Week 5 Observations

I have learned alot over the past five weeks.  Before this class, research was a dreaded topic.  The use of action research has changed my mind.  It is an ongoing process that continues to evolve the more you get into it.  I feel the use of action research will continue to provide opportunities for professional growth.

Week 4 Reflections

This week was very informative.  Thanks to those that posted comments.  They were a great help.  After reviewing everyone's comments, I felt a little more relaxed about the project.  The development of the plan sometimes feels more hectic than the actual plan.  I felt reassured that my plan was on the right track, but I also understand that glitches may arise at any moment.  I just hope too many don't show up.

Week 3 Reflections

This week's study was helpful in determining what direction my research will take.  It was good to put it down in writing and see waht areas I needed to put more attention.  It will be interesting to see how the plan will change as i progress through the project.

Action Research plan

Action Planning Template
Goal: To determine if our current credit recovery program is the best model to meet the needs of our students and enhance their learning.  Evaluate other programs to identify the best fits for our students
Action Steps(s):	Person(s) Responsible:	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
Identify the current expectations for the credit recovery program	Bill Wagner, Principal Karen Dooley, Counselor Ms. Calhoun, Nova Net teacher	February-March 2012	Framework of our current program Guidelines for the expectations of our credit recovery program	Identify if our current system aligns with the goals of the credit recovery program
Analyze the data regarding the success of the current program to date How many credits have been recovered?	Bill Wagner Karen Dooley Ms. Calhoun	February- March 2012	Number of students enrolled in the program and the number of credits recovered	Analyze the data to see if the program is successful in helping students recover credits that not been acquired in the regular classroom.
Create survey questions to obtain data from current students in the credit recovery program on the strengths and weaknesses of the current program and ideas for improvement	Brad Harbers Bill Wagner Karen Dooley	March-April 2012	Current program guidelines Number of students enrolled in the program	Analyze the student responses Categorize strengths and weaknesses Identify areas of improvement
Interview Ms. Calhoun Identify strengths and weaknesses of the program from a teacher perspective Identify any recommendations for improvement	Brad Harbers Ms. Calhoun	March 2012	Framework of our current program	Identify areas of strengths and weaknesses Compare responses to the responses of the students Align any recommendations to the goals of the program
Perform a needs assessment bases on responses and interview	Bill Wagner Karen Dooley Ms. Calhoun	April-May 2012	Data collected from interview and survey questions Goals of the program Framework and guidelines of our current model	Compile the data and identify areas of concern Align our current model to the goals of the program
Research other programs currently being used by other districts	Bill Wagner Karen Dooley	April –June 2012	Internet Other models currently being used Interviews with staffs from other districts using different models	Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of other programs Identify which program best aligns with the goals for our program Identify which program best meets the needs of our students