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.