Action Research Plan

·         Goals and objectives/outcomes of the research investigation

Survey teachers to see what their knowledge is with using technology devices in the classroom. 

Research what teachers are actually doing currently to increase learning of special education students.

Train teachers on downloading and using apps to help special education students be more successful.

Research studies on the use of iPads for increased learning potential in special education students.

In what ways can using the iPads increase the students’ potential for learning.

Evaluate the direct effects that using the iPads have in meeting or exceeding the students’ educational needs.

·         Activities designed to achieve the objectives

Research iPad apps for special education students to find apps that are appropriate for learning. 

We will download apps to use on the iPads in each of the 4 core subject areas. We will also download apps to work with autism, adhd and speech correction.

·         Resources and research tools needed for data gathering

We will need 10 iPads(one for each teacher/student to use, applications to download to the iPads and reporting on each of the subject applications to retrieve data usage statistics.

·         Draft timeline for completion or implementation of activities

August – September 2013 – Download apps and train teachers

October 2013 – Students begin using iPads for instructional learning

March-April 2014 – Collect reports and begin analyzing data to determine if students are more successful in learning.

·         Persons responsible for implementation of the action research plan

Assistant Superintendent will monitor the overall of the action research plan, the Special Education director and the Special Education Coordinator at our high school will monitor each goal and the processes used to complete the action research plan. I will monitor the iPad usage and apps and training of the teachers and students on using the applications

·         Process for monitoring the achievement of goals and objectives

We have a baseline for student achievement from 2012-13 and will start with that baseline and see how it has improved from the use of the iPads in the 2013-14 school year.  We can also use data from the apps to determine student success     

·         Assessment instrument(s) to evaluate the effectiveness of the action research study

We will survey the special education teachers on the effectiveness of using the iPads in the classroom.

We will look at test results for the students’ to see if achievement is higher.

Week 2 reflection and action research project

I learned a lot this week about action research and figuring out some project ideas.  I came up with three ideas, but I think the opportunity that will best benefit my school district will be researching how does the use of iPads affect the learning ability of Special Education students? Educators will get training on the iPads and will gain professional development. In addition they will gain knowledge and training from Technology resources and allow for better collaboration This will also allow for a focused intervention for the sped students and integrate them into classroom learning.

We will be able to utilize the results to understand the benefits of using the technology and get a better understanding of the learning styles of the special education students. We will be able to compare 2012-13 learning results with 2013-14 results to prove that added learning ability by utilizing the technology in the classroom. 

How Can Educators Use Blogs

Blogs are a great way for educational leaders to keep parents and students involved with what is going on in the classroom, campus or district. Important information and events can be posted where parents/students can look at any time without having to contact someone at the campus.

I think educator to educator collaboration is a great use of blogs.  I think teachers can post items to share with other teachers.  Information posted can be shared easily and with our fast-paced society we need to be able to have information at the tips of our fingers. Sharing information in this manner allows people to post on their timeframe as well. 

Action Research Reflection and How to Use It

What I have learned about action research is that it is a reflective process that allows you to collaborate in groups and solve problems.  The need for bringing in outside sources to resolve problems is a thing of the past.  Administrators and teachers form groups to create learning and sharing thus improving ways to diagnose and resolve problems. This type of research is designed to take action on improving work practices by the knowledge is generated through action and may be individual, collaborative or school wide. These methods of action research allow educators to investigate any concerns within their classes or school. 

There are five guiding steps to applying action research. They are reflection (ask questions, identify problems or define an area to explore), select a focus area (decide what data needs to be collected, how much and how often it needs to be collected), collect data, analyze (determine how the findings can be applied), take action (create an action plan based on your findings).

Action research gives teachers and principals ownership in their classes and schools.  It gives them the opportunity to capture important differences, reflect and take action. These are a guide to follow.  When reflecting, continually seeks ways to improve your class, school or district. When choosing your focus, it helps to know what you investigate, develop questions to ask, establish your action plan to answer those questions. Once you have your specific focus, know what questions you want to ask and how to answer them, then you gather information to answer the question and collect data. After the data is collected and quantified, next you will begin to analyze the data. Once this is done you are at a point where you make a decision and take action. This point is ongoing and you will continually work towards improving your school. Action research gives you the tools you need to accomplish your goals.