Research Plan Description

Changing the process our district uses to administer mathematics benchmark tests is my action research goal. The question which guides all inquiry is ' What effect does the current process of administering the mathematics benchmark test have on standardized test results at the high school level in the North East ISD?'. My target population will be students in algebra 1, geometry, and juniors from 2011-2012. My on site supervisor wants this presented to central office personnel if the findings are as predicted. This is the reason for such a large sample. Research data will be collected from test scores as well as teacher and student interviews. If anyone knows of other means of data I can look at please let me know.

Using blogs

There are several ways if not many that an educational leader could use blogs.  A leader might use blogs as a way to get a feel for the pulse the teachers concerning a particular issue on campus.  Blogs could be used as a survey tool or a way to broadcast successes and accomplishments on campus.  A leader may also use blogs as a way to communicate the every day happenings in a district.  An example of this is the weekly blog sent out each week by the NEISD superintendent as a way to keep everyone informed and allows responses through comments by the entire district staff.

Putting my fears to rest

When I first heard about action research I was like a lot of other people and imagined the worst.  All I could think about was RESEARCH.  It brought back some bad memories and I was dreading what might come next. However, as I began reading the Dana text my fears were put to rest.  Being able to substitute the word inquiry in place of research was something that peaked my interest.  I am a true believer in asking questions and asking for other peoples thoughts on given issues.  I believe more can be accomplished with collaborative inquiries or research than can be accomplished through traditional development.  As I was reading the text for this week my mind was racing with  trying to find an issue on campus that I can begin applying action research  in order to arrive at solutions such as the  tardy issue, absentee problems, better reaching the ESL student, over use of benchmarks just to name a few.  Trying to think of my fellow educators, students, parents, and others that could help in this process really has me excited about this assignment.  I really can see myself doing this action research from the very beginning of school this year not only to improve my classroom, but hopefully the campus and district as well.