Action Research/Inquiry
When I saw the word “Research” I felt a little intimidated and had an unsettled feeling inside of me. I don’t think I would have felt this way, had I received my textbooks early this week. As I read our course syllabus, and watching the class video, I grew confident about the class. I have to thank Holly for writing her blog because reading her blog made me feel more confident and self assured.
I also did some reflecting about issues that we face at my school. Some of the issues that I thought about were block schedules, school culture, and teacher and student morale. Our mathematics depart has been trying to convince our principal to change to mathematics everyday. The mathematics teachers believe that we can have more of a positive impact on student achievement if we see our student’s everyday for a shorter class period (50 minutes versus 80 minutes). Our principal has told us to show her some data to back up our belief. Well, now I am excited about the Action Research model because I will be able to this and more through our action research/inquiry method.
Even though, block schedule is an important issue concerning our campus, I strongly believe that creating a positive school culture is of utmost importance. I want to focus on this issue because I believe that our campus will improve in many areas such as attendance, student achievement (students scoring better on mathematics and other core subjects), decrease behavior problems, have more Pre-Ap classes etc.
Our TEA rating for 2009-2010 is “Recognized.” It is evident that our campus is accomplishing some success, but not enough to make our campus “Exemplary.” Our campus has never received a rating of “Exemplary.”
Having a positive school culture would be a “win/win” situation for all, because teachers improve their teaching and how they feel about themselves and families. All participants are affected in positive ways. This is the “reciprocal” relationship between school climate and family involvement that will be evident at our campus.
We have made big strides at our campus, but I want to see higher test scores in all subjects and high teacher morale. I truly believe this can happen with positive school culture.
With this course, we will possess the skills to conduct action research that will improve our campuses. Lastly, as future leaders, we will be able to justify our actions through the research/inquiry method.
Leticia:
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your theme! We all need to aspire to be life long learners. You have so much insight into that. It's overwhelming! I hope one day I get to meet the wonderful person that is you. Your blog is fantastic and really nailed some ideas down for me. Thank you!
I posted somewhere to what you said...but I will try this! Your comments were something! I really liked and agree with your comments about "reciprocal realtionships." Is that not what we are alls triving for everyday in what we do?
ReplyDeleteLeticia,
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you have really thought about things to help your campus. I guess where I keep getting stuck is the thought of how/what to do about the problem that will make a change for the better. I agree with your thoughts about morale on the campus. I am tossing around the thoughts of how do you change it. I think the first thing my campus needs to do is to get the right people on the bus and to help those that don't want to be on the bus to exit.
Great blog and I can't wait to see what you decide to tackle.
I have to agree with Kelli about getting those that can and want to help to join you. Those that are selfish or not in it for the kids need to go home! I hav enjoyed your thoughts and ideas! Good luck on your AR plan!
ReplyDelete