Week 5 Reflections, A reflection on reflections

As I have reflected on my personal growth during the time period of this course what I realize I have gained is a new way to look at those around me. I am now much more observant of my own actions with others and whether they align with best administrator practices or if it is an area that I need to work on. I am also more observant of the administrators on my campus. I look more deeply into the appearance of their practice and evaluate it as something that I value or something I should avoid. I am now much more aware of how my own personality will play into my role as an administrator. I am more aware of the areas that I need to work on. This reflects back to our first course more so than this most recent one but I really think that I needed some time to let the ideas of self-reflection set in and become part of my mindset.

I really love, more than I thought that I would, blogging about my experience. I too would like to expand my blog followers to some outside sources. I will begin by linking my blog to my FaceBook account and asking my friends who are avid bloggers to follow my blog. It is the ultimate word of mouth. I also want to learn more about the process of developing a quality action research project. I think that I may have delved into this course with some background knowledge and some basic experience but what I am learning is that I have much to learn about the process of actually participating in action research.

As I continue to reflect on the development of my own action research I am sure that I will be forced to dive more deeply into my own preconceived notions about what action research is and hopefully come out on the other side with a more defined viewpoint. I think that I need more time to let it rattle around in my brain for a while. As we approach this break I look forward to continuing to reflect. I think that one of the more poignant themes of this course was to really reflect on myself and my practices. I will do that by reading more in depth others blogs and begin to really research my own topic. In addition, I want to not let my brain wither and will be doing some more general leadership reading over the holidays. As they say, the devil plays into idle hands.

Approval

As I close the week I am blessed to have the approval of my site supervisor on my action research plan. I also spent some time extending it beyond the data collection part of the plan. Since I have finally received an answer on the due date of the action research project as our penultimate course some time in the spring of 2012 I felt confident in adding the extension to fulfill the 8 steps suggested in Examining What We Do To Improve Our Schools. I have enjoyed the process of collaborating with others on our projects. I feel that I have not really done justice to others nor they to mine since we are all just trying to stay afloat with the end of the semester and all the course requirements. That brings me to some of my lingering concerns: time! Not time to complete the project but the time management needed to stay on top of our project and complete all required coursework and work a full time job...but I am complaining here. What doesn't kill us only makes us stronger, RIGHT? I will vow to spend some time over the holiday perusing my classmates blogs and really taking the time to read and comment on them.

I think that the blogging part of this class is quickly becoming my favorite. Now the only problem is making the time to really make it work for me and for others.

Action Research Plan Revised

Action Research Plan - Revised
Goal: To determine the effectiveness of online learning to recover credits for students who are behind their graduating cohort.
Action Steps(s):	Person(s) Responsible:	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
SETTING THE FOUNDATION: Meet with Site Supervisor for approval.	A. Duran   M. Aguilar	Start: 12-6-2010 End: 12-17-2010	CARE Tool	Agreement and approval of research project is confirmed.
Survey students on technology skills.	A. Duran   All students enrolled in Grad Lab	Start: 1-6-2011 End: 1-31-2011	Smarter Measure Survey http://tinyurl.com/txvsn20102011	Students email results and results are saved for later review
Determine sample size based on snapshot date of Feb 1st and 2nd.	A. Duran	Start: 2-1-2011 End: 2-2-2011	Microsoft Excel   Chancery Database Software	Sample is based on the following criteria: Need for credit recovery Current level of credits below acceptable ranges for the student's cohort year.
ANALYZING DATA: Survey selected student in a perception survey.	A. Duran   Selected students	Start: 2-3-2011 End:3-4-2011	Survey Monkey	Collection of perception data for later review and reporting related effects. It should also help explain discrepancies.
Input all selected students into database and track progress on a biweekly basis.	A. Duran   M. Aguilar	Start: 2-3-2011 End:2-11-2011	Microsoft Excel   APEX Learning Software	Dynamic document created within excel with the ability to record the needed data. Student information is saved into the template.
DEVELOPING DEEPER UNDERSTANDING/ENGAGING IN SELF REFLECTION: Provide supports for selected students.	A. Duran   Teachers of Record/Tutors	Start: 2-3-2011 End: 5-31-2011	Various intervention strategies	Social Studies, Math, and Science weekends made available. During class and after school tutoring made available. Weekly meetings with selected students on progress. Sticker charts and reward systems in place for students.
EXPLORING PATTERNS: Compile final results	A. Duran	Start: 6-3-2011 End: 6-10-2011	Microsoft Excel   APEX Learning Software	Completed all data entry and ability to compare data for success rates based on previous standard of completion of at least a ½ credit, although true credit recovery is indicated by completion of a full credit or more.
DETERMENING DIRECTION: Report findings to peer group & stakeholders	A. Duran	Start: June 2011 End: June 2011	Microsoft Powerpoint	Report made to campus principals/administration/counselors.   Report also made at the district level to peers also involved in the same initiative.
Based on the results brainstorm ways to extend or remediate the program	A. Duran   M. Aguilar   Committee   Peers	Start: June 2011 End: August 2011	Collaborative meetings with peers and site supervisor	Plan changes needed based on the results of the data collection phase of the project.
TAKING ACTION: Implement change in the classroom	A. Duran   Counselors   Teachers of Record/Tutors	Start: August 2011 End: December 2011	Support personnel in place	Based on collaborative grouping suggestions implement the necessary changes and track any changes in the data.
SUSTAINING IMPROVEMENT: Monitor continued progress	A. Duran   M. Aguilar   R. Barajas   Counselors   Teachers of Record/Tutors	Start: January 2012 End: Indefinite	APEX Learning or other appropriate software   Teachers of Record/Tutors	Continue to reflect and make changes as necessary

 

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

(Harris, Edmonson, and Combs, 2010)

Need feedback pronto!

My planned action research project involves gaining the cooperation of about 70 at-risk teens to comply with 2 different surveys as well as the success of the program is determined by those same students completing any number of online courses. Some of these courses are harder than others. In general, this action research plan lends itself far from the formalized scientific method. I hypothesize that more than 50% will successfully complete a course but it is very dependent on the student's desire to actually do so. I will maintain adequate motivational strategies and provide interventions as needed to address the needs of the students who cannot work exclusively in the online environment; however, the addition of these interventions will likely skew the data.Also, I anticipate that the dynamic nature of the sample size will be somewhat of a factor. I will try to circumvent that issue a little by creating a snapshot date and sticking with that group of students through the end. That will mean that my sample size is likely to shrink as we get near the end of the semester. I hope that I am able to maintain a viable sample size to make the results credible.

A few other issues I foresee:

* action plan not directly related to the CIP but is more related to the DIP
* time constraints of working a 50+ hour week and other grad school requirements
* only 1 source of numerical data, which will be supplemented with empirical data in the forms of an interest survey and a skills survey
* too many variables, but limiting of any of these variable will severely limit the sample size

I don’t have a plan of action to address the bulleted issues yet but I would love to hear your thoughts.

After my meeting with my site supervisor tomorrow I will post more problems that came up.

UPDATE: I spoke with my site supervisor on Monday but we were in agreement about the problems that would likely come up so I do not have more to add to my list. I guess in a way the problem of it not being related to the CIP is not really true. In order to become exemplary we have to raise on time graduation rate. My very job is an effort to do that so that is how the project and what I do will help in that area.

Week in Review

Earlier today I posted my action research plan outline. This project is really coming together in my mind. In fact it has been forming for some time since I started this job. I commented to my husband about 2 months after starting this job last year that I have a huge amount of research literally unfolding in front of my eyes. I was in awe of everything that was happening right in front of me. While this particular research project isn't quite what held my fascination 9 months ago, it is what has developed out of need. It's gestational period is well timed.

I am realizing though that I have a lot of work to do to make this happen. I am lucky in some respects though because I am already working in the classroom where all this research is to take place. This project has personal meaning to me because it is what I do all day. In some ways, by being part of a district initiative from the ground up is like handing me a research project on a silver platter. It is also going to force me to be more diligent about the things that I should already be doing, such as keeping better records. I am excited about getting feedback from the students in the forms of surveys. I am also wondering if just the fact that I am doing this research will push me to push the kids to perform better. That will skew my data but it is the idea, ISN'T IT?

I leave today wondering if I should tell my students that I am conducting this experiment and that they are involved in it? Will that skew the data?

Action Research Project Outline - Draft

Action Research Plan - Draft
Goal: To determine the effectiveness of online learning to recover credits for students who are behind their graduating cohort.
Action Steps(s):	Person(s) Responsible:	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
Meet with Site Supervisor for approval.	A. Duran   M. Aguilar	Start: 12-6-2010 End: 12-17-2010	CARE Tool	Agreement and approval of research project is confirmed.
Survey students on technology skills.	A. Duran   All students enrolled in Grad Lab	Start: 1-6-2011 End: 1-31-2011	Smarter Measure Survey http://tinyurl.com/txvsn20102011	Students email results and results are saved for later review
Determine sample size based on snapshot date of Feb 1st and 2nd.	A. Duran	Start: 2-1-2011 End: 2-2-2011	Microsoft Excel   Chancery Database Software	Sample is based on the following criteria: Need for credit recovery Current level of credits below acceptable ranges for the student's cohort year.
Survey selected student in a perception survey.	A. Duran   Selected students	Start: 2-3-2011 End:2-11-2011	Survey Monkey	Collection of perception data for later review and reporting related effects. It should also help explain discrepancies.
Input all selected students into database and track progress on a biweekly basis.	A. Duran   M. Aguilar	Start: 2-3-2011 End:2-11-2011	Microsoft Excel   APEX Learning Software	Dynamic document created within excel with the ability to record the needed data. Student information is saved into the template.
Provide supports for selected students.	A. Duran   Teachers of Record/Tutors	Start: 2-3-2011 End: 5-31-2011	Various intervention strategies	Social Studies, Math, and Science weekends made available. During class and after school tutoring made available. Weekly meetings with selected students on progress. Sticker charts and reward systems in place for students.
Compile final results	A. Duran	Start: 6-3-2011 End: 6-10-2011	Microsoft Excel   APEX Learning Software	Completed all data entry and ability to compare data for success rates based on previous standard of completion of at least a ½ credit, although true credit recovery is indicated by completion of a full credit or more.
Report findings to peer group	A. Duran	Start: June 2011 End: June 2011	Microsoft Powerpoint	Report made to campus principals/administration/counselors.   Report also made at the district level to peers also involved in the same initiative.

 

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

(Harris, Edmonson, and Combs, 2010)

Action Reseach Plan Summary

1. Study Question - Is the online learning environment I am using with my students effective?

The purpose of my study question is to determine the effectiveness of using online learning to recover credit deficiencies in high school students who are behind their cohorts. The use of APEX Learning is the software program of choice and is supplemented by the Compass Odyssey software; however, students using the Compass software exclusively will be excluded from the sample in an effort to limit some of the variables. The study will take place on my campus.


2. The target population includes students who are in the 2007/2008 and 2008/2009 cohorts and who are assigned by their respective counselor to the credit recovery class in the spring of 2011. Student ages range from 16 – 21 and encompass all grade level. The focus is based on the student’s cohort year, not their assigned grade level.


3. The sample size will be determined by the class max for the computer lab where the credit recovery class is held as well as determined by the counselor’s choice as to the appropriate student for the class. The sample will range in size between 50 to 150 students with an anticipated mean of 70 students.


4. The students assigned to the sample are dynamic and will only be determined by those that finish the program as the data needed includes completion of the program. Withdrawals from the program will exclude the student from the protocol as effectiveness cannot be determined if the student fails to complete the program. The student sample is not a random sample as the criteria for entry into the program follows a protocol already outlined on the campus. This may cause the data to be somewhat biased but the credit recovery is only entering its 2nd year of implementation and protocols must be followed based on the limited seats available for the class.


5. I will conduct my research over the entire spring semester. The research protocol will begin with a readiness survey completed by the student to determine if technology skills play a factor into the success in the program. Student progress will be monitored on a biweekly basis through the semester and reported in subsequent updates. Final determination of success will be based on completion of at least ½ a credit during the semester. Those that complete ½ a credit will be determined to be the control group as this is the expectation for all students in a traditional classroom. Success will be determined by completion of 1 or more credits during 1 semester while lack of success will be indicated by failure to complete even ½ a credit during 1 academic semester. Results will be reported by course and by number as enrolled course may play a factor in the completion rate (some courses are longer and harder than others).