This week, I narrowed down my action research topic.
My three proposed action research topics to my supervising principal were:
1.) How effective is the Scottish Rite Video Tape Program (DTP), in remediating reading skills in students with dyslexia – district wide. After graduating from the dyslexia program, are students demonstrating growth on their 504 re-evaluations and passing Reading TAKS? What tools/programs could be implemented to boost student performance? 2.) Why are the African American males on campus not performing as well as their peers? What internal or external factors are affecting their performance? How can teachers and administration intervene and boost student performance within this demographic? 3.) Why has parent involvement decreased campus-wide? How can teachers and administrators actively recruit parents to volunteer for PTA, tutoring, etc)? Would more parent involvement boost student performance?
My supervising principal stated that she thought #2 was a more pressing issue at her campus.
Proposed Action Research Study
Purpose: Why are the African-American males on campus not performing as well as their peers? How long has this trend been present? What internal or external factors are affecting their performance? How can teachers and administrators intervene and boost student performance within this demographic?
Significance: All faculty and staff will benefit from this research in the sense that they will know WHY this subgroup is performing poorly and be better equipped with the knowledge on what areas they need to focus on in order to boost student performance. But foremost, the students of this research will benefit tremendously. After identifying the factors that are causing poor performance - I will be implementing, coordinating, and supervising an after school program for these students. We will target those areas identified in the study and monitor their progress through district benchmarks and curriculum assessments. Targeted areas will not only be academic, but will include motivational activities and social skills.
On reflecting over this past week, I really don't have much to say or blog about. I viewed three interviews with scholars that have received their doctorate from Lamar University. Listening to them and how they apply action research to their everyday duties was quite impressive. I read chapter two, The Passions That Drive Your Journey - Finding a Wondering, from Dana's Leading with Passion and Knowledge. I think the most significant thing that I learned this week was discovering the different areas that I could apply action research and realizing how relatively easy it was.
I am looking forward to getting my action research plan mapped out and continuing on this awesome adventure! I am becoming more comfortable with action research, but blogging on the other hand - I could use some help!
Amy -
ReplyDeleteI agree that I had no idea about the realm of possibilities there were in the action research world. It was a little overwhelming to see that almost anything in a school or classroom can be made into an action research project. I think the idea for your project is really interesting and I wish you the best of luck with it!
I find your action research really interesting because it's something we also have been discussing on our campus. Someone pointed out in the last meeting I was in that the brain doesn't see color-but it can usually be tied to economic standing. I am curious what the corellation is. Best wishes on your project-I look forward to seeing the results!!
ReplyDeleteHi Amy, you have presented your topic well. Finding the resolve to why African American males do not perform as well on TAKS or in school, for that matter, as their Caucasian counterparts is quite an undertaking. When we watch movies like "Lean on Me" or "The Great Debators" or "Gifted Hands" or any such films, we get the notion that merely pushing them to be their best will suffice. We know as educators though that - that is unrealistic. Pushing them, encouraging them, and not giving up on them for many years, is more a reality. I look forward to reading your results.
ReplyDeleteVery well done Amy! I, like everyone else find this topic very interesting. I know that we have talked before and have realized this this is the "million dollar" question. As you know I have been trying to research something similar. I will keep you up to date on my findings and hopefully we can help eachother out.
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