5301 - Research - Initial Post

What I have learned about action research and how I might be able to use it:
Through this week's readings and studies, I have learned that action research is not the same as traditional, go to the experts, read, and copy what they do research.  It requires the researcher to act in a systematic way by gathering data, analyzing it, and comparing it to industry literature so that one may be introspective regarding one's actions so that he/she may make improvements.  I really like that it is consistent with guidelines and suggestions for effective principal professional development.  I am constantly working to make sure that I am keeping up to date and that I never stop learning.

I can use action research through the use of leadership teams.  By strategically selecting administrators and teachers who all have an interest in the betterment of the school, we can share, collaborate, compare, and problem-solve together in order to systematically make improvements to the school.

I can also use action research through the development of a professional learning community.  Currently, that does not take place with the regularity that it should.  It is extremely important for small groups of teachers to get together to study and compare with one another more effective teaching and learning practices.  I learned a great deal about the parameters that are set with regard to PLC's to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in providing the best instruction for all learners.

How educational leaders might use blogs:
Educational leaders can use blogs as an effective communication tool with other teachers, students, and parents.  It is a platform by which they can express their viewpoints in a professional, yet honest manner regarding educational policies, legislation, best practices, and hot topics.  It can also be a unique way to share positive occurrences that the educational leader encounters to serve as a motivating tool for the blog's readers.

EDLD 5301 Action Research Plan

Below is my action research plan.  I have undergone some changes in employment from a campus administrator to a consultant at a region service center in the recent past.  Because of this, I chose to conduct an action research plan that is applicable and appropriate given these circumstances.  Further, I feel like this topic is extremely relevant and valuable at a time when there are still quite a few educators and non-educators alike who are unfamiliar with charter schools.  It is my hope that I can shed some light on the subject through my action research project.  Feedback is certainly welcomed.

Thank you,

Billy Schewee

Tool 7.1 Action Planning Template
Goal:  The goal of this research is to determine what advantages, if any, charter schools have over traditional public schools regarding student achievement.
Action Step(s)	Person(s) Responsible	Timeline:  Start/End	Need Resources	Evaluation
1. Gather quantitative data	Billy Schewee	October 2012-December 2012	*Choose three charter schools and three traditional public schools (one elementary, one middle, and one high school of each type)                                                             *AEIS data from each school from 2009-2011	*I will be looking at data from schools who have been in existence for at least the past three school years               *Break down demographics of each school                 *Is there any additional data that would be useful in answering the research question?  *Has my site supervisor approved the steps of analysis I plan to take when evaluating the data?
2. Complete quantitative data analysis	Billy Schewee	October 2012-April 2013	*AEIS data from each school from 2009-2011	*Evaluate data disaggregated by sub-populations       *Create a chart, graph, or other appropriate representation of data
3. Gather qualitative data	Billy Schewee	October 2012-December 2012	*Interview questionnaire completed by an administrator at each campus	*Create questionnaire for each administrator to complete
4. Complete qualitative data analysis	Billy Schewee	October 2012-Apil 2013	*Interview questionnaires completed by all administrators	*Review the answers given by administrators from each school
5. Determine results	Billy Schewee	April 2013-August 2013	*All previously reviewed resources and data determined from them	*Based on research data, I should be able to make a determination regarding whether or not there are, in fact, advantages to charter schools versus traditional public schools
6. Determine future concerns and suggestions	Billy Schewee	April 2013-August 2013	*All previously reviewed resources and data determined from them	*After reviewing data from action research plan, make suggestions for changes and/or improvements
7. Share research data and results	Billy Schewee	August 2013-August 2013	*All previously reviewed resources and data determined from them                              *PowerPoint for presenting research, data, planning and results	*Are the results produced from this action research plan understood by the intended audience?                   *Are suggestions for changes and/or improvements feasible and relevant?
Examining What We Do to Improve Our Schools             Sandra Harris, Stacey Edmonson, Julie Combs
Copyright Eye on Education 2010