EDLD 5301 REFLECTION

The lectures are beneficial in explaining what is expected from us as students as it relates to the class. Lectures gave me an explanation of the weekly assignments and an overview of the assigned readings. There was insight into the creators of the course and their intended outcome of the course. Each weeks lecture was a great starting point for the week. Our weekly readings provided an insightful breakdown to all the essential parts of our action research plan. We were provided with examples of how all elements of an action research plan are performed which gave an excellent starting point for our wonderings and inquiries. The readings also provided an understanding of the purpose of an action research plan and how to implement our research in a positive and productive way. I gained a familiarity with the practices and techniques as well as tools for researching and analyzing data for our plan. Searches are a good resource for gathering data. They open our minds to the vast amount of information available. As an Ed. Tech Leadership candidate it has been fundamental to explore all of the technological advancements available for use in education. The assignments and activities gave us an outlet to express what we learned throughout the week, bring all the elements together and reflect on what was learned. These activities are also one way that the students were able to interact with each other. They gave us an opportunity to ask questions and gain clarity by talking to one another and figuring out some of the perplexities of the assignments. The discussion boards were one of my favorite features of the course. The parent posts were always intriguing questions that sparked interesting conversations between students. The discussion boards allowed us to bounce ideas of each other and give insight on what each students’ plan entails and how each were progressing throughout the process. Blogging added another element to the learning process. Posting to the blog gave students an outlet to post reflections, interesting happenings throughout the week and commentary on the progress of fellow students. The blogs allowed us to express who we are creatively as well as shed light on our individual action research plans and the ups and downs of the process so far. Other highlights of this course were the weekly web conferences and the Facebook group created by a fellow classmate. It was always important to me to attend the weekly conferences. They were a place to ask questions openly and receive guidance from my fellow students and instructor. Web conferences always made me realize that I wasn’t the only one who had a particular question or I wasn’t the only one who felt overwhelmed by something. The Facebook page allowed us to be able to go straight to our colleagues with questions and problems and get answers promptly. It gave me a real sense of camaraderie among the student which I believe is really important for an on line course setting. All of these elements combined to make EDLD 5301 a wonderful class. I learned a plethora of information and feel comfortable enough to be able to take on the challenge of implementing my action research plan as well as being prepared for the challenges that will arise through this process. Because of the attention to detail within the course layout, I know that I will be able to carry many of the things learned from this course throughout my Master’s program.

This is my original Action Research Plan with the minor revisions of my site supervisor.

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 resources 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?  What trainings are required in computer 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?