Reflections Of ELDL 5301

At the beginning of this course ELDL 5301, I had no idea of the coursework. The first week’s assignment talked about action research, a word that I had heard from my peers before but had no clue what it actually meant.  This coursework provided me the basic understanding to in-depth knowledge of “Action Research”.

              The videos by Dr. Jenkins and Dr. Arterbury were very helpful to understand the various aspects of “Action Research”. Dr. Arterbury and Dr. Jenkins suggested great ideas in the videos to draft and guide the action research plan. Some of the ideas included are choosing a topic that is relevant to the student’s progress, staying on topic, starting with general idea and moving towards specific details, and improving action research plan through collaboration. It was through watching these videos I understood the practicality of action research as well as the impact action research can have on a school district, its campuses and student achievement.

              The books for this course, “Leading with Passion & Knowledge: The Principal as Action Researcher” by Nancy F. Dana along with “Examining What We Do to Improve Our Schools: 8 Steps from Analysis to Action” by Sandra Harris et al both shared a wealth of information. Although both the books shared information about action research but personally I felt that Harris et al 8 Steps from Analysis to Action offered concrete and easy to follow structure of action research. The Harris text proposes eight steps in a school improvement action research plan. The part that really helped me to gain deeper understanding through Harris et al text was the reflections questions or tools at end of each step. These tools provided me with detailed understanding of action research and the steps that are involved in the successful implementation of action research plan.
             The discussion board and comments from other fellow students was very beneficial tool when working on assignments and activities. It provided instant feedback and gave time to make changes to the assignment or activity based on feedback.

           Last but not the least the exchange of ideas and information through use of blogs had been very effective. With help of blogging I was able to communicate with others in my class as well as followers outside of my class and rely on responses and feedback from them as well on any suggestions or changes that needed to be made to my Action Research Plan. Being able to blog and apply to my coursework has been a fun experience.

           The materials and resources received from this course definitely made the process of implementing Action Research Plan smoother. I will apply the information and knowledge gained from the Action Research plan process not only in my current research plan but also in future plans to better meet the needs of my campus and improve the student achievement.

Action Research Plan Revised

Action Research Project Title- Reducing the Racial Gap in a Science & Engineering

Setting the Foundation- The goal of my action research project is to increase the number of Caucasians and Asians at my campus. Last year my district received a federal grant for its elementary campuses. The main goal of the grant was to reduce the racial gap that occurred throughout the district and to offer equal opportunities to all its students. All the elementary campuses had open enrollment process and students/ parents could choose any school across the district irrespective of their zonal boundaries.  Different elementary campuses chose different themes to attract different ethnic populations.  The theme my campus chose was Science & Engineering. But  despite many efforts, the school was not able to attract Caucasians and Asians. The school population stayed the same after the first year of the grant predominantly Afro-American and Hispanics. My action research is based on finding new ways to attract different ethnicities that are reluctant to join my campus.

Analyzing Data- Analyzing the surveys from the different focus groups and also comparing the school enrollment data for year 2011-12 with 2012-13 school year. The data will show how recruitment efforts have increased or affected the enrollment data for upcoming school year.

Developing deeper understanding-Analyzing the survey from the parent focus group and then basing my recruitment efforts based on the suggestions of the focus group. I would also improve my plan based on the interview of the focus group of the target population.

Engage in self-reflection-

Questions include:

• What are some of the factors that prevent Caucasians and Asians from enrolling at my campus?
• What are some important factors parents take in consideration while choosing an elementary campus?
• What recruitment efforts worked and what didn’t work?
• Can involving community members/ businesses help to increase recruitment of the target population?

Exploring programmatic patterns- After analyzing the data collected from surveys and enrollment data for the upcoming year, I will devise a plan to improve my efforts. Additionally, new strategies that can help to reach the set goal along with strategies that worked will be considered. Consult Administrators, teachers, community members and create a committee that believes in the same goal and vision of school improvement.   

Determining Direction- The direction will be determined based on the enrollment data from 2012-13 school year. If the data shows an increase in the enrollment of target population continue the efforts and apply more rigor. But if the data doesn’t show any improvement then with the help of recruitment committee devise new plans to improve the recruitment efforts.

Taking action for school improvement-

Outcome	Activities	Resources/Research Tools Needed	Responsibility To Address Activities	Time Line	Benchmarks/ Assessments	Revisions to SIP/PIP based on monitoring and assessments
Increase awareness about schools and  the program it has to offer	Make presentations at day cares, churches, and other public places to create awareness about the school and the great program it offers	PowerPoint presentation, Day cares, Churches	Divya Nagpal -Principal -Parent liaison	4 weeks	-not applicable-
Increase public awareness about schools achievements	Highlighting schools achievement in local newspaper	The Daily News, Online newspapers	-Divya Nagpal -Teachers -Students	2011-2012	-not applicable-
Increase community involvement in school activities	Inviting community members to Earth day/ Science Olympiad	local businesses, local organizations, parents of kids in different schools	Divya Nagpal -Teachers -Students -Parent liaison -Principal	May 2012	-not applicable-
Improve the public awareness based on qualitative data	Survey parents on the factors that help them make decision about their child’s school	Survey Monkey	Divya Nagpal - Parent focus group -Principal	2 weeks	-not applicable-
Improve the public awareness based on qualitative data	Survey parents is the location of school a limiting factor	Survey Monkey	Divya Nagpal -Parent focus group -Principal	1-2 weeks

Sustain improvement- Continue to promote, reflect and change incentive program as needed to sustain improvement. Things may change along the way so it is important to always look at the data to ensure continued success. After seeing the improvement in enrollment data at the beginning of 2012-13 school year meet with Superintendent and get his approval to give extra credit/points to the students who are in  Science & Engineering Elementary campus  to join STEM middle and high school.

Reflection Week Two ELDL 5301

The information shared by all the three scholars in their videos about action research was very informative. There research was focused on teachers, schools and school districts being data driven with the overall goal to improve student performance. The scholars whom I chose are-

Dr. Johnny Briseno, Principal, Rancho Isabella Elementary, Angleton ISD

Dr. Kirk Lewis, Superintendent, Pasadena ISD

Scholar: Dr. Johnny Briseno, Principal, Rancho Isabella Elementary, Angleton ISD

Area/Topic for action research: Data driven action research

Purpose of Action research: The teachers should not only look at quantitative data but also qualitative data to determine what factors impact student’s performances. The data should help these teachers to find ways to support the students. Dr.Briseno also suggested if teachers encounter a problem they should Google it and read about their areas of concern and by doing so they may find a solution others schools might have found to the similar problem.

Reflection: I learned that I should try to look up for the solution or good starting point to the existing problem in school by researching for solutions from other districts that might have encountered the similar problem and save time and energy.  Sharing the information with the staff for everyone’s benefit is also a great take away from this video.

Scholar: Dr. Kirk Lewis, Superintendent, Pasadena ISD

Area/Topic of action research:  Expectation Graduation.

Purpose of Action research: The purpose of action research was to make sure 9^th grade students would graduate on time. The teacher will collect and analyze data for whole district, the campus and the each individual student to support the individual needs. The alignment/realignment of curriculum should be an area of focus for the teachers to ensure each student succeed and graduate on time.

Reflection: The teachers should be willing to change their ways of delivering instruction so that needs of every student are met. Reflection by teachers on what things are working and what’s not working is the best way to bring in a change. And finally the analysis of data to help students is critical for success of all students.

How educational leaders might use blogs

Blogs are an easy and great way to share, collaborate and grow in today’s technology savvy world. The administrators can design staff meetings, student discussion forums and parent meetings with help of blogs. They are great way to connect with community while gaining feedback from teachers, students and parents. Blogs can benefit educational leaders by providing a resource for experiences, actions, and reflections in today’s 21^st century world. Thus by creating blogs administrators can set an example and encourage teachers to utilize blogs in an effort to keep up with the learning styles of today's student.

Action Research Reflections

Action research refers to systematic approach of identifying a problem, analyzing and collecting data and finally devising a solution with the help of people who understand the school and have an interest in improving the school environment. Hence, action research focuses on the concerns of the experts within the school system, be it a teacher, principal, parent, or an administrator, and not an outside professional. These people devise a solution that aligns and articulates with the shared vision and goals of the campus.

Action research differs from traditional educational research in which outside experts identify the solution to the problem based on the scientific research and seeks to answer questions and determine course of action applicable in a general setting or for a general audience. The solution is not tailored to the needs of the school but the school chooses to use the solution to the problem in hope that it will solve the problem. This solution always has the risk that the problem may become worse rather than getting better. On the other hand action research is inquiry performed by leaders of school who hold a vested interest in the improvement of the school.

The examples of how action research can be applied in educational settings include professional learning communities, leadership teams, and university coursework.

• Professional learning communities – allow groups of professionals to connect and network to learn from each other’s practice and collaborate towards a shared vision for school change and improvement. A campus-based learning community brainstorms and seeks solutions for academic gains for students. An example of principal inquiry in a PLC at my campus was actions faculty undertook to improve writing achievement for their students. Through the use of protocols they addressed the problem and took actions to address that. Each grade started supporting the writing by devoting, “write time” every day for journal writings for 20 minutes. After one year of different actions we saw a tremendous improvement in the writing levels of students and an increase in writing scores in the standardized test.
• Leadership teams - allow groups of professionals to work with issues that must be addressed at the campus. The team consists of principal, campus administrators, and teachers.   The team can focus and share concerns with administrators. It plays a key role in improving school outcomes by influencing the motivations and capacities of teachers, as well as the school climate and environment. Effective school leadership is essential to improve the efficiency and equity of schooling.
• University coursework - allow groups of professionals to share their experiences with colleagues which enhances inquiry.  

Some of the benefits of action research are it allows teachers to grow and gain confidence in their work. Action research influence thinking skills, sense of efficacy, willingness to share and communicate, and attitudes toward the process of change. Through action research, teachers learn about themselves, their students, their colleagues, and can determine ways to continually improve.

References:

Dana, Nancy F. (2009). Leading with Passion and Knowledge: The Principal as Action

Researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA:Corwin.

Harris, S., Edmonson, S., and Combs, J. (2010). Examining what we do to improve our schools: 8 steps to improve our schools. Eye on Education Press.

E-rate Technology Plan: Galveston Independent School District

View more PowerPoint from dnagpal

Webconference-EDLD-5306/Week 5

 This was the final web conference for the EDLD 5306 course. The conference was very helpful. Ms.Borel discussed the Internship Plan and the Principal Competencies and Skills Chart. This presentation answered many questions I had. The examples she mentioned for some of the activities were very helpful in developing Internship plan and the Principals Competencies and Skills Chart. She also explained what documents needed to be uploaded to TK20. The presentation was small as compared to other conferences as Ms. Borel gave us time to clarify any queries we had. The discussions between the other students and Ms.Borel answered many questions which were very informative. After the conference I was confident that my internship plan will finish in time. Overall, the course provided me with information about technology applications and usage in 21^st century classrooms.