Week 3 Action Research Plan

Goal: To show a direct correlation between academic achievement and extra-curricular involvement.

Activities:

• Student Survey – Surveys will be presented to those students discussing the importance and influence extra-curricular activities play in their overall academic performance. Surveys will also be presented to non-participating students to gain insight into their perception of the role of extra-curricular activities. 9/10 - 10/10
  
• Teacher Survey – Teachers will complete a survey assessing their perceptions of the positive and negative role of extra-curricular activities for their students. 9/10 – 10/10
  
• Interview with Principal and Athletic Director – Interviews will be conducted to asses the student body that is actively involved in extra-curricular activity and those not involved. This interview will also be conducted to discuss their personal experiences. Interviews will also be conducted via teleconferencing with surrounding school districts to gain additional tools of data. 9/10 – 10/10
  
• Creation of Survey Committee – The creation of this survey committee will be made up of various stakeholders. Parents (both of those involved and non-involved), teachers, coaches, and assistant principals will meet to disseminate the data and to offer additional data as we progress through this research. 8/10 – 9/10
  
• Bi-monthly Meetings – These meetings are paramount to the findings of our research. Each member of the Survey Committee will be responsible for gathering data from varied sources. The group will be split up based on local, state, and national findings. Each will be responsible for reporting back new data bi-monthly to input into our separate data bank. 9/10 – 5/11
  

Resources:

• AEIS data report from the previous four years at Columbus Independent School District with a focus on the High School level.
  
  • Data will be focused on two main sub-groups, those involved in extra-curricular activities and those who have not or ones that have ceased participation within the program through their four years.
    
• AEIS data report on surrounding school districts including visits with campus, Google search engines, coordinators, athletic directors, principals, counselors, along with student survey from these same varied campuses.
  
• Grouping of students (extra-curricular and non extra-curricular) based on interviews with Athletic Directors and Principals. This will further the AEIS data and make it relevant to the study.
  
• Supporting literature review which provides data from schools surrounding the state and nation.
  
• Corresponding literature to support data findings.
  

Person Responsible for Implementation: David Janecek, Principals, Athletic Directors, School Counselors.

Process for Monitoring: Bi-monthly campus meetings with Survey Committee.

Assessment Instruments: Surveys, data assessments, literature reviews, comparison of groups based on local, state and national data.

Week 3 Reflection

Extending the learning's of our Action Research, this week I have learned something extremely valuable. Action research is not a sprint, it a marathon. I compare this easily to painting ones home. The excitement is there in the beginning about the realm of possibilities. However, once you begin, you realize, this will may have actually been something better left alone. End the end though, the rewards far outweigh the hardships. I see these two examples as very similar. My project is an exciting one. Looking at all the means to get to the final endpoint though is daunting. I believe the statement of enjoying the journey is never more apparent. I look forward to continued research now that a solid foundation has been put in place. This foundation covers not only the research itself, but the means to transfer this knowledge to others.

Week 2 Reflection

Having completed the assigned coursework for Week 2, it has allowed me to reflect on new ideas and principles behind Action Research. First and foremost, action research in my view must be applicable. Does the research have any means to an end. Secondly, is the research practical? In viewing lectures and after reading the assigned materials, I found that my original research topic was neither. It was only something of interest to me. With that being said, I have changed my topic after discussion with my site-supervisor. The benefit must have direct ties to the students and the outcome of their education. These are the basic principles that I plan to employ utilizing Action Research.

The Purpose Behind Blogging as an Adminstrator

I believe Administrators use of blogs opens the door to increased collaboration. This format is a much easier means to exchange ideas amongst a busy schedule. The ability to network outside of the school day increases our understanding while reducing the role of principles staying behind closed doors. This is an extremely easy way to stay in touch and requires very little effort, and zero disruption in daily activities. It also affords Administrators the opportunity to continue in our goal of being life-long learners.

Importance & Application of Action Research

I believe there are a number of areas that I gained in the field of Action Research. The principle of reflection on the big picture stands out in my eyes as essential to continuing success. Also, the utilization of varied and applicable data is essential to send myself towards the proper course in finding solutions to problems that may lay hidden. This is paramount in assuring us that we are equipped with the necessary tools to start our work. Collaboration continues to surface throughout my courses taken through Lamar. It has become apparent the benefit and role it plays while going through each of an assessment aspect.

I believe Action Research allows each of us to step back and "look ourselves in the mirror" so to speak. It also helps with holding us to a high degree of accountability. Throughout all of the readings and also personal experiences, we constantly ask students, teachers, and other professional members of the stake holding community to perform varied functions or roles. This research has shown that if we are going to hold each member accountable, we must also be held to the same, if not a higher standard. Leading by example is our answer. We must not follow the lead of many higher ranking members of society who have had their roles identified by the "do as I say, not as I do" philosophy. We as future administrators are held accountable for the programs, goals, and future aspirations for our school community. This will lead to relevance across the board and ultimately increased student potential and performance. In my eyes, this is the very essence behind Action Research.