Model, model, model!!!

Force field analysis, Delphi model, Nominal group techniques...oh my! To be honest (as my 15 year says), I was NOT a big fan of the Delphi model. Actually, I thought it was downright belittling. I'm not a big fan of being a follower...and that seems to be what the Delphi model is all about. Almost like, "Oh, you don't agree with what we say, do, want? Too bad. You're wrong. And you're going to be wrong until you agree with us."

My favorite technique had to be the Nominal group technique...especially because it's a perfect way of including our parents opinions/input!

Can't wait for school to start and set this plan in motion!!!

CARE Model

Examining What We Do to Improve Our Schools Sandra Harris, Stacey Edmonson, Julie Combs

Tool 8.1 CARE Model: Planning Tool

Identify Concerns that must change (look to the future)

(Assign points to concerns from 1 to 3 in the order of the most important issues to consider.)

1. Teacher/Parent collaboration is needed.

2. Greater challenged classroom instruction.

3. Less discipline problems.

Identify Affirmations that must be sustained (look to the present)

(Assign points to affirmations from 1 to 3 in the order of the most important issues to consider.)

1. Parents know that they are welcomed on campus

2. Constant parent/teacher communication

3. Challenged classroom instruction

SMART Recommendations that must be implemented:

(Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Timely)

(Assign points to recommendations from 1 to 3 in the order of the most important recommendations to implement.)

1. Parent opinions must have merit in the research.

2. Parents should be allowed to actively participate in classroom/school functions.

3. Monthly meetings with teachers/administrators to discuss progress or lack thereof.

EVALUATE – Specifically and Often

(Identify the best ways to evaluate the implemented recommendations.)

1. Regular discussions with students/staff/parents

2. Parent questionnaires

3. Student grades/progress reports

Action Research Plan

Action Research Plan
Goal:  What actions can our campus take to motivate the parents of ELD students to become an integral part of their child’s academic success?
Action Steps(s):	Person(s) Responsible:	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
Collect TAKS data from 2010-2011 school year and analyze passing, non-passing, and commended scores of ELD students	Cristy Hill (4th grade teacher), Sylvia Cardenas (5th grade teacher), Jorge Limon (principal), Annette Ramos (asst. principal)	August 2011-September 2011	TEA data, Campus TAKS data	Determine the % of students passing the TAKS Reading, Writing and Math tests
Interview teachers involved in the research to determine how schedules will need to be modified to accommodate parents	Sylvia Cardenas, Kathy Martinez, Mr. DeLaGarza	August 2011	All 4th and 5th grade teachers, including Special Ed staff	Study schedules and determine available time slots.
Evaluate schedules of cooperating teachers to determine usage of instruction time	All 4th and 5th grade teachers, including Special Ed staff.	August and September 2011	Schedules and lesson plans	Determining what time slots are available in which parents can actively participate in instruction.
Obtain and analyze reading levels of ELD students from 3rd and 4th grade. Review reflection logs of at least one teacher from each grade level. Survey each participating parent to determine their perception of the research.	Cristy Hill, Becky Rohde (librarian), Julie Stansbury Cristy Hill, LuAnn Viesca, Katherine Martinez All involved parents and faculty members.	August 2011 December 2011 December 2011	iStation reports, Accelerated Reader reports, Read Naturally reports, Fluency reports, TAKS Reading scores Up –to-date reports from the above mentioned programs, along with reflections from each teacher. Campus Principals, Participating staff members, and participating parents	Analyze said reports and determine how parents can actively engage in one or more reading programs with their child. Analyze the improvements that teachers have noticed in students, and how much participation has been obtained from parents up to this date. Analyze parents’ perception of the research and determine whether or not any gains have been made up to this point.

Week 2

Wow. I have to say that after reading all of the 9 passions, I have a newly found respect for campus leaders. Standing on the outside, looking in it seems so....simple. Then again, our school principal has that gift. From staff development to culture to social justice...it's amazing how a leader HAS to juggle all of that, make it work, find time to reflect, and do it all over again the next day. I am nervous about beginning my action research, yet at the same time EXCITED. I know it's something that will definitely improve our school, and I can't wait to get started!

How can educational leaders use blogs?

Blogs can be extremely useful for educational leaders. Nowadays, a large majority of students/parents have access to the internet and are familiar with blogs. Therefore, what better way to keep parents constantly updated with school functions, upcoming events, volunteer work, and/or classroom events? Blogs are the new newsletter! Printing 500+ newsletters is a thing of the past! Blogs provide educational leaders with endless possibilities.

Furthermore, blogs allow parents to be in constant communication with teachers and principals resulting in more parental involvement. I've come to realize that parents LIKE to know what their child is doing at all times. They like to be in the know. They want to be kept updated...and not have to wait until Little Susie brings home the monthly newsletter. Parental involvement is crucial on any campus, and blogs provide us with a perfect way of achieving it!

Action Research

When I first heard the term "Action Research", I honestly was quite a bit intimidated. I've never considered myself a researcher. For the past 8 years I've been a teacher. That's it. Never, in a million years did I think that my opinion would be or could be valued. Therefore, becoming familiar with Action Research and its significance is entralling. So much, that I can't wait for the beginning of the school year! As I became more familiar with its significance, I realized that Action Research is exactly what my campus principal does. He's constantly involved not only with the teachers, but also with the students. Being called into his office to discuss campus concerns, data, solutions to said concerns, and methods of improving our campus is something that takes place on a regular basis. This coming year I'm also a part of our campus PLC team. Therefore, all of this newfound information is being obtained at just the right time. Knowing that my voice DOES matter, is just extra motivation to reflect even more so on my teaching methods, become even more critical of my lessons, and strive to be a part of a change that will continue improving our campus!