Action Research Project Summary

The implementation of my project began during the second grading cycle of the 2012-2013 school year and ran until the fourth grading cycle. All eighth grade students were invited to participate, however other students were identified after the first six weeks grading cycle as those needing extra practice and intervention. Criteria used were six week grades and teacher recommendation. Eighth grade students participated in an afternoon session for science and social studies for one day a week using Study Island, an online computer program. Students voluntarily participated in this program—it was not required.
        
Attendance was consistent for those involved and students told me that this program was helping them especially in science. One student in particular exuberantly exclaimed to me that she had made an A on a recent science test. Other students said that these sessions were helping them become successful in science. Even though some of the students found the social studies sessions difficult, they also found success in the regular classroom.
           
Implementation ended because my principal began a different school intervention for all grade levels to prepare them for the upcoming STAAR test. This intervention was an effort to fulfill a needed intervention because of our campus's low academic rating. Since my students also fell into the criteria for this intervention, they were no longer available to participate in the voluntary Study Island sessions. I had to stop its implementation. My students expressed their disappointment of having to discontinue.        

What I still need to do is gather data and analyze it to prove whether or not the Study Island sessions helped my students. I plan to use benchmark tests, six weeks cycle grades, and Study Island session grades. Additionally, writing more of the report is also a task that needs completing.

EDLD 5363 - Web Conference Reflections

Week 1 – Tuesday, June 5, 2012

On Tuesday, June 5, 2012, I attended a web conference. I had technical difficulties at first and finally could only listen to the conference, which was acceptable to me at the time. I was able to understand the assignment a bit more clearly because of the questions from attendees and also further discussion from Dr. Abernathy. I am impressed and delighted to know that Dr. Abernathy is very willing to help her students with whatever problem that arises. I look forward to the next four weeks as they unfold. These conferences will certainly help me resolve any issue that may arise.

Week 2 – Saturday, June 16, 2012

I attended the web conference for Week 2 on Saturday, June 16, 2012. Dr. Abernathy clarified questions that were asked about this week’s assignment. I was also glad that she talked in detail about the assignment for weeks 3-5. Attending these conferences gives me the opportunity to ask questions that will help clarify any confusion or misunderstanding with the written courseware. Also, I like being able to hear and see the professor—this makes the class more personal.

Week 4 - Sunday, July 1, 2012

I viewed the web conference for Week 4. Many of the questions asked touched on my own concerns. Dr. Abernathy was very personable and answered those questions so that I clearly understood what was expected for our final project submission. I am glad that Dr. Abernathy is very willing to be available to all her students so that they can be successful. She said that she is not a “gotcha” kind of teacher, but one who will work with her students to be successful.

Digital Story

This is a story of making plum jam in June of 2012.

Reflections for EDLD 5362 – Informational Systems Management

This course was a challenging one for me—especially the last assignment. My presentation was hard to download with the sound. I was learning how to do create it with dialog and then download it to the website. I did all this by trial and error. 

I found it rather interesting, however, to learn about the SIS my district uses, as well as technology plans in general. I am glad to have reflected on a classroom for the future. Also, I performed lots of research as a result of all the course assignments throughout this course which caused me to be more knowledgeable about technology plans.

Technology Plan for EDLD 5362 - Information Systems Management

A Plan for Technology

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Final Reflections - 5301 Research

This research course helped me to think more deeply and decisively about my research plan. I noticed that my inquiries are becoming more automatic. As Dana stated, my wonderings have been happening through “real-world observations, dilemmas, felt difficulties, and passions” (Dana, 2009).

I am glad to have the experience of participating in the video conferences. They have been especially helpful to me because I realize that my classmates are experiencing some of the same things as I. Some comments expressed were the same I had actually thought. Dr. Abshire was especially personable and helpful. She was very knowledgeable and always made positive and encouraging comments.

Using the templates to write the action plan helped me to firmly decide what actions I will use. I was compelled to think about conclusions and my research question as well as the other topics needing clarification. By projecting these actions and writing them on paper has prepared me ahead of time of its actuality. Through this process, my research will be more deliberate in my reporting of results.

I was able to sit down and collaborate with my site supervisor. This meeting produced a consensus on the final action plan, which changed from the original intent. Comments from classmates on this blog about my action plan prompted me to be more specific. So, I broke down the actions into smaller steps. Now my research plan is easier to follow and carry out.

Dana, N. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: The principal as action researcher. Thousand Oaks: CA, Corwin Press.

Action Plan - Revised