Overview and Results of my Action Research Project

The purpose for my study was to compare the state of Texas’ TAKS test to the incoming
STAAR test. Because it is in its first year, it will only affect ninth grade students at my school and by 2016 encompass all high school students. My goal was to compare last year’s TAKS scores in ninth grade math and reading to this year’s ninth grade Algebra 1 and English 1 at my high school. One of my tasks during the project was to involve as many stakeholders in my study. During team meetings we analyzed new objectives called readiness standards and determined where all our students stood as far as their understanding of each (needs assessment). Implementation of district and teacher strategies were made during the first semester up to benchmark testing. Results of the benchmarks were analyzed and compared to the first needs assessment and modifications were made. Using TAKS/STAAR objective analysis, students who scored in high need areas were assigned to remedial and tutoring classes in order to improve their learning of the objective(s).
The results of my study showed that benchmark scores in both Algebra 1 and English 1 for STAAR were low and expected due to the  rigor of the new tests. The results of the actual STAAR tests in both Algebra I and English I were actually mixed when compared to the benchmark data. The research and results from this project show that the STAAR tests represents a more rigorous teaching assessment tool and that Texas schools will have to prepare for and adapt to it now and in the future. Scores from the district benchmarks showed that the STAAR assessment seem to be more rigorous than prior TAKS benchmarks. The higher-level questioning and vocabulary with the new STAAR tests impacted scores.
The reason for my study was to bring into account a change and readiness for a new state assessment and a movement towards action within my school to better prepare teachers and students for this transition. I feel that my study did serve this purpose and the final results of student tests scores on this year’s state assessment is a testament to their actions and hard work.  My recommendation for our school is to continue using the same principles and tools utilized during this action research project and always keep striving to do what’s best for our students.

Action Research Update:12/31/12

Today I was able to meet with my school site supervisor in regards to my action research project. We talked about data results on 9th grade math and reading MOY1 benchmark tests. As expected the results were much lower than last year's results on same grade level for TAKS MOYS. Implications due to the results were identifying students who are in high need for extra help and tutoring in those particular areas. Math and reading teachers were also able to identify those objectives the majority of students scored low on. These corrective measures for EOC benchmarks were also completed for TAKS benchmarks last year. For our next meeting we will look at the results of the second MOY tests in the same subject areas and discuss results.

EDLD 5301-Week#4 (Reflection)

This past week I was able to meet with my school site supervisor and reach consensus on my action research project. We were also able to discuss a time frame for completing internship activities over the next few months. I thought that the CARE 8.1 Tool for action research provided some very good insight on how to think about and structure my approach to completing the action research project. I was also able to work more on my blog and work out some issues I've been having over the last couple of weeks.

Action Research Plan (Revised Draft)

My Action Research Plan (Draft)

Tool 7.1 Action PlanningTemplate (modified)

Goal: To find out how last year's TAKS scores in 9th grade math and reading compares to this year's EOC/STAAR scores in math and reading. Analyze and gain any new information about the EOC/STAAR test and it's implications for math and reading.

Action Steps                              Persons                       Timeline                Needed                               Evaluation                              
                                                   Responsible                Start/End               Resources

1. Research purpose and            Michael Juneau      Nov./Dec.      Online literature,                     Reflect and discuss
   reasons for the EOC/                 (student)                   2011             interviews with campus         with supervisor and
   STAAR exams.                                                                                   and district specialists           team of teachers

2. Compare and contrast         Michael Juneau          Dec./Jan.      TEA and district website,     Analyze and compare last
   EOC/STAAR objectives         (student)                  2011-2012      testing, and curriculum         year's TAKS objectives to
   with last year's TAKS                                                                       specialist                                 this year's EOC/STAAR's
   objectives from math and                                                                                                                  objectives.
   reading.                                                                                                                                                


3. Assess middle of the year    Michael Juneau          Feb/April       supervisor, district          Analyze math and reading
   benchmark test(s) (MOYs)      (student)                     2012              software (AIMS)              MOYs in order to gain insight  
                                                                                                                                                               and sense of future student
                                                                                                                       performance on the EOC/ 
                                                                                                                       STAAR exams.
                                                                        
4. Collection of student scores    Michael Juneau,      May/July     test scores, AIMS           Collect and organize scores and  
    from EOC/STAAR, and              Supervisor                2012                                                        data using district computer
   TAKS exams. (Gather Data)                                                                                                           software.
                                                                                                                                      

5. Compile Results of                 Michael Juneau,      Aug./Sept.     test scores, AIMS,         Analyze all scores within their
    data.(Analysis)                          Supervisor                 2012                                                       categories to see if patterns
                                                                                                                                                             and trends exist between
                                                                                                                                                             tests results in question.

6. Report findings of                Michael Juneau        Oct./Nov.        Meeting place with        Report findings of research. Make
    action research.                                                          2012             concerned stakeholders   recommendations for change.
                                                                                                                                                            Discuss implications for math and
                                                                                                                                                            reading due to the EOC/STAAR .  

EDLD 5301- Week #2 (Reflection)

This week I learned about the nine passions that drive school administrators. I read about each one of these, gave an example of each, and then contemplated the significance of each in action research. I was also able to listen to scholarly interviews with established professionals, one a principal and the other a researcher, to gain better insight into action research.

Analysis of how educational leaders might use blogs.

I could see that blogs could definitely benefit educational leaders in regards to getting quick updates about pressing educational issues both locally and nationally.This is an incredible time saver for administrators who have very little spare time during the day.
It is also a great way to conversate with other professionals without the worry of time constraints.Meaning everyone involved is able to take part at their own leisure.