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.