Week 4 Reflections

Week 4 was a fairly non intrusive week.  This week was the week to reflect and look at what you have completed so far on your action research plan. I was able to get a good start on my plan and for the most part have an idea on the direction I am going to head on this plan.  I was able to speak to my supervisor and we were able to discuss a few changes that I believe would be able to help make my plan better. With only one week left in this research class, I feel that I need to heading in a good direction with my feet walking in the best direction for my plan.  I think I am on the right track but I know that there will always be room for improvement and I need to be able to go with the flow and adjust as needed.  I believe with any type of research that there needs to be room for adjustment because there will always be something that pops up or can cause ripples in your research.  I look forward to seeing the challenges that await me and I look forward to seeing how I adjust and what my research findings will show.   

Revised Action Research Plan

Action Planning Template
Goal: Is an additional Math Intervention class assisting students to raise their STAAR test scores to the meet state standard level?
Action Steps(s):	Person(s) Responsible:	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
Setting the foundation:  Action research topic constructed and meeting set up with supervisor for approval.	Chris McCollough and Principal Joe Brown	January 30 Mr. McCollough will contact and set up appointment for meeting with Principal. February 1 meeting will be conducted for approval of Action Research Plan.	Access to student’s math STAAR Test scores of 5th grade through scores of 7th grade year.	Principal Joe Brown and Assistant Principal Phil Johansen will monitor test score data that is collected.
Analyzing Data:  Math scores of students who took the Math STAAR Test will be taken while in the 5th grade for the 1st year of implementation of STAAR Test. These results will be collected and those students that were placed into a Math Intervention class will be documented with specific teacher for On-Level and intervention class.	Three assistant principals for all three middle schools in district, Phil Johansen, Ben Smith and Kevin Taylor will be contacted. Chris McCollough will contact each of the three middle schools and request Math test score data for all current 6th graders who took the first STAAR Test in the previous year in 5th grade.	March 25, data will begin to be collected from three middle schools. Data from previous school year STAAR Test will start to be analyzed for test scores and class grade percentages of 2012-2013 school will be put together at this time.	Previous school years Math STAAR Test scores for those students who were placed into a Math Intervention Class.	Periodic meetings with Joe Brown and Phil Johansen to consult with how data is collected and categorized for final findings.
Analyzing Data: Scores of Previous Math Class for students who took the Math STAAR Test while in 5th grade will be collected and those students that were placed into a Math Intervention class will be documented with specific teacher for On-Level and intervention class.	Three assistant principals for all three middle schools in district, Phil Johansen, Ben Smith and Kevin Taylor will be contacted. Chris McCollough will contact each of the three middle schools and request Math Class score data for all current 6th graders who took the first STAAR Test in the previous year in 5th grade.	March 25, data will begin to be collected from three middle schools. Data from previous school year Math On-Level Class will start to be analyzed for scores and class grade percentages of 2012-2013 school will be put together at this time.	Grades from each Math teacher involved with the On-Level class and the intervention class for comparison.	Periodic meetings with Joe Brown and Phil Johansen to consult with how data is collected and categorized for final findings.
Analyzing Data:  Math scores of students who are in the second year after the implementation of the STAAR Test will be collected as well as the grade percentages of those students from their On-Level class and intervention class.	Three assistant principals for all three middle schools, Phil Johansen, Ben Smith and Kevin Taylor will be contacted. Chris McCollough will contact each of the three middle schools and request Math Test score data for all students who were initially selected from 5th grade. These students will be in 6th grade at this time.	Mr. McCollough will continue to collect data for the Math STAAR Test for students who are in 6th grade at this time. This test will take place in April of 2013.	Current school years Math STAAR Test scores for those students who were placed into a Math Intervention class. Grades from each Math teacher involved with the On-Level Class and the Intervention class for comparison.	Periodic meetings with Joe Brown and Phil Johansen to consult with how data is collected and categorized for final findings.
Analyzing Data:  Math Class scores of students who are in the second year after the implementation of the STAAR Test will be collected from their On-Level class and intervention class.	Three assistant principals for all three middle schools, Phil Johansen, Ben Smith and Kevin Taylor will be contacted. Chris McCollough will contact each of the three middle schools and request Math Class score data for all students who were initially selected from 5th grade. These students will be in 6th grade at this time.	Mr. McCollough will continue to collect data for the Math Class for students who are in 6th grade at this time. These scores will be taken in April of 2013.	Current Grades from each Math teacher involved with the On-Level Class and the Intervention class for comparison.	Periodic meetings with Joe Brown and Phil Johansen to consult with how data is collected and categorized for final findings
Analyzing Data:  Math scores of students who are in the third year after the implementation of the STAAR Test will be collected as well as the grade percentages of those students from their On-Level class and Intervention class.	Three assistant principals for all three middle schools in district, Phil Johansen, Ben Smith and Kevin Taylor. Chris McCollough will contact each of the three middle schools and request Math Test score data for all students who were initially selected from 5th grade. These students will be in 7th grade at this time.	Mr. McCollough will continue to collect data for the Math STAAR Test for students who are in 7th grade at this time. This test will take place in April of 2014.	Upcoming school years Math STAAR Test scores for those students who were placed into a Math Intervention class.  Grades from each Math teacher involved with the On-Level Class and the Intervention class for comparison.	Periodic meetings with Joe Brown and Phil Johansen to consult with how data is collected and categorized for final findings.
Analyzing Data:  Math scores of students who are in the second year after the implementation of the STAAR Test will be collected as well as the grade percentages of those students from their On-Level class and intervention class.	Three assistant principals for all three middle schools in district, Phil Johansen, Ben Smith and Kevin Taylor. Chris McCollough will contact each of the three middle schools and request Math class score data for all students who were initially selected from 5th grade. These students will be in 7th grade at this time.	Mr. McCollough will continue to collect data for the Math class percentages for students who are in 7th grade at this time. These scores will be collected in April of 2014.	Upcoming grades from each Math teacher involved with the On-Level Class and the Intervention class for comparison.	Periodic meetings with Joe Brown and Phil Johansen to consult with how data is collected and categorized for final findings.
Developing and Deeper Understanding: While collecting and analyzing data, questions will be put together to look at outlining factors for gains and losses in grade scores for students. These questions will be added to the findings and results of final analysis.	Meetings will be set up with Joe Brown and Phil Johansen to collaborate and discuss questions that need to be addressed.	March 25, data will begin to be collected from the three middle schools from the STAAR Test.  During this time Mr. McCollough will be reviewing grades and percentages and also be surveying teachers about questions or areas of concern that would affect the grades of the selected students.	Grades from the STAAR Tests and point grades from the classes are needed for the data collection.   Surveys from the teachers are needed for the analysis to determine outlining contributors of gains or losses for students.	Periodic meetings with Joe Brown and Phil Johansen to consult with how data is affected from outside factors for final findings.
Compilation of data and research over topic.  Final analysis and reflection for review to school principal.	Chris McCollough will complete and finalize the data compiled for review to school principal Joe Brown.	May 1st 2014 final grades and data should be collected and read for final review.	All data and surveys from teachers should be collected and organized for review.  Information from peers and principals will be added for final analysis.	After all data is compiled and completed, findings and results of research plan will be reviewed and corrections made from suggestions by Principal Joe Brown.
Sustaining Improvement: Final Analysis will be reviewed by Principal to determine if implementing Math Intervention class is the correct direction for the school to better improve the STAAR test scores of students in middle school.	Principal Joe Brown and Chris McCollough will review final results of action research plan and determine if this is the best direction for the school or if another approach could be more effective in raising Math Test scores for STAAR Test.	May 30, 2014 a meeting will be set up with Principal Joe Brown to review final results of the action research plan implemented by Chris McCollough.	Final action research project results and data will be needed for review.	After all data is compiled and completed, findings and results of research plan will be reviewed by Principal Joe Brown and Chris McCollough to determine if a Math Intervention class is the most effective strategy for raising the Math STAAR Test scores.

Week 3 Reflection

Well week 3 is done and I am exhausted.  I think that this week was rough because it entailed actually starting my Action Research Plan.  It was like one of those moments that you know is coming but when it is right in front of you, you are like a deer in headlights. I had so many ideas of what I wanted to do but when it was time to put pen to paper I went blank. This turned into me panicking and wasting time instead of doing what I tell my students everyday which is just start writting.  It is funny how hard it is to follow the same advice that you give your students when it is a little closer to home. I believe I now have a good foundation for my Action Research Project. I dont think that week 3 has been my best work yet but I believe that it will point me in the right direction for actually starting my project. 

Action Research Plan Draft

Action Planning Template
Goal: Is an additional Math Intervention class assisting students to raise their STAAR test scores to the meet state standard level?
Action Steps(s):	Person(s) Responsible:	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
Setting the foundation:  Action research topic constructed and meeting set up with supervisor for approval.	Chris McCollough and Principal Joe Brown	January 30 Mr. McCollough will contact and set up appointment for meeting with Principal. February 1 meeting will be conducted for approval of Action Research Plan.	Access to student’s math STAAR Test scores of 5th grade through scores of 7th grade year.	Principal Joe Brown and Assistant Principal Phil Johansen will monitor test score data that is collected.
Analyzing Data:  Math scores of students who took the Math STAAR Test will be taken while in the 5th grade for the 1st year of implementation of STAAR Test. These results will be collected and those students that were placed into a Math Intervention class will be documented with specific teacher for On-Level and intervention class.	Three assistant principals for all three middle schools in district, Phil Johansen, Ben Smith and Kevin Taylor will be contacted. Chris McCollough will contact each of the three middle schools and request Math test score data for all current 6th graders who took the first STAAR Test in the previous year in 5th grade.	March 25, data will begin to be collected from three middle schools. Data from previous school year STAAR Test will start to be analyzed for test scores and class grade percentages of 2012-2013 school will be put together at this time.	Previous school years Math STAAR Test scores for those students who were placed into a Math Intervention Class.  Grades from each Math teacher involved with the On-Level class and the intervention class for comparison.	Periodic meetings with Joe Brown and Phil Johansen to consult with how data is collected and categorized for final findings.
Analyzing Data:  Math scores of students who are in the second year after the implementation of the STAAR Test will be collected as well as the grade percentages of those students from their On-Level class and intervention class.	Three assistant principals for all three middle schools, Phil Johansen, Ben Smith and Kevin Taylor will be contacted. Chris McCollough will contact each of the three middle schools and request Math Test score data for all students who were initially selected from 5th grade. These students will be in 6th grade at this time.	Mr. McCollough will continue to collect data for the Math STAAR Test for students who are in 6th grade at this time. This test will take place in April of 2013.	Current school years Math STAAR Test scores for those students who were placed into a Math Intervention class. Grades from each Math teacher involved with the On-Level Class and the Intervention class for comparison.	Periodic meetings with Joe Brown and Phil Johansen to consult with how data is collected and categorized for final findings.
Analyzing Data:  Math scores of students who are in the third year after the implementation of the STAAR Test will be collected as well as the grade percentages of those students from their On-Level class and Intervention class.	Three assistant principals for all three middle schools in district, Phil Johansen, Ben Smith and Kevin Taylor. Chris McCollough will contact each of the three middle schools and request Math Test score data for all students who were initially selected from 5th grade. These students will be in 7th grade at this time.	Mr. McCollough will continue to collect data for the Math STAAR Test for students who are in 7th grade at this time. This test will take place in April of 2014.	Upcoming school years Math STAAR Test scores for those students who were placed into a Math Intervention class.  Grades from each Math teacher involved with the On-Level Class and the Intervention class for comparison.	Periodic meetings with Joe Brown and Phil Johansen to consult with how data is collected and categorized for final findings.
Developing and Deeper Understanding: While collecting and analyzing data, questions will be put together to look at outlining factors for gains and losses in grade scores for students. These questions will be added to the findings and results of final analysis.	Meetings will be set up with Joe Brown and Phil Johansen to collaborate and discuss questions that need to be addressed.	March 25, data will begin to be collected from the three middle schools from the STAAR Test.  During this time Mr. McCollough will be reviewing grades and percentages and also be surveying teachers about questions or areas of concern that would affect the grades of the selected students.	Grades from the STAAR Tests and point grades from the classes are needed for the data collection.   Surveys from the teachers are needed for the analysis to determine outlining contributors of gains or losses for students.	Periodic meetings with Joe Brown and Phil Johansen to consult with how data is affected from outside factors for final findings.
Compilation of data and research over topic.  Final analysis and reflection for review to school principal.	Chris McCollough will complete and finalize the data compiled for review to school principal Joe Brown.	May 1st 2014 final grades and data should be collected and read for final review.	All data and surveys from teachers should be collected and organized for review.  Information from peers and principals will be added for final analysis.	After all data is compiled and completed, findings and results of research plan will be reviewed and corrections made from suggestions by Principal Joe Brown.
Sustaining Improvement: Final Analysis will be reviewed by Principal to determine if implementing Math Intervention class is the correct direction for the school to better improve the STAAR test scores of students in middle school.	Principal Joe Brown and Chris McCollough will review final results of action research plan and determine if this is the best direction for the school or if another approach could be more effective in raising Math Test scores for STAAR Test.	May 30, 2014 a meeting will be set up with Principal Joe Brown to review final results of the action research plan implemented by Chris McCollough.	Final action research project results and data will be needed for review.	After all data is compiled and completed, findings and results of research plan will be reviewed by Principal Joe Brown and Chris McCollough to determine if a Math Intervention class is the most effective strategy for raising the Math STAAR Test scores.

Week 2 Action Research Lessons

This week we discussed going over Research Topics and what is involved with actually completing an action research project in a school district?  This was very interesting because we got to see interviews of administrators that use or implement research in their district. I learned that there are so many more ways than I thought to look at research.  There are so many different aspects of where research can be used from staff development to social justice.  When I first started to think of my research topic for my Masters Program I was tunnel visioned due to only thinking research had to be with testing information.  Boy was I wrong.  This second week has opened my eyes to new possibilities to complete my own Action Research Project. This was very beneficial but has also put me into a quandary.  Now I am sitting in neutral about the question, "Do I stick with my original topic or do I branch out into the many different ideas that this week has put into my head?"  This is something that I must be able to decide on because I don't want to wait and be behind as far as trying to get start my research and get my data. This is going to be the underlining reason I do not get any sleep at least for the next week.  Until next time all of my fellow students at Lamar University.

Week 1 Action Research Plan

This blog was created to learn and better my understanding of what I could do with an Action Research Plan. What I have learned so far is that completing a research plan is essential for improving a school and even a school district. I have worked in two school districts in a total of three years and I have seen drastic differences in how a school district works. With the world changing and our students learning faster, younger and more advanced information than the generation before it, a school district needs to be able to keep up with them. Research plans can help a school better itself with being able to teach students and give them the best opportunities to learn all that they would need to, to be successful in the world. Demographics change all the time and like in my current school district, they grow. With this growth can bring difficulties that will need to be addressed so your school doesn't fall below the level that is recognized and acceptable by your state standards. With this class shining a light on what I can do with an action research plan I am excited to be able to work on my own.

Educational leaders can use a action research plan simply to better their school. The more successful a school is with the procedures it has in place is going to reflect in its students. Then it will come full circle because the more successful their students are will reflect in how successful they will be in the future in the world.