Final Thoughts EDLD 5301--Moving Forward With My Action Research

This course has been an eye opener for me regarding the function of action research within the school environment. Simply stated, action research is a continual interactive and reflection process that gives voice to the "people who work in the trenches of the school building on a daily basis and are therefore best positioned to understand and better the educational experiences for all members of the schoolhouse" (Dana, pg 5). The supports of strategies for data collection, assessing the quality of inquiry, and sustaining improvement have given me the foundational tools needed to plan effectively and move forward.

Dana, N.F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: The principal as action
      researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

Updated Action Research

As a result of inputs from other professionals, I have adjusted my research focus. My topic has become more specific and the identification of what I must observe is more concise.

Action Planning Template
Goal: Evaluate the impact of the Read 180 Program on the reading levels of at-risk fourth grade students at Holbrook Elementary.
Action Steps(s):	Person(s) Responsible:	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
Evaluate the students’ lexile, STAR and grades from entry into 4th grade to first nine weeks into 5th grade.	Kimberly Darden	February 2012-May 2013	-180 reports -Student report cards -STAR scores -Computer & Printer	-Compilation of student scores
Review the Read 180 Implementation video to understand Scholastic’s Instructional model.	Mrs. Mahlmann Kimberly Darden	February 2012	-Read 180 Implementation DVD -Computer with internet connection	-Summary describing the instructional model of Read 180 Implementation DVD
Observe 4th grade 180 classes during instructional times to assess adherence to or divergence from the Read 180 Instructional model.	Mrs. Mahlmann Kimberly Darden Ms. Hudson Ms. Wells	February 2012- May 2013	-Observation Log -Notepad/pen	-Completed observation log -Typed record of discussion
Monitor Progress and assess how the findings inform Holbrook Elementary (CIP) Campus Improvement Plan.	Mr. Mitchell Mrs. Mahlmann Kimberly Darden	February 2012-May 2013	-Principal/VP -CIP	-Administrator survey/feedback

My Action Research Plan-EDLD 5301

Action Planning Template
Goal: Evaluate the impact of the Read 180 Program on the reading levels of at-risk fourth grade students at Holbrook Elementary.
Action Steps(s):	Person(s) Responsible:	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
Evaluate the students’ lexile, STAR and grades from entry into 4th grade to first nine weeks into 5th grade.	Kimberly Darden	February 2012-May 2013	-180 reports -Student report cards -STAR scores -Computer & Printer	-Compilation of student scores
Review the Read 180 Implementation video to understand Scholastic’s Instructional model.	Mrs. Mahlmann Kimberly Darden	February 2012	-Read 180 Implementation DVD -Computer with internet connection	-Summary describing the instructional model of Read 180 Implementation DVD
Observe 4th grade 180 classes during instructional times and informal discussion with focal teachers.	Mrs. Mahlmann Kimberly Darden Ms. Hudson Ms. Wells	February 2012- May 2013	-Observation Log -Notepad/pen	-Completed observation log -Typed record of discussion
Monitor Progress and assess how the findings inform Holbrook Elementary (CIP) Campus Improvement Plan.	Mr. Mitchell Mrs. Mahlmann Kimberly Darden	February 2012-May 2013	-Principal/VP -CIP	-Administrator survey/feedback

Format based on Tool 7.1 from Examining What We Do to Improve Our Schools

(Harris, Edmonson, and Combs, 2010)

EDLD 5301 (Week 2) Action Research Outsider Looking In

This week was filled with learning about action research. The videos and readings provided a solid foundation on which to build an action research plan. However, for me, the actual building of a plan took a lot of effort and exchange.

I am not currently teaching. Instead, I work in a full-time, non-teaching position and volunteer at an elementary school one day per week. My intern-volunteer status allows me access to the school, certain staff, and correlating students. However, my view of potential action research areas within the learning environment is greatly limited. I am outside of the teachers' and administrators' day to day and have to depend largely on my site supervisor and supporting staff to inform me of areas of need/concern for the school.

The first steps of my action research journey have been filled with advantages and disadvantages. For example, there is definitely an advantage to the outside view which only wants research findings to be accurate; there is no sway toward the positive or the negative. A disadvantage to my outside position is the fact that my academic questioning/wonderings are limited by the information I can gain one day per week or am given.

My greatest lesson learned this week is there is value in the opinions and inputs of other professionals. There is much to be said about the back and forth and candid sharing of thoughts and ideas. Week 2 of EDLD 5301 has me walking on the action research path and has me "treading upon new ground."