Action Research Plan
Goal: Implementation of interactive learning curriculum and technological advancements in an effort to improve dropout rates within the Houston Independent School District and surrounding districts.
Action Steps(s):	Person(s) Responsible:	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
Meet with Site Supervisor. Inquire about the effectiveness of the existing curriculum. Are the Tech programs up to date as part of the curriculum?  Brainstorm about ways to improve the curriculum and add technological resources.	Mrs.LaJuana Jean (Assistant Principal and Site Mentor) And Tweenzette Ross	Feb 2013	Internship Plan/Draft of Action Research Plan. List of investigative questions to access what is needed?	Outline of ideas Specify which ideas will be the most effective. What is the next step to begin the process of implementation?
Review Board Policies on Technology and Research Policies for Internet based program	Tweenzette Ross	Mar 2013	Access to HISD policies on tech based programs	Determine what advancements are allowed. Who must approve these advancements and what research information must be presented.
Textbook Selection/ Curriculum Evaluation	Mrs. LaJuana Jean/Tweenzette Ross	May 2013	Permission to participate in beginning of semester planning.	Aid in the selection of textbook for the semester. Strategize on how to introduce E-Book/E-Readers. Investigate the adoption of specified curriculum in the district .What is the basis for the adoption of said curriculum.
Student Participation/Behavior Evaluation	3rd-5th grade teachers/Mrs. LaJuana Jean	June 2013	Interviews from a group of students/teachers. Compiled to figure out what motivates students to learn? Access to record of behavioral issue and rehabilitation	Student Motivation techniques, Proposal for interactive learning implementation.
Collaborate with Co-Curricular Coordinator	Tweenzette Ross/Co-Curricular Coordinator/ Mrs.LaJuana Jean	Sept .2013	List of Co-curricular activities on campus in order from least to most effective based on student success.	Collect and analyze data as it relates to student success. Improve or remove activities that are not successful.
Family Intervention	Mrs. LaJuana Jean/Tweenzette Ross	Oct. 2013	Permission from Site Supervisor/Asst. Principal	Family accountability, encouraging families to motivate the student  learning at hone
Professional development questionnaire	Tweenzette Ross	Nov.2013	Questionnaire findings on past, current and future professional development and the usefulness of the development	Are these developments focused on diverse populations of student body and at risk students? Training in computer s and information technology
Monitoring Academic Progress	Mrs.LaJuana Jean	Feb.2014	Grades, progress reports, teacher/student evaluations	How have student academics been improved over the course of this process? Determine what changes may become permanent?

Action Research Reflections

  Week 2 of EDLD5301 was very informative. We watched interviews by three school district leaders who were very informative and gave really good insight into the process of performing action research. Here are my thoughts on the videos of two of these leaders.

I selected the interviews from Dr. Timothy Chargois, Director of Research, Planning and Development in Beaumont ISD and Dr. Kirk Lewis, Superintendent, Pasadena ISD.

Dr. Chargois’ interview was extremely informative. He talked in detail about what the direction that Beaumont ISD has taken, teaching teachers how to be more data driven. The district is using software that transforms data that will impact the way teachers teach today and in the future. Dr. Chargois mentioned an action research project being performed in the district. Surveys have been taken about the ethical responsibility teachers have to their students and their achievement. The study exams ethical situations and how they affect teachers as well. Beaumont ISD is receptive to quality qualitative data that help student’s performance. Dr.Chargois made sure to stress that the district is open to student research as long the identity of students and staff are protected, there is parental approval and the data obtained by the research is readily available to be accessed by the district for approval.

Dr. Kirk Lewis spoke very highly of a grant funded research project called “Expectation Graduation,” which prepares incoming 9^th grade student for on time graduation. The district took the initiative to change instructional core curriculum to beef up vigor for the students and teachers in an effort to decrease dropout rates within the school. Dr. Lewis also stressed the importance of obtaining data in order to be able to analyze and apply any applicable research outcomes. Dr. Lewis also stated that Pasadena Independent School District looks at research from other districts and translates it to what is being done on campuses within the district. One thing that really stood out was how Dr. Lewis stressed was that an action research plan should be practical. Dr. Lewis states that interested and focused students benefit more from practical research than research that are theoretical.