Action Research Progress Report

     My action research plan is well under way.  I have analyzed and interpreted STAAR assessment data and I have identified smart goals that will be targeted for small group instruction.  Since I am the only 5^th grade math teacher on my campus I have been participating in vertical team planning to develop small group activities for the targeted TEKS.  I have also reached out to the grade level science teacher as well as math teachers who teach other grade levels  to see if they would be willing to integrate small group math instruction.  Initially, I had anticipated that I would be working with a team of math teachers that would assist in developing small group math instruction However; I am the only teacher utilizing small group instruction.  As I teach small group expectations to the students I will then be able to identify any successes or problems with the small group instruction.  I have already encountered a problem in keeping the students that I am not meeting with on task.  I have given my students their first six weeks assessment and the data was not promising.  I was able to identify some additional TEKS that I can target in upcoming small group lessons.  I believe that as the students become more accustom to the routine then I will begin to see improvement in each of the students’ academic performance.   Likewise, I plan on interviewing students, parents and teachers to see how they perceive small group instruction and if they feel it is making an impact on increasing student academic performance.

Week 5 Reflection

When I began this course, EDLD 5301 Action Research I was a bit intimidated.  The title itself instilled negative connotations of reading literature reviews, and journals.  However to my surprise I learned that Actions Research is completely the opposite to my previous understanding.  Action Research is a professional development tool that allows educators to work collaboratively in  attempting to problem solve.  I also have a better understanding of the importance of reflection.  Every effective administrator using reflection to identify if they are headed in the correct direction as well as to verify if previous actions were successful or unsuccessful.  Overall, I enjoyed this class and look forward in applying what I learned in this upcoming school year.

Action Research Plan (Revised) week 4

Action Planning Template
Goal: Determine the effectiveness of small group math instruction and its impact on student performance. Objectives/Outcomes of Research: ·        To improve student achievement and learning for all students. ·        To improve scores of below grade level 5th grade math students. ·        To improve collaborative and cooperation to increase academic achievement. ·        To improve differentiation of instruction within the classroom.
Action Steps(s):	Person(s) Responsible:	Timeline: Start/End		Needed Resources	Evaluation
Review current research on small group instruction focusing on math.	Carson Baird	August 2013- September 2013		Literature Reviews/Course Readings Internet	Relevancy to topic and action research plan.
Analyze interpret STAAR assessment data to identify areas that will be targeted for small group instruction. (Quantitative Data)	Carson Baird  Grade-Level Department	End of August 2013- Mid September-2014		2011 STAAR Scores TEKS Eduphoria	TEKS that students missed 50% of will be identified.
Collaborated with grade level teachers to develop small group activities for the targeted TEKS.	Carson Baird Grade-Level Department	End of August 2013- Mid September-2014		STAAR assessment data TEKS	Meeting Minutes Lesson Plans
Observe teachers in the classroom to see if activities are implemented into small group instruction.	Carson Baird Grade-Level Department	End of August 2013- Mid September 2013		Observations Lesson Plans Digital Cameras	Observation Summaries Display pictures to share with stakeholders to show collaborative learning through small group instruction.
Create Interview Questions to identify success or problems with implementing small group instruction. (Qualitative Data)	Carson Baird	October 2013- May 2014		Interview Questions	Interview Question Responses
Interview students, parents of the students and teachers to see how they perceive if small group math instruction is impacting academic achievement. (Quantitative Data)	Carson Baird Student Focus Groups	Middle of January 2014- March 2014		Teacher Parent Student Interview Questions	Interview Question Responses
Teachers will actively monitor assessments and daily work to gain insight as to what TEKS students still need support or if they are improving. (Quantitative Data)	Carson Baird Grade Level Department	September 2013- May 2014		Laptop Eduphoria Grade book	Data from assessments and teachers grade books.
Math department will implement review stations before Math STAAR testing.	Carson Baird Grade Level Department	May 2014		Math Manipulative Resources required for each station.	Students will be required to complete activities for each review station.
Analyze common assessment and STAAR data and summary of teacher, parent, and student surveys.	Carson Baird Grade Level Department	May 2014		Copies of 2011-2012 AEIS report; Preliminary STAAR  Scores Eduphoria	Comparison table to assess areas of strengths and weakness in math.
Present Findings and recommendations with key stakeholders.	Carson Baird Grade Level Department Administrative team	June 2014	Staff Meeting Projector Power Point Presentation		Analyze the findings and determine the effectiveness of small group instruction and its impact on

Action Research Plan

Action Planning Template
Goal: Determine the effectiveness of small group math instruction and its impact on student performance. Objectives/Outcomes of Research: ·        To improve student achievement and learning for all students. ·        To improve scores of below grade level 5th grade math students. ·        To improve collaborative and cooperation to increase academic achievement. ·        To improve differentiation of instruction within the classroom.
Action Steps(s):	Person(s) Responsible:	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
Review current research on small group instruction focusing on math.	Carson Baird	August 2013- September 2013	Literature Reviews/Course Readings Internet	Relevancy to topic and action research plan.
Analyze interpret STAAR assessment data to identify areas that will be targeted for small group instruction.	Carson Baird  Grade-Level Department	End of August 2013- Mid September-2014	2011 STAAR Scores TEKS Eduphoria	TEKS that students missed 50% of will be identified.
Collaborated with grade level teachers to develop small group activities for the targeted TEKS.	Carson Baird Grade-Level Department	End of August 2013- Mid September-2014	STAAR assessment data TEKS	Meeting Minutes Lesson Plans
Observe teachers in the classroom to see if activities are implemented into small group instruction.	Carson Baird Grade-Level Department	End of August 2013- Mid September 2013	Observations Lesson Plans Digital Cameras	Observation Summaries Display pictures to share with stakeholders to show collaborative learning through small group instruction.
Create Interview Questions to identify success or problems with implementing small group instruction.	Carson Baird	October 2013- May 2014	Interview Questions	Interview Question Responses
Interview students and teachers to see how they perceive if small instruction is impacting academic achievement.	Carson Baird Student Focus Groups	Middle of January 2014- March 2014	Teacher/Student Interview Questions	Interview Question Responses
Teachers will actively monitor assessments and daily work to gain insight as to what TEKS students still need support or if they are improving.	Carson Baird Grade Level Department	September 2013- May 2014	Laptop Eduphoria Grade book	Data from assessments and teachers grade books.
Math department will implement review stations before Math STAAR testing.	Carson Baird Grade Level Department	May 2014	Math Manipulative Resources required for each station.	Students will be required to complete activities for each review station.
Analyze common assessment and STAAR data.	Carson Baird Grade Level Department	May 2014	Copies of 2011-2012 AEIS report; Preliminary STAAR  Scores Eduphoria	Comparison table to assess areas of strengths and weakness in math.