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.

Real Life Action Research Week 2: Reflection

      This week I took a deeper look at action research project/inquiry.  I needed to identify a problem or “wondering” that was specific to my campus but would also increase student performance.  In the interviews that I watched I remember Dr. Chargois stating that “action research is a study using technology to gather share and act upon relevant and timely information which will positively affect student achievement” (Chargois 2013).  I chose to examine the impact of small group instruction on academic achievement.  I will target 5^th grade math students who are below grade level.  I also realized that my topic fell under more than one of the nine administrator passions.  My action research topic could be classified under Curriculum Development, Individual Teacher or Individual Student.  I added a specific target area therefore I believe my topic fits best under Individual Student.  I believe that all stakeholders will benefit from this study because it will provide data that gives educators a clear directions in which instructional practice can be used to increase student achievement.

Chargois, T. (Interviewee). (2013, July 22). Interview 2, Dr. Timothy Chargois. [Embedded Video] Retrieved from https://www.luonline.blackboard.com/

How educational leaders use blogs

Educational Leaders can use blogs in a number of ways.  The most frequently use of blogs is a tool of communication.  Blogs can be used by administrators to communicate to the faculty, staff, parents and students.  Likewise, teachers can communicate assignments and lessons through blog posts.  Blogs can also be used as a reflective tool.  Educational leaders can use blogs to write reflections.  These archived post can be great resources for others to leave comments or share experiences.