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.

What I've learned about action research and how I may be able to use it.

Because principals have so much to do in a day and their jobs seem so overwhelming, it is important that they find time to reflect and focus on themselves and their school. That is what administrative inquiry and action research means to me. It also gives the principal time to be part of the most important process that occurs at their school and that is the learning process. Knowing how teachers find ways to improve their teaching to increase student learning is critical for any school administrator. By collaborating with and observing "educational practitioners" (teachers), principals gain the knowledge and experience needed to provide expertiste advice and help to other teachers.Within the concept of action research, professional learning communities (PLCs) are a great tool for problem solving campus issues in order to accomplish the goals of the school.Principals should also find the time to collaborate amongst themselves. This means physically meeting with one another or in groups to share ideas about best practices at their own schools. Principals should become professional partners forming a collegial network for supporting each other.