Action Research Plan (Detailed)

Research Question: How effective is our current professional development program in preparing general education teachers for the inclusion classroom? What support do the teachers need in order to implement effective strategies for learning in their classrooms?

Action Research Plan

Action Research Plan

Research Question: How effective is our current professional development program in preparing general education teachers for the inclusion classroom? What support do the teachers need in order to implement effective strategies for learning in their classrooms?

Action Steps:
1. Evaluate current professional development program and opportunities
2. Collect data from staff on professional development participattion, knowledge of inclusion practices, perceived weaknesses in the classroom.
3. Observe teachers to identify professional development needs.
4. Collaborate with special education teachers to discuss data collected.
5. Locate and/or develop professional development activities to address the identified needs.
5. Provide opportunities for teachers to attend professional development opportunities.
6. Re-evaluate professional development needs.

Needed Resources:
Current professional development plan, teacher surveys, faculty meeting time, observation time, professional development funds

Person's Responsible:
Research committee, campus administrators, special education staff, general education teachers, district personnel

Timeline:

Evaluation of current program: September 30
Data Collection: September 30
Collaboration with special education staff: October 15
Location and development of new professional development activities: November 12
Schedule teachers to attend: November 12 - the school year (June 5)

Evaluations and Assessments:
Summary reports of data collection
administrator and research committee meetings
observation notes
faculty meeting updates
monitor teacher participation in professional development

What I've Learned in Week 2 - Action Research

This week in EDLD 5301 Action Research, I have learned how to identify areas in education that could benefit from further research. Some of these areas include professional development, leadership, school climate improvement, school performance, and curriculum development. I have identified with many of the proposed topics in these categories. I understand that action research is conducted after a need has been identified by an administrator, teacher or other stakeholder. I have began the process of developing my own action research plan. I chose a topic that interest me and would benefit my campus. I look forward to participating in this process and feel that it will allow me to actively engage in an activity that will result in a positive change for my school.

How Educational Leaders Can Use Blogs

Blogs are a powerful data collection tool. Educational leaders can use blogs to reflect and evaluate their own practices and elicit feedback from their peers. Blogging is a form of professional development for educators. They provide a forum for collaboration on effective strategies, techniques, and plans for improvement. Blogs bring a variety of ideas and beliefs together that would otherwise never meet. Educators interested in refining and revising their way of thinking about teaching and learning find blogs an essential tool.

What I've Learned About Action Research And How I Will Use It

I have learned that action research is a valuable tool for teachers and administrators that are committed to improving their school and student achievement. Action research is a systematic approach to problem solving in which a question is posed to address a need, data is collected about strategies to make improvements, the changes are implemented and evaluated for their effectiveness and the effects are shared with the education community. The process promotes collaborative problem solving and leads to a positive collegiality among educators. Action research gives each member of the research team a sense of ownership in the outcome and results in the gaining of essential knowlege needed to make effective change and improve school success. Action research can be used in a variety of educational settings and is most effective when administrators and teachers engage in meaningful dialogue to identify a clear and consise, doable, complex question that relates to the issue. The process of action research provides educators professional development opportunities that will allow them to become life-long learners.