Survey goes out

Today I completed the freshmen teacher survey and sent the link out to the teachers.  I am curious to see what the responses will be: Below are the questions from the teacher survey:

1. What type of a middle school experiences do you think would prepare a student for 9th grade?

2. How do you think the transition from middle school to high school could be made better or easier so students have a better chance to be successful academically in high school?

3. What would your advice be regarding classes and class work to incoming freshmen students?

4. List any teaching stratigies that you find useful when working with freshmen?

5. If a student that failed your class had the opportunity to start the year over, what is one thing you would tell this student that might help them to be successful in your class?

At the beginning of this course, I did not understand the components of an action research project.  Through the discussions with fellow classmates, lecture videos, and the weekly readings, I have a greater understanding of the steps in creating a successful action research project.     

The action research process

During this weeks assignment I was constantly adjusting and making corrections to my action research plan.  I have learned that this a living document and as I work through the process of refining the plan I am having a hard time staying on task.  New inquiry is creating new research ideas.  This is truly what life long learning is about.

Action Research- Reducing the failure rate of ninth grade students in core/foreign language classes.

SCHOOL VISION: We believe that everyone can learn. We are committed to promoting a secure environment where all work together toward achieving our potential and
where all succeed.


GOAL: The goal of the researcher is to identify strategies that lead to a reduction of
the failure rate in core classes and foreign language for ninth grade students.

OUTCOMES		ACTIVITIES		RESOURCES/ RESEARCH TOOLS NEEDED	RESPONSIBILITY TO ADDRESS ACTIVITIES	TIME LINE
The outcome of this research is that ninth grade students increase success in core/foreign language classes. Assessment Students will be assessed through failure reports, report cards and progress reports. Revisions to SIP/PIP based on monitoring and assessments: If students do not meet the required passing rates, then the appropriate staff will re-evaluate what they are doing and make the necessary improvements.		Create a tutoring program designed for ninth graders to address their academic needs which will achieve the following: -Identify ninth grade students that are struggling in core/foreign language classes -provide tutoring information and in-school extra help through an established academic lab for struggling students.		Survey questions for students. Student failure reports. Professional development to address instructional methods to improve ninth grade student's success. Survey ninth grade teachers to see what strategies work with freshmen students. Additional support for the in-school academic lab.	Ninth Grade Core/Foreign Language Teachers, Administrators, Curriculum Instructional Specialist.	March 2012- October 2012 March 2012 Identify Ninth Grade students that failed core/foreign language during the first semester. Develop survey questions April 2012 Survey ninth grade teachers to get additional strategies for making freshmen successful. Survey the ninth grade students that failed to determine what strategies would have helped them to be successful
		Identify strategies for bridging the academic gap between middle school and 9th grade. During the incoming freshmen orientation implement strategies to improve freshmen success. -survey 9th grade students to get suggestions that would have helped the transition from middle school to the ninth grade. Using an electronic survey or hard copy.				May 2012 Compile data from student surveys. Create a strategy list for implementation at the incoming ninth grade orientation. August 2012 Implement strategies at the incoming freshmen orientation for ninth grade success. October 2012 Check failure reports at the first nine weeks. Compare and analyze data.

Where do I find my wonderings and questions?

During week 2 we further discussed action research and its importance in developing your inquiry as a principal.  In the Dana Text Leading with Passion and Knowledge the author points out nine passions for inquiry: Staff Development, Curriculum Development, Individual Teacher, Individual Student, School culture/climate, Leadership, Management, School Performance, Social Justice.  One area that is of particular interest to me is Staff Develoment.  I think that this is one of the most important tools that a principal can use to gain the repect and support of the staff.  I am interested in researching ideas and comparing practices from schools that percieve their prinical as an effective administrator.  I have sat in many staff developments that were clearly just to fill up time. 

How blogs can benefit educational leaders.

Since a blog is an online posting of your professional thoughts you can collaborate and support educators outside the walls of your school.  Blogs give us the chance to share our insights, issues, and ideas in a forum that we and other educators can read and contribute to.  Blogging also gives us a chance to relect upon our practices so we can become better at the things we do on a daily basis. 

Action Research

Action research is the process of a principal engaging in systematic, intentional study of his/her own administrative practice and taking action for change based on what he/she learns as a result of the inquiry.  Action research usually refers to research intended to bring about change of some kind, usually with social justice focus.  It is a continual set of reflection and action.  The steps to successful action research are as follows: Identify the problem that needs to be solved, formulate action strategies for improving the situation or solving the problem, implement the action strategy and evaluate there effectiveness, clarify the situation, resulting in new problems being identified which starts the process over.  It is a continual refining of situations to keep up with today’s ever changing educational environment.   Through action research administrators gain a better understanding of why they act and make decisions.  Understanding this decision making process allows them to improve the overall school environment.  Another reason to use action research as an administrator is to establish effective staff professional development that focuses on student achievement, supports the reflective process, and provides opportunities to work, discuss, and solve problems with peers.