EDLD 5301 week 3 action research plan

1. Examinging the work- The purpose of my study is to examine how we are implementing technology in our classrooms, looking for ways to improve that aspect, and raising the teacher's level of conscience on the issue. When we do this we will make the school environment an improved place to learn. The original idea came from my site mentor who encouraged me to find ways to expand technology in our school.

2. Analyzing Data- The initial data for this study came from the number of instances where help was needed from the Instructional Technology Specialist. Following that there was a review of the Texas STAR report. In addition the student's work was reviewed to estimate the level of proficiency that the student body was currently at in our school.

3. Developing deeper understanding- After we started to see some trends that called our attention we started to conduct interviews in order to see how the staff feels about the subject of technology. Many felt comfortable with the subject and others did not feel that they had enough training to implement the needed instruction.

4. Engaging in Self-Reflection- This process had us look at how we could best meet the needs of our population both student and staff. We looked at the average lenth of service for our staff and seen that the level that the older member came in was behind that of the current hires.

5. Exploring Programmatic Patterns- We noticed that although we wanted more technology in our classes we did not always provide meaningful staff development for the older cadre and the newer teachers had much of the information that we were putting forth in the lessons that we did provide. The gaps in the knowledge base were widening at an accelerated rate.

6. Determining Direction- One of the solutions that we started to implement was that of a mentoring program. We would utilize the teachers that we had who wer proficient in the needed areas to teach the staff that required the extra instruction. Through this measure we saw more of the areas that we could teach with both groups and looked to get specialized training for the staff that required large chucks of instruction.

7. Taking action for school improvement- Our actions will be carried out in a timely fashion to ensure that we have the highest amount of time to close gaps. These areas are going to need continued levels of instruction with an understanding that in time the newer teachers will grow to be the seasoned veterans. That means that everyone will need an attitued of continued improvement to keep on track in this area.

8. Sustaining improvement- As a campus we will need to utilize the action research that is started in this program. In time the program developed here will need to be a consideration in all programs. The data that we receive will need to be utilized to its fullest extent to make the students as successful as possible.