WEEK 4 Action Research Plan

The Action Research Plan I posted last week is the one I'm going to implement, so this week I wont post my Action Research Plan Again.

Here is a little summary:

The action research topic that I have chosen is one that affects many variables. It is a topic that has been long discussed, occasionally in heated debates and one that affects the delivery of classroom instruction.  My topic addresses the language acquisition for English Language Learners. I did not choose to conduct action research regarding the causes. Instead I chose to study what our faculty can do to equalize the language opportunities for language acquisition for all Spanish speaking students. The challenges I foresee are:       

•     Teacher reluctance to non-evaluative observations/walk-throughs to observe the application of the SIOP Model
• ·         Teacher opposition to some of the suggested methods to equalize opportunities (between English Language Learners and Fluent English Speakers)
• ·         Time constraints
• ·         Available resources, both human and financial

First and foremost, at a scheduled bilingual/TWI meeting, I would introduce the action research that is going to take place on our campus this year. During that meeting I would share all aspects of my action research plan.

I plan to address teacher’s reluctance to observations by assuring them that these are non-evaluative and are simply being conducted to observe the SIOP Model and not the teachers. In addition, I would probably begin observing teachers who had volunteered to be observed, and save the more reluctant teachers for last.

Regarding opposition to collaborating/co-teaching among teachers, I would invite teachers to observe volunteer teachers to do this.

Time constraints affect everyone. There is so much to do in such a short period of time. I would collaborate with our Instructional Coach and ask her to incorporate this action study into the pre-scheduled monthly Bilingual/TWI meetings. As far as planning is concerned, teachers need ample time to do so. This year teachers were fortunate enough to get paid for 2 planning days before the school year begins. I found this to be highly effective. I would suggest that this type of activity continue throughout the school year.

Locating available resources is probably going to be my most difficult challenge. Budgets are tight, and every penny is accounted for, and I have no control over the budget. Thankfully, we already have after-school tutorials, one of my suggested activities, budgeted in. As far as paying teachers for additional planning days, I plan to closely collaborate with our principal to see if there is any fund where we could possibly find money to do this.

The challenges I face throughout this action research project will help prepare me to face some of the many challenges I will face as an administrator.

Thanks so much to all of you that made comments on my Action Research Plan.