Plan of Action

Action Planning Template
Goal: To improve the TAKS scores of the subgroup Special Education. Through change of curriculum and teaching practices we expect a 15% increase in TAKS scores. We will improve teaching consistency and applicability through structured curriculum. Improved grades, conduct, and improve communication with parents.

Action Step(s)
Person(s) Responsible
Timeline: Start/End
Needed Resources
Evaluation


1. - Obtain last year’s data including TAKS scores, teacher data.




Chris Baker, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Wotipka

8/16/10-8/20/10

AEIS report/ Specific TAKS student reports. Teacher data on improvements from last year.

All Data recieved


2. – Have a brainstorming meeting to discuss approach and data that will be needed throughout the year.






Chris Baker and Assistant Principal

8/31/2010

Meeting time; Planned agenda

Coordinated meeting and participation from all stake holders.


3. - Analyze last year’s TAKS results and document strengths/weaknesses and improvements.






Chris Baker
Key stakeholders

9/6/10-9/10/10

Last year’s TAKS data, Teacher data/input

Clear and defined analysis of strengths/weaknesses and necessary improvements.


4. - Create a survey that will get feedback from previous years teachers and feelings on the curriculum.





Chris Baker

9/8/2010

Survey Monkey

Completed survey from all basic teachers.


5. – Compare data to other campuses and districts.





Chris Baker
and Assistant Principal; Key stakeholders

9/9/2010

Data from other campuses.

Complete analysis of our data compared to other’s data


6. – Present data and targeted areas of improvement to key stakeholders.






Chris Baker

9/16/2010

Meeting time/ Teachers/ Power point presentation

Data completely understood by personnel.


7. – Create and distribute tracking charts for targeted areas to all teachers/Staff involved.






Chris Baker

9/17/2010

Excel spreadsheet, compiled data

Teachers have received tracking charts for data compilation and understand how to use them.


8. – Meeting to monitor progress and access adjustments.






Chris Baker/ Assistant Principal

12/2010

Tracking Charts from each teacher/ Meeting time

Teachers have completed tracking charts, questions are asked, and progress is observed for improvement


9. – Create and distribute midyear survey.





Chris Baker

January 2011

Survey software

Each teacher completed survey and given a significant feedback.


10. – Coordinate Additional training on adapted program






Assistant Principal
Chris Baker


January 2011

Program trainer/ Teacher data from using the program

Completed training. Substantial feedback from teachers.


11. Obtain a end of year survey






Chris Baker

May 2011

Survey Software

Each teacher has given response to each question and express their likes/dislikes , improvements about the program.


12. – Obtain and analyze June’s TAKS data/ and teacher data charts.





Chris Baker
Assistant Principal
Key stakeholders

June 2011

All data;TAKS scores, Teacher charts and data, surveys

Successfully analyze gaps, improvements, and access next step in the process.

Educational Leaders use of blogging

I believe educational leaders should use blogging as a way of reaching out to their community, staff, and parents. The blog can serve as a platform for the leader to give his or her thoughts on current issues and then receive feedback from those who are following. This can produce a constant flow of reflection for the leader and he/she can use it as a way to constantly share on a deeper level than is ever allotted in a regular school day.

The Initial Reaction

When I hear the word "Research" so many things begin to pop into my mind such as tedious hours of thumbing through text after texts, Scrutinizing thousands of figures and data, and writing till my fingers fall off on what I discovered through my findings. Although this is what many constitute as research, many have failed to see the advantages of Action research. As I begin to study this new method of research I became intrigued with how effective and practical it really is. You see the old method of research and development stemmed from outside sources giving you analytical information that they had researched for years without actually being in a real live school environment on a daily basis. They were on the outside looking in. These sources have come up with many key assessments to our school environment that we use and conceptualize on a daily basis. The problem is these solutions don't always fit our particular circumstances and sometimes are just time wasters. The action research method offers us a more practical approach to our desire to continually improve. If you look into a mirror you will see a clear reflection of how you look. Your hair may be a mess, or you may have a pimple on your face but you will see exactly what is good and what is bad about you by your reflection. This is the key to your action research, stepping back and reflecting on what you are doing and how you can improve upon your actions and reactions to your situation. Understanding your specific circumstance and what improvements is needed will allow you to clarify what direction you must go in. This will lead you to be able to develop a strategic action plan based on your specific needs and assess what is going on in your school here and now. Once you have clarity on the situation, and have developed a plan you can take action with a high intent on evaluating the effectiveness of your action and how they affect you and those that are involved. This method will allow you and me to effectively take ownership in our development and the development of the task and people that we are designated to lead.