Action Research Plan

GOAL  
All BAHS personnel will integrate technologies to meet instructional and productivity goals.

OBJECTIVE
Design and support educator professional development that integrates technology into teaching and learning, instructional management and administration. In the process, continue to maximize the use of technology to meet instructional and productivity goals on an ongoing basis.

ACTIVITY PROCESS

Needs Assessment - Survey to determine the needs and obstacles teachers are encountering regarding the use of technology.

• Resource/Research Tools: Computer lab and SurveyMonkey
• Timeline: First two weeks of beginning of school year
• Persons Responsible: Julie Perez and Business Academy Faculty
• Process for Monitoring: Completion of survey by academy members and interviews
• Assessment/Evaluation: Collect and analyze results
  

Professional Development/Integrate Technology - Provide technology and train campus teachers in the use of technology integration strategies.

• Resource/Research Tools: Computer lab 
• Timeline: School year
• Persons Responsible: Julie Perez and CTE/Business Academy Faculty
• Process for Monitoring: Faculty participation in staff development and teacher/CTE mentoring collaboration
• Assessment/Evaluation: Weekly meetings with academy members to discuss and reflect on integrated lessons with technology
  

Continuous Training - Provide follow up training and learning opportunities.

• Resource/Research Tools: Computer lab and SurveyMonkey
• Timeline: School year - Every quarter during early release day
• Persons Responsible: Julie Perez and CTE/Business Academy Faculty
• Process for Monitoring: Classroom observations and teacher collaboration
• Assessment/Evaluation: Content/CTE teacher presentation of integrated projects at monthly academy meetings.
  

Action Research Topic

How can I best facilitate teacher professional development to aid in their knowledge of technology and integration of CTE and academic model throughout the high school curriculum?

Possible Action Research Topics

The three topics I have chosen as possibilities for action research are:

• Professional Development in the area of Technology
• Student Failure Rate
• Team Collaboration

Week Two - Action Research Topics

This week I have learned quite a few things about action research topics. It has been interesting to learn that the topics discussed in our readings are similar to those that continue to exist today. From failure rates to professional development to learning communities, amongst others... all are affected in some way. Why? Because these concerns have not been properly dealt with, therefore you continue to see them exist. You would think that Principals and Leaders of today have sustained some form of training in "building a successful" campus. This does not seem to be the case.

At our district they are required to continue their education by attending mandatory trainings to help them in areas of improvement and sustain continued success in areas of strengths. But it seems fruitless when they return to their campus and continue in their old ways. Reflection is one element that needs to play an integral part in one's success.

Stagnation is the kiss of death. Growth from one's reflection is an indicator of self improvement with benefits on behalf of student, faculty and campus success.

EDUCATIONAL LEADERS AND BLOGGING

Educational leaders who use 21^st Century Technology tools such as blogs stand to gain more insight globally. Blogs will give the latest news, provide inspiration and ensure up-to-date education technologies. These are essentials for becoming a more knowledgeable and resourceful leader.

I HAVE LEARNED...

I have learned that action research is a process that examines one’s own educational practices in a systematically way (self-reflective). It helps in assisting assessing needs, documenting the steps of inquiry, analyzing data, and making informed decisions that can lead to desired outcomes. To explain it in more in detail; it allows educators to work on problems that they themselves have identified. In turn, they become more effective when they examine and asses their own work and consider ways of working differently. This helps when individuals spread the wealth by collaborating amongst other colleagues and encourage them to share (develop a shared vision). Especially during professional development in which, I will utilize action research emphasizing technology.

The concerns are that the campus is not allowing for improvement in this particular area and limited resources are available. The question asked is why technology is not at the forefront. I’m sure there are plenty of contributing factors that limit improvement, but it can also provide how we can effectively implement a plan to promote positive change into the campus as a whole to benefit both the educator and more importantly the student.

What better opportunity to enhance our knowledge.