My Action Research Plan Process

ACTION RESEARCH PLAN

                                                           

PROCESS OVERVIEW

EVALUATION OF INSTRUCTIONAL BENEFITS OF A TRADITIONAL/BLOCK SCHEDULE HYBRID

Jorge Aaron Lozano

*Note: Initially I planned to research reasons why students were late to their first period class.  After further discussions with my site supervisor and other administrators, I decided to change my topic/inquiry to reflect the one seen in this post.   

INQUIRY: 
Does the current traditional/block hybrid schedule in place
meet the instructional needs of all classroom teachers?

1. SETTING THE FOUNDATION

• To initiate a discussion about the current schedule, I will have a conversation with Mr. Pedro Trevino, scheduling administrator.  I will ask about general logistics of creating a master schedule and at what level (district or school level) are priority decisions made.  Some examples of these priority decisions may be the length of classes and justifications for the reason some teachers are assigned traditional periods or assigned blocks. 

• Next, I will ask similar inquiries and introduce my action research plan at the next SBDM meeting.  I have already asked already asked to be apart of the committee this year.  Additionally, I will introduce the plan at our next department meeting. 

2. ANALYZING DATA 

• Data will be gathered from surveys given to three teacher sample groups, focus groups with students, relevant scholarly articles using AASA, NASSP, NAESP, Lamar resources and PSJA Memorial High School/PSJA ISD student assessment statistics.  

• Likely findings will include insight for my inquiry question and provide a catalyst for any change necessary for improvement. 

3. DEVELOPING DEEPER UNDERSTANDING

• To develop a deeper understanding, I plan to hold second interviews with Mr. Trevino to discuss results from our initial findings. 
• Additionally, deeper understanding can be established through interviews with counselors, the campus principal, the dean of instruction and students within specific special population groups. 
• Literature and educational blogs will also be utilized for this step.

                                

4. ENGAGE IN SELF-REFLECTION

• Throughout the process, I understand that self-reflection is important.  I will ask myself the following questions:
• Will changing the master schedule for the fourth year in a row-- if proven necessary through my action research--help or harm teachers’ need for consistency in the classroom?
• Am I able to initiate change at the district level, affecting four large high schools within our district?
• Do I have the time management abilities to successfully conduct this research?
• Will administrators at both school and district levels accept my findings and ideas?
• Can I develop the skills necessary to initiate change?

5. EXPLORING PROGRAMMATIC PATTERNS

• To formulate more definite solutions, I plan to consult the following individuals:
• Ms. Judith Solis, Campus Principal and Site Supervisor
• Mr. Pedro Trevino, Scheduling Administrator
• Data and the resulting solutions, if needed, will be reviewed.
• Through our meetings, I hope they provide me with the sufficient resources and guidance necessary move forward with my findings and solutions.

6. DETERMINING DIRECTION

• Before I move forward I will ask myself the following questions:
•  Have you adequately addressed the skills and resources questions?
• Have you established a collaborative approach to the issue?
• Are your timelines realistic?
• Do you have a reasonable plan to monitor the project?
• Do you have a reasonable plan for determining the level of success – how do you evaluate if the plan is effective?
• How will you revise and improve the plan based on monitoring and evaluation? 

7. TAKING ACTION FOR SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT 

To organize a committee, I will seek help from the four large high schools in our district.  I will present the findings to them and seek their assistance if they are in agreement with the solutions or change set in place. 

Using the suggested written plan of action template, we will move forward with the action research plan.

8. SUSTAIN IMPROVEMENT

• Keep an open mind to any lessons learned throughout the action research process. 
• Share results and processes with colleagues using my blog.
• Use the opportunity to share action research planning with coworkers.

Action Step	Person Responsible:	Timeline:	Needed Resources:	Evaluation:
1. Survey three sample group of teachers.	Jorge A. Lozano	Jan. 16th - 20th	-Survey Monkey (possibly) -Surveys -Teachers	-Evaluate Legitimacy of Results
2.Conduct focus group with various students.	Jorge A. Lozano	Jan. 26th - 27th	-Counselors -Students	-Evaluate Legitimacy of Results
3. Research scholarly articles for insight.	Jorge A. Lozano	Jan. 30th - Feb. 3rd	-Various Scholarly Internet Databases	-Evaluate Relevance to Topic
4. Interview district and school administrators in charge of scheduling.	Jorge A. Lozano	Feb. 8th - 10th	-Interview Questions -District and School Scheduling Administrators	-Evaluate Legitimacy of Results
5. Compare student assessment scores in regards to their scheduling.	Jorge A. Lozano	Feb. 13th - 24th	-Dean of Instruction	-Evaluate Relevance to Topic
6. Evaluate data.	Jorge A. Lozano	Feb. 27th - March 9th	-Microsoft Office	-Does data provide relevant insight