Action Research Revisited

I have made some progress toward completing my action research plan.  To date, I have generated, distributed and analyzed data from last year’s student survey regarding college and career preparation at PHS.  I have also compiled ACT/SAT scores from the previous two years and I am in the process of collecting scores from the current senior class.  With regard to AP scores, that is still a work in progress.  I have scores in all tested areas from the year before last, but still need to collect last year’s scores.  Within the coming months I plan on giving the staff a questionnaire relating to their opinions about college and career readiness at PHS.  I am scheduled to visit with the guidance counselor and discuss ways of tracking student success beyond high school.  Currently, we do not have a satisfactory method in place so accurate numbers of college success cannot be reported.  Since our district still uses CSCOPE, those standards will be included when discussing curriculum rigor and alignment.  The last details that need to be completed prior to the end of the school year are giving the current senior class their survey and combining the results of the college readiness benchmarks given in the fall and spring.  After all this is done, I can put the findings on paper and give my report to school stakeholders.  Even though I feel behind at this point, I am confident that I will meet my goal of having most of it complete by January.

Course Reflections

     Through this course, I have learned a wealth of knowledge pertaining to action research.  It is difficult to pick just one.  From the beginning, insight was provided through the scholar practitioner interviews.  My favorite interview was that of Dr. Timothy Chargois.  I felt the information he imparted was practical and relevant. 

     Both texts provided great insight, as well.  This was refreshing because some books are not user friendly.  Each highlighted a blueprint for developing an inquiry and working through the action research process.
     The creation of the blog served as a necessary tool during this course.  By posting my plan, I was able to receive useful suggestions to enhance my action research draft.  I do have to say that I impressed myself by having no issues in creating and posting to my blog.   
      As for my action research plan, after tweeking a few things I will be ready to begin my research journey!

Ramblings from Week 4

     This week provided an excellent opportunity to meet with my site supervisor to collaborate on my action research plan.  Through our meeting, we discussed various programs that are currently in place to help students become college and career ready.  Also, clarification was provided with regard to the types of certificates students may gain through our CATE department.  This new information will need to be included in my plan. Both of us are excited to see how this project is evolving and are equally excited to see the finished product!  I have included my CARE model below.  As always, please peruse and share any comments you may have. 

Examining What We Do to Improve Our Schools Sandra Harris, Stacey Edmonson, Julie Combs

Tool 8.1 CARE Model: Planning Tool

Identify Concerns that must change (look to the future)

(Assign points to concerns from 1 to 3 in the order of the most important issues to consider.)

1. What new courses can be offered to promote college readiness?

2. What new courses can be offered to our CATE department to enhance career readiness?

3.  Ensure continued rigor in all core and elective classes.

Identify Affirmations that must be sustained (look to the present)

(Assign points to affirmations from 1 to 3 in the order of the most important issues to consider.)

1.  Offer variety of Advanced Placement classes for students to choose from.

2.  Partnership with local community college establishes an avenue for students to obtain both college and high school credit. This opportunity is open to all juniors and seniors.

3.  Students may obtain certificates in cosmetology and welding.

SMART Recommendations that must be implemented:

(Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Timely)

(Assign points to recommendations from 1 to 3 in the order of the most important recommendations to implement.)

1.  Information gathered through various tools such as questionnaires, surveys, and collaboration is specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely.

2.  Research compiled through Internet is measurable, attainable, specific, relevant, and timely.

3.  Data collected from support entities (College Board, ACT, etc.) is specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely.

EVALUATE – Specifically and Often

(Identify the best ways to evaluate the implemented recommendations.)

1.  Surveys and questionnaires will be used to obtain data regarding appropriateness of curriculum, instruction, and programs offered.

2.  Interviews and collaborative meetings will promote authentic voice and practical discourse.

3.  Review researched data while seeking new information to enhance or support findings.

Action Research Project

What a week!  This week's assignment contained a vast amount of information regarding the action research process.  Through the readings, videos, and selected resources, I gained a deeper understanding of and appreciation for action research. Also, I have a better sense of direction and purpose.  Below is my action research planning template and overview.  Please peruse and provide feedback.  Thank you!

Action inquiries:
Is the curriculum used (CSCOPE & Advanced Placement) effective in college and career readiness preparation?  What measures are currently in place to determine college and career readiness?  

Action goal:  Ensure all students are college and career ready upon graduation from PHS

Action Planning Template
Goal: Establish measures in place to determine college and career readiness and ensure all students are college and career ready upon graduation from PHS.
Action Steps(s):	Person(s) Responsible:	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
Discuss action research topics with site supervisor	Site supervisor: Sherri Seaman, principal, Palacios High School Educator (me) Amy M Grange	January 2013	-Discussion -Action research plan -list of contact personnel (support resources)	Generate potential action research inquiries
Research online articles relating to chosen action research topic	Amy M Grange	February-March 2013	Internet, ACT data, SAT data, input from guidance counselor and site supervisor, College Board data, CSCOPE standards for CCRS, Texas CCRS	Evaluate compiled information to reach consensus. Specifically, evaluate ACT data; SAT data; College Board data; Review CSCOPE CCRS standards; review Texas CCRS; compare results from action research activities
Question senior students using a college interest questionnaire	Amy M Grange	March 2013	Questionnaire (questions generated from resources)	Review data to determine demographics, separate college from career paths; formulate a basis for the inquiry using student opinion from the inquiry, Do you feel you have been given the tools needed to succeed in future endeavors?
Survey a random pool of alumni to determine effectiveness of PISD curriculum and instruction	Site Supervisor Amy M Grange Guidance counselor	March- June 2013	Survey (Survey Monkey)	Identify a basis for the inquiry using post-graduation opinion from the inquiry- Do you feel you have been given the tools needed to succeed in collegiate or career endeavors?
Discuss what measures are in place to determine college and career readiness at PHS	Site Supervisor Amy M Grange Guidance counselor	March-April 2013	-Interview -College Board standards for Advanced Placement -STAAR standards for CCRS -CSCOPE standards for CCRS -Texas CCRS -AYP data -AEIS data	Establish what measures  currently in place to determine college and career readiness.  Discuss how these methods assist in determining a student’s current level college and career readiness.
Discuss what measures are in place to track data regarding post graduation college completion	Amy M Grange Guidance counselor	March 2013	-Interview	Establish what methods are currently in place to track post graduation college completion.  If none are established, what methods can be implemented for future data support?
Survey teachers regarding instructional methods used to prepare students for college or career path	Amy M Grange PISD teachers	March 2013	Survey (Survey Monkey)	Compile data examining the information given by teachers.  Based on questionnaire, what is the general feeling about the level of preparation students are receiving?
Administer college readiness benchmark- 2013	Amy M Grange	April 2013- current seniors	Test	Assess benchmark test results to determine level of readiness
Analyze ACT percentages & SAT percentages	Amy M Grange	March 2013 March 2014	-ACT local, state, and national percentage readiness chart -SAT local, state, and national percentage readiness chart	Using information received from ACT and College Board (SAT) regarding local readiness percentages as compared to state and national, determine where our students rate.
Analyze Texas CCRS, College Board AP standards, and  CSCOPE curriculum	Site supervisor myself	March – April 2013	Various forms of data- reports (AYP, AEIS, Advanced Placement report, ACT campus report, SAT reports), articles, standards	Compile information regarding the effectiveness of CSCOPE and its preparation for college and career readiness.  Compile information regarding the effectiveness of College Board standards on college readiness and determine how the Texas CCRS are embedded in CSCOPE and CB and if its implementation is effective.
Compilation of data to report form	Site supervisor myself	March 2013- 2015	Various forms of presentation- charts, graphs, PowerPoint, etc.	Analyze information gathered and check for accuracy.  Make adjustments as needed and create inquiry report
Review inquiry for further accuracy	Site supervisor myself	Summer 2014	-Data -Collaboration	Include additional information as needed
Share findings	Site supervisor myself	August 2015	-Final report -Discussion	Evaluate results; discuss possible solutions, if needed.

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

(Harris, Edmonson, and Combs, 2010)


Action Research Overview:

1.  SETTING THE FOUNDATION:

After discussing several topics with my site supervisor, together we identified a need to determine if our students are college and career ready upon graduation and if the knowledge they gain through their high school years contributes to post-graduation success.  As a campus, we spend a great amount of effort, time, and funds in supporting and enhancing the education of our students.  The idea of is  what we are doing as a campus/district effective in preparing PISD students for college and career pathways directly proportionate to what measures are currently in place to determine college and career readiness and to ensure all students are college and career ready upon graduation from PHS.

2.  ANALYZING THE DATA:

Data shall be collected using a myriad of sources, including scholarly resources via Internet.  Compiled information from past and present students and teachers will be used in the research process.  From this collection, the goal is to obtain insight and a deeper understanding of how our curriculum and instructional framework fosters college and career readiness.

3. DEVELOPING DEEPER UNDERSTANDING:

In an effort to include all stakeholders, data will be collected in a myriad ways throughout the process.  Through reviewing questionnaires, surveys, interviews, and data collected from research, a deeper understanding of the effectiveness of our curriculum and instructional framework to college and career readiness shall be gained.

4.  ENGAGE IN SELF REFLECTION:

The timeline for this process will be on-going and completed by 2015.  I plan on using a journal to document my progress and significant epiphanies.  Also, there may be times that I may need to modify my plan since this process will span over several months and new research may surface.  Engaging in self reflection is essential in evaluating and addressing needs, revising my path, understanding the impact of possible changes, and pondering my journey through my action research project.

5.  EXPLORING PROGRAMMATIC PATTERNS:

As I begin the action research process by collecting data and initiating activities, I will continue to collaborate with my site supervisor and other personnel in gathering information and identifying potential biases that may affect my inquiry.  Specifically, is what we are offering (AP classes) open to all students?  Does overall instruction embed higher level thinking strategies so that all students can benefit? Also, I will utilize various reports such AEIS to substantiate findings. Furthermore, realizing that some individuals may by unwilling to participate may lead to expanding or modifying the way data is collected.

6.  DETERMINING DIRECTION:

The direction I have chosen to take is practical, relevant, and flexible.  I am confident that I can follow my plan as devised while understanding that flexibility is required as time lines, potential revision, and stakeholder participation may warrant change.  Throughout the process, I must remain appreciative to those involved, flexible in receiving input, and welcoming to the opinions of others as these behaviors are crucial to the success of this project.  As a campus, we strive to educate each student to the best of our ability.  I feel that this inquiry will serve as justification to all our hard work.  

7. TAKING ACTION FOR SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT:

Using my action research plan, I will begin initiating the steps to gathering the data proposed.  Stakeholders will be identified and relied upon in the culmination process.  Through the course of this process, continual collaboration with the site supervisor shall take place.  To conclude, a comprehensive report will impart the outcome of my action research plan.

8. SUSTAIN IMPROVEMENT:

For my action research project to be effective and valuable, I would consider the stakeholders involved as a professional learning community seeking knowledge for the sustainability of our campus while using the voices of those we educate and tools such as the CARE model (Harris, Edmonson, and Combs, 2010, p. 97) to assist in measuring our goal.  I will actively share my results with all stakeholders and, of course, welcome feedback from all. 

                                                                         References

Harris, S., Edmonson, S., & Combs, J. (2009).  Examining what we do to improve our schools:  

     8 steps from analysis to action.  Larchmont, NY: Eye on Education.