Topics that Make you go "HMMM?"

Week two of Research was very ensightful. I completely changed my focus for research based on the advise of being interested in what you are researching, researching a topic that is relevant, and student success. Math scores on my campus are not a problem. We are ranked second in the district, so yes, there is room for improvement, but we are headed in the right direction. On the other hand, my campus ranks second from the bottom based on our latest assessment scores. I have yet to discuss the change of interest with my principal, but am hoping she will agree with me on the need for focusing on science.

Benefits of Blogging

Blogging can be used by educational leaders to share ideas, conduct inquiry, and connect with other educational leaders worldwide. It is sometimes difficult for administrators to collaborate face to face so blogging would provide an opportunity for collaboration to take place.

Action Research

Action research is a process in which administrators and or teachers identify a concern or point of interest within the school or classroom, research the topic through relevant literature to gain insight, collect and analyze data related to the concern, make a change in practice based on findings in the data, share findings with colleagues, and continue to monitor progress after changes are made to ensure success of students and or professionals. Specific areas of concern within the school are targeted by professionals who have a personal relationship with the school community, and through meaningful and continual research, methods of change are created that target the problematic areas and will be more beneficial to the learning community as a whole.

I feel to be an effective leader in today’s education system, teachers and administrators should conduct action research. I will be using action research to determine if third grade math scores on our campus are increased through our implementation of Accelerated Instruction time. Accelerated Instruction (A/I) is a 45 minute block where in school tutoring takes place. During this time, teachers will target areas of weakness for their group of students or provide enrichment activities to stimulate the needs of higher achieving students. Scores will be reevaluated and adjustments made as needed. I will also be more diligent in reflecting on the decisions I make and the results of those decisions. I will continue to use action research to grow personally and professionally.