technology department will need to set up the online access of an electronic survey if possible. If not, a link to a printable survey will need to be added to the campus website. Surveys conducted within a week after each session. We will need a survey (electronic and/or printable) set up and linked to the campus website. Also, paper will be needed for the printed media. The number of respondents will determine which form of media is the most effective for us to use. The information we receive will help us plan for future sessions.
Note: This portion of the assessment is primarily designed to evaluate teacher and parent perception. The students’ benefit is assessed in the next step.
Assess improvement in student achievement and behavior
Campus administrators, classroom teachers. This step will occur at least every two sessions to give the students some time to adjust. All students may not attend every session, and hopefully this will provide each student ample time to attend at least one. Campus discipline data (such as the number of students referred to the office), teacher input. The data from the administrators will be quantitative; that from the teachers will be more qualitative. The number of students who are referred to the office should decrease. Student behavior in the classroom will improve, as evidenced by the teachers’ input.
Note: The improvement in student behavior is intended to increase teacher morale.
Action Planning Template
Goal: Our goal is to have improved teacher, student and parent morale, participation and achievement through the consistent use of academic activities.
Each action step is listed in bold lettering, followed by the person(s) responsible, the timeline (start/end), the resources needed for the step, and the evaluation that lets us know if the step was completed successfully and correctly.
Schedule activity nights
Building principals, department chairs. September – April
This will be done throughout the year as other activities are being planned. Campus and testing calendars will be used to schedule these events. The activities will be coordinated so as not to conflict with other activities. Also, they need to be spaced out to avoid burnout.
Plan activities to be prepared for each night
Each respective department (math, reading, science). September – April
This is done as student needs are assessed throughout the year, with activities for upcoming sessions prepared at least a week in advance. Grade level TEKS, curriculum guides, and
reproducible/game books as needed, depending on the activity will be used to plan what we will be doing during each session. Keep record of activities planned for each session.
Gather and record attendance data
Campus administrators and teachers. September – April, and after each session. School attendance rosters, individual class rosters, spreadsheet software will be used to gather and record data. Attendance numbers should increase at the school level. Likewise, classroom teachers can keep a closer “eye” on their own student groups and we should see an increase in the number of parents attending and/or participating in the planning and implementation.
“Advertise” upcoming sessions
We will need a publications committee to assist in this area. Newsletters, blogs, flyers, and public address messages will be used to announce upcoming events. This will be done starting two weeks before each session, with a reminder within the week. We will need a blog set up and linked to the campus website. Also, paper will be needed for the printed media. An increase in the number of attendees is a direct result of the advertisement. Some participants may find out by word-of-mouth, however.
Conduct surveys of teachers, students and parents regarding their perception of the sessions
A small committee will be needed to draft the survey, collect those that are completed and analyze the responses. Also, the technology department will need to set up the online access of an electronic survey if possible. If not, a link to a printable survey will need to be added to the campus website. Surveys conducted within a week after each session. We will need a survey (electronic and/or printable) set up and linked to the campus website. Also, paper will be needed for the printed media. The number of respondents will determine which form of media is the most effective for us to use. The information we receive will help us plan for future sessions.
Note: This portion of the assessment is primarily designed to evaluate teacher and parent perception. The students’ benefit is assessed in the next step.
Assess improvement in student achievement and behavior
Campus administrators, classroom teachers. This step will occur at least every two sessions to give the students some time to adjust. All students may not attend every session, and hopefully this will provide each student ample time to attend at least one. Campus discipline data (such as the number of students referred to the office), teacher input. The data from the administrators will be quantitative; that from the teachers will be more qualitative. The number of students who are referred to the office should decrease. Student behavior in the classroom will improve, as evidenced by the teachers’ input.
Note: The improvement in student behavior is intended to increase teacher morale.
Friday, July 23, 2010
I have found a wondering...or two...or three...
Wow, it is so hard to focus on just one idea for my action research project. The good thing is I have found my ideas intertwine with one another. I decided to focus on making our academic "fun" nights more frequent throughout the year. We only have them at the end of the year, right before testing, during the time when teachers are tired and students, too.
I think having these activities throughout the year will provide the opportunity for our students to see that their achievement is not solely based upon the state tests. Their true achievement is found in the gains they have made since last school year. If they can see that as their teachers' ultimate goal for them, then maybe the students' behavior will improve because of this. Teachers, too, will be more relaxed as they are not cramming information at the last minute. Also, the departments can blend activities rather than having one curricular subject focus each time. The music and physical education departments can participate as well.
I hope this will create a calmer attitude for everyone. The planning for these activities is sure to be hectic, but the payoff is amazing. Our campus will be taking steps toward being more unified in the common goal of student achievement.
I think having these activities throughout the year will provide the opportunity for our students to see that their achievement is not solely based upon the state tests. Their true achievement is found in the gains they have made since last school year. If they can see that as their teachers' ultimate goal for them, then maybe the students' behavior will improve because of this. Teachers, too, will be more relaxed as they are not cramming information at the last minute. Also, the departments can blend activities rather than having one curricular subject focus each time. The music and physical education departments can participate as well.
I hope this will create a calmer attitude for everyone. The planning for these activities is sure to be hectic, but the payoff is amazing. Our campus will be taking steps toward being more unified in the common goal of student achievement.
Friday, July 16, 2010
How might an educational leader use a blog?
According to Dana (2009), the process of action research includes "articulating a wondering, collecting data to gain insights into the wondering, analyzing data, making improvements in practice based on what was learned, and sharing learning with others" (p. 23). Depending on the technology usage of the campus, a blog would be an excellent way to communicate thoughts and feedback regarding actions. The blog could be used to share sources of data that teachers and administrators can reference to help them develop steps in the process, as well as illustrate a timeline of events to show the progress of the action. Beside sharing with each other, accessing the Internet is a great way to find out information from other people who have experienced the same situation.
Dana, N. F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: The principal as action researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
Dana, N. F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: The principal as action researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
What is action research, and how can it be used?
Action research is an excellent tool to assess what is needed to work toward a solution. We cannot use a one-size-fits-all approach to solving problems and applying remedies to situations in our schools. Just as we buy clothing in our size, action research provides a way to customize the solution to the situation.
The idea of action research reminds me of a common saying in that you cannot do the same thing over and over again and expect different results. As we examine student data and such at our campus, this is a saying that sticks in my head. How can I expect my students to learn if I am teaching them the same way I taught the class before? Even though the material is the same, the way each group of students learn is different. I am noticing more and more how the students' overall needs are changing - now students are more interested in technology than before. This means that I need to implement more technology in my classroom, which in turn means I need to do research and experiment with it so I can be more technology savvy.
dAs I type this, I am observing my seven-year-old niece who is using my phone to text, send photos, and record videos of herself. I am amazed at how she knows how to do these things without much of my help, and it makes it clear to me that I have a lot of learning ahead so I can better help my students learn.
The idea of action research reminds me of a common saying in that you cannot do the same thing over and over again and expect different results. As we examine student data and such at our campus, this is a saying that sticks in my head. How can I expect my students to learn if I am teaching them the same way I taught the class before? Even though the material is the same, the way each group of students learn is different. I am noticing more and more how the students' overall needs are changing - now students are more interested in technology than before. This means that I need to implement more technology in my classroom, which in turn means I need to do research and experiment with it so I can be more technology savvy.
dAs I type this, I am observing my seven-year-old niece who is using my phone to text, send photos, and record videos of herself. I am amazed at how she knows how to do these things without much of my help, and it makes it clear to me that I have a lot of learning ahead so I can better help my students learn.
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