Week 4-- Revisions and Comments

I was a little worried because I had not gotten any feedback/comment posted on my blog concerning my action research plan. I used the discussion board to request the help of my classmates regarding my blog posting, and I received it. It was suggested on my blog that I should consider giving teachers background information about school climate and culture before conducting the surveys. I think this is a good suggestion as some teachers are not familiar with all aspects of school climate and culture. If I can provide them with such information I could ensure more accurate responses, and also help them know exactly what I am looking for in the surveys. It was also suggested that I could include a survey rating the effectiveness of any new initiatives implemented by the principal. There is bound to be several new initiatives with a new incoming principal. I will consider making one or both of these revisions to my action research plan.

Action Research Plan

Goals and Objectives
To determine what type of perception teachers have of the new principal at the beginning, middle, and end of school year.
To determine the impact a new principal has on a school’s climate and culture.
To determine the new principal’s decisions have on the school’s climate and culture.
To gather a committed group of sample teachers to complete the online surveys throughout the school year.

Activities
Establish a baseline of teacher perception at the beginning of the year.
• Using the Likert Scale
Format Google survey for sample teachers.
Locate and research professional publications regarding school climate and culture.
Use blog to post additional perception questions as changes in the school climate and culture are identified.
Compile findings in a suitable format.

Research and Tools Needed
Google surveys/questionnaires
Professional publications and websites dealing with the topic being addressed.
Blog
Likert Scale survey

Timeline
Baseline should be established by August 20, 2010.
Google survey’s completed at the end of the first, third, and sixth six weeks.
Select professional materials by November 1, 2010.
Compile data by June 2011.

Persons Responsible for Implementation
I will take on the responsibility of implementing this action research. I will obtain needed information through committed teacher surveys throughout the course of the research.

Process for Monitoring Goals and Objectives
I will monitor the progress through the use of my timeline. I will monitor my blog for possible topics of discussion and changes in teacher perception.

Assessment Instrument
Google surveys, Likert Scale survey, and blogs

Week 2

I enjoyed the interviews I viewed this week. They were all helpful and motivating. I also learned a lot from this weeks readings as well. However, this week 2 assignment totally stressed me out! I just started using EPIC this week, due to issues with the upgrade. Saving assignments is really confusing! I thought I had saved the week 2 assignment on EPIC, but discovered it was no where to be found come time to submit it. It was a depressing feeling to say the least! If anyone has any suggestions or tips about EPIC, please let me know. Looking forward to a better week!

Action Research and How It Can Be Used

There are different types of action research depending upon the participants involved. A plan of research can involve a single teacher investigating an issue in his or her classroom, a group of teachers working on a common problem, or a team of teachers and others focusing on a school or district-wide issue. Collaborative action research is a collaborative activity among colleagues searching for solutions to everyday, real problems experienced in schools, or looking for ways to improve instruction and increase student achievement. This process consists of the educator/administrator and probing his/her own skills, techniques, philosophies, and decisions. Action research allows the educator/administrator to address concerns that are closest to them, ones over which they can exhibit some influence and make change. Taking the time to engage in action research or administrator inquiry; can prove to be beneficial not only for a campus administrator, but for staff, students, and all stakeholders. The process of action research assists educators/administrator in assessing needs, documenting the steps of inquiry, analyzing data, and making informed decisions that can lead to desired outcomes. Overall, action research is a great tool that can help an administrator bring the focus of their work back to their leadership in teaching and learning.

How Educational Leaders Can Use Blogs

EDLD 5301

I had only viewed and read other people’s blogs, but never created my own…until now. This form of communication is very appealing to me. Educational leaders have a great responsibility of keeping staff, students, and the community well informed. Blogs are a helpful tool for the leaders to utilize to communicate. Blogs offer a creative approach for leaders to share ideas, teaching tips, announcements, reflections, and possibly staff developments. They not only serve as another form of communication, but as a training tool. This is becoming evident through this course.