Action Research Week 2

This is getting more interesting as I go along!  I'm really enjoying this process!  This week I watched interviews from Dr. Johnny Briseno, Principal at Rancho Isabella Elementary School in Angleton ISD.  He was very informative regarding using both qualitative and quantitative research regarding action research.  What are the facts, what are the details?  He encouraged his staff to communicate with one another about the personalities of each class of students and share things like, what works and what does work with each class so the teachers are prepared.  I had an "ah ha!" moment when he said to Google problems that I may be facing in the classroom because there may be other teachers, campuses or districts that encountered the same problems and found a solution that worked.  I loved it!!  Duh!  

I also watch a video from Dr. Kirk Lewis who is a Superintendent at Pasadena ISD.  He was focused on practical research.  It makes so much sense!  All parties involved in practical action research will benefit from it!  It makes it interesting, the person doing the research is more focused and it will benefit the students on the campus.  Great suggestion!

I spoke with Josh about my action research project and we decided I should focus on the following:  In what ways will differentiating instruction help improve the Math STAAR scores?  What DI strategies are most beneficial in improving the scores?  As I proceed with this, I think I can pull in my other idea for action research because our Advocacy classes are a school wide focus.  If I can get my teachers on board with having at least 10 minutes of math practice during advocacy, I think we can really improve the scores!  That topic is:  What actions can the school take to improve the Math STAAR scores?  How can the Advocacy classes be used to foster the needs of students struggling with specific Math concepts?

Loving this class!