Personal Digital Story

As I reflect on the project this week, I come to realize how important it is for me to keep precious moments alive. I based my video on my husband, who has had a tremendous year receiving accolades that he is well deserving of. I've kept photos but never had the opportunity to develop a video detailing his achievement.

This course has allowed me to do this. It has also given me an opportunity to learn and utilize tools that can help me in the classroom. I will definitely incorporate the Photo Story concept.

Took 8.1 CARE Model: Planning Tool

Identify Concerns that must change (look to the future)

1. Administration support
2. Faculty participation
3. Technical support

Identify Affirmations that must be sustained (look to the present)

1. Teacher collaboration in the form of department/team meetings
2. Utilize "Late Start" meeting times every week for review/discussion
3. Confirmation/Knowledge in the need for change

SMART Recommendations that must be implemented: (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Timely)

1. There is specific need for technology - integration in content area
2. New technology in campus will help in attaining goal (technology integration)
3. The relevance of technology in content will enable teachers/students tie-in into new innovative ideas and concepts

Evaluate - Specifically and Often

1. Classroom observation
2. Team collaboration/discussion
3. Reflection/Complete assignment projects

Harris, S. Edmonson, S., & Combs, J. (2009). Examining What We Do to Improve Our Schools

Challenges we must face... but can also use to our advantage!

 The challenges I foresee in implementing my action research study is involving transition. At this point and time, I will have a new principal along with three new assistants. This is actually a new administration team. I recently spoke to one assistant who is remaining and he stated, "as with anything there will be some changes, but we will try and transition with no interruptions." This is probably one of my main concerns because I am not sure if I will receive administration support for my project due to the fact that our campus is desperately trying to reset a weak structure, dealing with compliance issues and low performing standardized testing. This is only one concern amongst others that includes; faculty turnover, participation, timing, lack of resources and implementation. Whew... if that is not enough.

So my plate is full in planning to address the challenges. I will begin by meeting with my site mentor to discuss possible ways we can overcome these concerns and schedule an appointment with my new principal and basically "sell' my project to her. One tool I can use and present is the CARE Model: Planning Tool (Harris, 2009). The information on this form will identify, recommend and evaluate the concerns that need to be addressed. Preparation of an idea is key.

Harris, S., Edmonson, S. & Combs, J. (2009). Examining what we do to improve our schools: 9 steps from analysis to action. Larchmont, N.Y.: Eye on Education.

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.