Angel Massey's Action Research Plan

Action Research Plan
Setting- 3A Middle School/Private Christian School

Target Population--My target population will be special needs students who are struggling with reading and literacy skills. 

Reason—I will evaluate different ways that other districts have handled the severe problem of illiteracy in special needs students.  I will also study the results of the effectiveness of the Read 180 program in improving reading skills among general education students and special needs students at our district.  I will then research different programs that could help improve reading skills among this group of students. 

Sample Size—

There are 22 special needs students on my roster at the middle school where I will be studying and monitoring students.  The amount of students to be studied at the private school is undetermined at this time.



Action Research Activities-

I will perform studies on literacy programs that have worked in the past for other districts.  I will study the results of the Read 180 program throughout a 2-3 year period.  I will also use different tutoring techniques to assist in the development of an effective literacy program designed to increase reading fluency and skills for intellectually challenged students. 

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

·         I will collect data on the Read 180 program and how it has positively affected the reading literacy of special needs students over the past 2-4 years of being in that program. 

·         I will collect results of these student’s standardized reading test results ranging from the time they began the program to current data to see if the Read 180 program has caused a significant change in student accomplishment on reading TAKS tests. 

·         I will also use tried and tested tutoring techniques to help facilitate reading success among my special needs students. 

·         I will then compile a list of programs/techniques that have proved to be beneficial in facilitating reading fluency in mentally disabled and learning disabled students. 

ACTIVITIES TO ACHIEVE OBJECTIVES

·         Conduct a study of the positive effects of Read 180 at our district among special needs students.

·         Research whether or not the program has shown an increase in reading test results among this group of students.

·         Research other programs and tutoring techniques that have also shown significant improvement results that could prove to be more cost-effective than the Read 180 program.

·         Research ways that other districts have dealt with the problem of illiteracy among special needs students. 

Angel Massey

EDLD 5301

angelsadvice@rocketmail.com

I learned so many new things this week (week 2).  I learned how easy it is to do action research.  I learned a lot of new interesting ideas to do an action research project about.  I also learned more of the issues and problems that principals face in today's society.  I love it!  Life-long learning is what it's all about!

Action Research

• description of what you have learned about action research:

Action research is a way for principals to reflect on their own job performance and the performance of the functioning of their school as a whole.  Through action research, principals take the time to actually think about what problems and concerns are plaguing their campus, think about ways to change their campus for the better, search for data and resources that will help them figure out how to implement the changes, and study literature relevant to the transformational idea.  Instead of just posing as a manager at their school, it empowers principals to bring about positive and innovative change to promote the success of all.  This is an effective way for the principal to lead their campus in a transformational revelation, where every stakeholder learns the importance of life-long learning and research to stimulate personal and campus growth.  It helps administrators be the best that they can be at their job by reflecting on the true problems that they are having at their school and researching ways that could help bring about positive effects from techniques that have already been tried and tested in real-life situations. It also keeps principals focused on what changes are possible and probable, as well as, keeping them focused on leading the teaching and learning on the campus, instead of just posing as a manager who “puts out fires” all day.  It is also a way for them to seek for positive change on campus and evaluate their own and other’s performances.  Inquiry research involves the administrator posing valid questions and ideas, collecting and analyzing data involving those ideas, reading literature revolved around the ideas, and finally making the changes necessary to bring the ideas to life.  Once this all happens, they then share the results with others.  It also gives administrators a way to collaborate with other leaders in the hopes of motivating and helping each other make effective learning possible for every student. It is a way to constantly grow, change and evolve within your leadership position and model a sense of importance in growth and transformation in an ever-evolving, global society. 

• Next write an analysis of how educational leaders might use blogs:

I think that educational leaders might use blogs in many different ways.  They could, first of all, use them to perform action research, by collaborating with other leaders and bouncing ideas and recommendations off of one another.  They could also use a blog as a, somewhat, social network, where they can commune with other leaders about the daily grind and situations that happen to them on their campus.  Principals could also use blogs as a way to seek advice and counsel from fellow leaders. 

Angel Massey

EDLD 5301

angelsadvice@rocketmail.com