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.