Tool 8.1 CARE Model: Planning Tool

Tool 8.1 CARE Model: Planning Tool

Identify Concerns that must change (look to the future)

(Assign points to concerns from 1 to 3 in the order of the most important issues to consider.)

1. Low retention of science concepts from 6^th – 8^th grade (1 pt)

2. Lack of constant review over science concepts in the classrooms (2 pt)

3. Difficulty in abstract science concepts and vocabulary (3 pt)

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

(Assign points to affirmations from 1 to 3 in the order of the most important issues to consider.)

1. Constant review in the classroom (during the beginning and end of class) (1 pt)

2. Review data to find most missed concepts (2 pt)

3. Create plans to ensure students are re-taught most missed concepts (3 pt)

SMART Recommendations that must be implemented:

(Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Timely)

(Assign points to recommendations from 1 to 3 in the order of the most important recommendations to implement.)

1. Identify exact concepts that students consistently missed and determine if they are abstract (1 pt)

2. Review data all year over specific concepts that are consistently missed (2 pt)

3. Incorporate brain-based learning techniques in the classroom (3 pt)

EVALUATE – Specifically and Often

(Identify the best ways to evaluate the implemented recommendations.)

1. Student Formative Assessments (1 pt)

2. End of Course Analysis once each six weeks (2 pt)

3. Teacher surveys once a six weeks (3 pt)

My Action Research Plan

My Action Research Plan

 

Goal: Increase retention of science concepts from 6th – 8th grade in preparation for the STAAR

 

Action Step(s)	Person(s) Responsible	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
1. Collect and analyze data from student formative assessments in 6th grade science and track performance through 8th grade.	6th Grade Science Team; Content Curriculum Specialist -CCIS (D. Jarvis)	August 22, 2011/May 30, 2014	Microsoft Excel or some form of tabular program that allows graph and tracking information. I also need specific meeting times to discuss data with my team and CCIS.	E.O.C. (End of Course) Data collected at the end of each six weeks
2. Create lessons that require constant review of concepts	6th Grade Science Team; SFA Liaison (M. Laroussini)	August 22, 2011 - May 30, 2012	Lesson planning meetings that productively incorporate previously taught concepts.	Student Formative Assessment Data
3. Incorporate brain-based learning techniques throughout the year.	6th Grade Science Team	Summer of 2011 - May 30, 2012	Anchor Chart Supplies; Music; Learning Styles Survey; Student Success Tracking Display Boards	Quantum Learning Teachers Guide;

Key to Good Action Research Plans

The most important key to action research plans is to ensure that your own pride and need for recognition don't get in the way of improving your class, campus, or district. Don't use research that looks good. Use what's practical for your environment. If you do that then you are helping to maintain focus, interest, and finally being able to reach and revise your goal.

How can you as an educational leader use a blog?

Blogs can be used as a great tool for communicating learned ideas and getting information from a wide array of spectrum's  The possibilities are endless. Imagine that as an administrator, you put up a blog discussing how to improve fundraising so students can have the necessary resources to be successful. You have immediately opened the door to hundreds if not thousands of individuals who may be willing to comment with idea to even resulting in anonymous donations to improve your school.

What is Action Research?

The word research is synonymous for being visualized as countless hours in the library, scanning through microfilms, and researching a list of sites that leads you to creating a boring summary of what you've learned. Action research differs greatly from this! It is a way to use inquiry into one's self and practices and develop a plan that will ensure life-long learning not only with you but with your staff members. As an educational administrator, being the "head learner" is important for setting an example to your staff members. It get's the principal out of the office and into the field to directly deal with problems and come up with creative solutions that are personalized for your school to ensure its excellence. Action research is not just a fad. Teachers have been using it for years to develop plans for the students to ensure their success. It is something that all administrators should embrace to consistently develop their schools and districts to meet the needs of all learners.