Action Research Project Title: Getting Involved

Blog URL: http://larryalanhill.blogspot.com/

Number of AR Project Documented Hours: 10

AR Project Summary :

By this time, in my action research, I had to planned just create the survey that I was going to hand to all 10^th grade 2^nd period students. Then, I was going to get a list of all 9^th grade failures last year, and match their survey to a printout of their test scores. I am happy to say that, I have done this and there are 28 students that matched this description in math. Although, 9 of these took a summer program and have now passed since then. I am in the process of finding more from other content areas.

Create and deliver survey to all 10thgraders regarding failure of EOC and extra-curricular involvement.

Myself, 2nd period teachers

September 2012

Completed student surveys

Tally of failures with no EC involvement. Categorize them by interests.

Then, sometime before Christmas break, I want to have all interviews done with the children about possible school involvements for the upcoming semester. The work thus far, has been pretty much a solo act on my part. Here in the next few weeks, I will be gathering a team for help on the interview process and possibly help on ideas for placements. Although, I do not foresee this becoming a huge change in the school, I would feel successful if I am able to help just a few kids enjoy school a little more or even just make them happy by acknowledging them.

ACTION RESEARCH PLAN
Goal: To increase test scores and attendance of those who are not currently involved in extra-curricular activities.
Action Steps(s):	Person(s) Responsible:	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
Create and deliver survey to all 10th graders regarding failure of EOC and extra-curricular involvement.	Myself, 2nd period teachers	September 2012	Completed student surveys	Tally of failures with no EC involvement. Categorize them by interests.
Create or find program for some of these students to be involved in.	Myself, Site Supervisor, Counselor	October 2012	Extra-curricular list, teachers involved or willing to be involved	Discussion with leaders and counselors for course of action
Meet with students to give them options for extra-curriculars. Talk with them about time and transportation if nec.	Myself	October 2012	Extra-Curricular list. Attendance record. Office or other place to meet.	Tally how many are interested in exploring the possibilities.
Check 1st semester attendance for the students who agreed to extra-curricular.	Myself, extra-curricular leaders	January 2013	Attendance records, follow up list of those still involved	Compare list of those involved to their attendance from 9th grade
Have follow-up meeting with students who passed and see if they thought school involvement lead to student achievement.	Myself	April/May 2013	Meeting room, test scores,	Get EOC scores compare improvement

After all I have learned during my week 2 assignment about action research, I have now verified what I want to do for my action research project. Many ideas were brought to my attention that I thought were very good ideas, but decided to stick to my guns. Just in the text that was presented to me this week in the Dana Text, there were many different people with the same concerns as schools that I am a custom to.

How Educational Leaders Can use Blogs?

At my school, our principal uses blogs quite often to give the staff and community a sense of what is going on in the school. Also, when there are things that come up, he uses his blog to get input on ideas for the best way to maximize learning.
A specific example was last year when our school district was deciding on a bell schedule for the tranformation to a block schedule to an 7-9 period a day schedule. There are a lot of things to consider: time in each class, lunches, extra cirricular activities, etc. No one person can possibly fully understand everyones needs without asking them. He created a blog and had hundreds of responses. Collaboratively a bell schedule was derived from input from others that best fit the needs of the school/district. With this blog, he was able to say that he considered their input.

What I have learned about action research?

Action research is a way to solve a progressive problem while working with others. It is a way to improve strategies and practices associated in your field of work. It collaboratively takes input to develop a transformation. The results of your research directly reflect the process or how in depth your research is. You always want to make sure that your research is in line with what you are trying to accomplish to avoid getting off topic and save time.
In your action research plan, create a visual road map for the reader. Do not "chunk." This means that you should separate your material. Create Subheadings to provide easy access for reader to find what they need to find without having to look too long for it. Begin by creating an outline with an introductory statement. You want to let whoever is going over the plan to be able to find what they are looking for in a timely manner. You want to make sure you can break up material with subheadings and/or visuals to break up your writing. Paraphrase frequently be sure not to over quote the author/s of the basis of your findings. This again creates dullness for the reader.
Action research is an effective way to solve problems in your field. Someone has always had a similar problem to yours. Find out who and how they dealt with it. You can tweak it to fit your situation.