Action Research Plan

Goal: The literacy coach effectively supports the teachers in the implementation of the new reading curriculum

Outcomes:
1. Uniformity in curriculum implementation
2. EOY, TPRI reading scores at or above the previous year
3. Teachers feel supported with guidance and resources

Activities:
1. Weekly grade level curriculum planning meetings
2. Professional development in the 5 components of reading
3. Co-teaching, model lessons, make and take workshops

Resources:
1. Team leaders, time, reading materials
2. Presenters from Region X and Macmillan
3. Materials for creating activities, schedule for literacy coach

Time line:
August-May

Benchmarks:
1.Campus benchmarks
2. BOY, MOY, EOY TPRI results
3. Surveys and interviews with teachers

Week 2

The major concept that stood out for me this week was that there are so many areas to grow in. So many things to think about and improve upon. Narrowing down a broad idea into a specific question or area of inquiry is not as easy as it seems. I find it hard not to get derailed while pondering! Staying focused and specific during my investigation will be my key to success!

Action Research

Action research is unlike traditional research in many ways. Traditional research typically comes from researchers outside of the school building. They have a specific agenda such as implementing new curriculum. This agenda may or may not be pertinent to what your school needs. Administrators are expected to follow the directions given without much input of their own. Action research begins with a "wondering" from the administrator herself. One way to ensure commitment and consistent effort to the research project is to formulate your study around something you must do anyway. The administrator sees an issue on her campus and proceeds in a systematical and intentional study. This study includes the collection of data, data analysis, reading relevant literature, making changes as needed, and sharing new information. Key components to a good action research question are clarity, and conciseness. The plan must also be "doable." Action research is a process which requires reflection. Reflection is essential when determining what is working and what is not. Action research is a work in progress so to speak. Action research can be done in different educational settings. These settings include university coursework, superintendent or district meetings, leadership teams, and professional learning communities. The time for such a project must be planned and consistent for positive results. Although such research must be intentionally constructed and constantly reworked it is vital to the professional health of the educator.

Educational leaders can use blogs to stay connected to one another. These blogs can be used as public foruums to initiate dialogue among educators with the same interests. Blogs provide an arena for collaboration between a wide variety of individuals and can be used to share ideas, thoughts, and "wonderings".