Research Action Plan Update

The purpose of my action research plan is to determine the effectiveness of how the North East School District administers the standardized benchmark test.  So far when I begin discussing my research plan people think that I am trying to abolish the benchmark; that is not my intention.  I am trying to determine if there is a better way to administer the test in order to maximize the results it has on student testing.  I have learned through meetings with administrators and subject deans that the district itself is trying to come up with a better way already when administering the benchmark.  In talking to former and present fellow teachers I am learning that the top concern is the time it takes away from student learning. Many feel that there is a better way to administer the benchmark where it does not take away so much classroom time and does a better job of measuring student success.  I was lucky enough to set in on a conference that dealt with the selection of questions for the math benchmark.  It was interesting to witness the disagreements surrounding the weight placed on each TEKS that had to be addressed.  I have been able to collect data on past test results but as of today not been able to study the results.  I also am currently involved in sending out my surveys and hope to get those results soon.  My next step in the process will be to set down and put all my data collection together and begin deciphering it to see if indeed there is a need to reassess how the benchmark is presented to the students.