Almost TAKS time!

Hey guys!

My action research plan is progressing relatively well.

My main focus thus far has been implementing new teaching strategies during tutorials. Also, my assessment methods have changed as well. I had not assessed students with a TAKS-formatted exam since I started my ARP. I replaced that method with Jeopardy, Science Masterminds, and Science Bingo.

Being that the TAKS test is just around the corner, today I gave the tutorial students a TAKS-formatted exam. There was a 15% increase on the passing rate! I have not yet correlated this improvement with the new,fun teaching strategies or the different assessment methods. All I know is that whatever it is, it's working. Hopefully I will gather enough data by the end of my action research plan to draw a conclusion for the passing rate increase.

TAKS MODE IN FULL EFFECT!

ARP Update

I started pull-outs today thanks to a recommendation during discussion from one of my fellow Lamar classmates. Surprisingly, several students who were not required to attend my tutorial were excited about the situation. They had heard that my tutorial were "fun!" Tutorial and fun in the same sentence? Works for me!

When I started my action research plan I transitioned from lecture-oriented tutorials to activity-based tutorials. One of my co-workers provided me with a link to create my own Jeopardy game. The studentslove it! Though it is time consuming to create, it is a fun and educational activity for the students. I use it as a way of assessing them. The students don't take tests and I don't grade! It is getting rather late thus I will finish the remainder of my thoughts later on this week.

Have a great week!

ARP Update: to smile or cry?

Where to begin on my action research plan? So many different thoughts are going through my head right now.  I don't know whether I want to smile due to my current success with my ARP or cry because of an unexpected setback. (And yes, I actually want to cry, I'll explain in a bit).

As you may know, my ARP focuses on determining the factors that help improve tutorial attendance. Here is what is currently working EXTREMELY well for me: (This is the "smile" part of my blog)

• After getting approval from the parents, I contacted the student's 9th period teacher (last teacher of the day) and asked if they could hold the tutorial student after the dismissal bell. After the dismissal bell, their 9th period teacher would walk them to my class for tutorial. Thanks to this strategy, I now have four extra students attending my tutorial. Great method, but it does require teamwork.  Teamwork is key for success!
• Tutorial contracts: I distributed the tutorial contracts with the purpose of holding the students accountable for attending tutorial. It has served its purpose but I think it would have been more powerful if it had been distributed when tutorials first started back in November.
• Regarding tutorial strategies: Though I still lecture during my tutorials, I have started implementing more hands on activities and the students love it! We are currently covering the solar system and there are numerous fun, educational activities for this concept.

And now to the "cry" part of the blog...

Last week, I got an e-mail from my dean stating that tutorials will be cancelled as of Wednesday of last week due to lack of funds to pay for the tutoring. In other words, budget cuts! I get sick to my stomach every time I hear hear of all these cuts that are going on in EDUCATION! Of all things, education! Who knows, maybe I'm taking it way too personal due to my profession.

Anyhow, I'm still carrying out tutorials for the sake of the students, TAKS scores, and my action research plan. Although, I must admit that I'm quite upset about this situation and it's not because I will no longer get paid for tutoring. There are about 55421564854 reasons why this upsets me. Here are a few:

1. Though I am willing to put in the time to tutor for free, not all teachers are willing to do the same, nor should they be expected to.
2. The lack of tutorials will eventually lead to lower TAKS scores. If the state wants to take this away from the students, then maybe they shouldn't have such high expectations.
3. Cuts on EDUCATION, really? Really? I mean, really? Am I getting my point across?
4. How can we expect to have a brighter tomorrow if the state is eliminating the resources to get to that point?
5. No tutorials --> Lower TAKS scores --> Upset administration --> Upset faculty --> Negative school culture
6. It makes me second guess my action research plan. My results were intended to provide insight and helpful strategies so that other educators can implement them. How can they implement them if tutorials are cancelled? Hopefully you guys can help me get the word out on my results to those districts that are still holding tutorials.

I could go on and on, but due to my headache I will end it with a thank you. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and allowing me to express my views on this matter. I hope TAKS tests are not getting the best of you. Two more weeks for mine! April 28th=8th Grade Science TAKS test. Wish us luck!

EDLD 5301 Reflection

Like many other people, I have never been a fan of research. The word research produces a picture in my head of an individual reading an endless amount of books. For this reason, I did not know what to expect from this class. I was anxious, scared, excited, yet clueless about what type of research I was going to be exposed to.

During week one, action research was introduced yet the process was vaguely explained. This made me even more nervous! Once I got the opportunity to brainstorm what issues I wanted to tackle, the process of action research started to sound appealing. It was refreshing to read the countless discussions on the discussion boards. Discussion boards stimulated my thought process and several comments encouraged me to work harder.

What I liked most about this class were the web conferences. Unfortunately, I was only able to attend one but I always watched them once the link was provided for us. So much useful information was discussed via web conference plus numerous unanswered questions were explained. Also, web conferences were a great tool to make the course feel more personal and interactive. This is my first Lamar graduate course in the past two years. My first two courses did not offer web conferences and I must admit it was extremely considerate of our professor to take the time to meet with us. I know that if this would have been done in my other Lamar courses, my experience would have been more pleasant.

Another feature that I did not encounter two years ago when I started my journey with Lamar were the weekly overviews. Each overview gave me a better understanding of what was expected of me each week. It was also a great way to be exposed to what needed to be done (i.e. blog information, TK20 notice). I am glad to see that Lamar is continuously finding ways to improve.

I still remember walking into my husband’s office and shouting out, “You know what, I can be more than an administrator, I can and will be!” Sure this might have scared a random stranger, but my husband knows how I act when I get motivated. What led me to this random act of adrenaline was the viewing of the assigned videos during week two. Watching these interviews made it clear for me that in order to make favorable changes, action-research must be implemented. I realized the importance of this class and how the concept of research is essential in order to maximize student success. Every day is an opportunity to learn something new and I’m certain that by continuing my action research plan journey I will be able to grow as a leader.

Force Field Analysis

Hi guys! Earlier this week I implemented the force field analysis when I encountered an uncooperative parent. Check it out and let me know what you think!

Inquiry: How can I influence the uncooperative parent to grant her daughter permission to attend after-school tutorial?

DRIVING FORCES	RESISTING FORCES
Student is in desperate need of tutoring.	Legal guardian is not granting permission for her daughter to attend tutoring.
I have the support from my administration regarding tutorial attendance.
Student is willing to stay for tutorial if granted permission.

CARE Model -- Feedback is appreciated

Hey guys! Here is the CARE model for my ARP! Please feel free to comment if you have any comments, questions or concerns :)

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. Students must stop failing to attend tutorials in order to prevail in core classes and TAKS examinations.

2. Teachers and administration must be aware of what tutorial attendance factors can be controlled by them.

3. Students must be exposed to different teaching strategies during tutoring.

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. Students should continue to be reminded of the importance of attending after-school tutoring.

2. Teacher should continue to demonstrate positive reinforcement towards students who are attending tutoring.

3. Teacher should continue to call the legal guardians of students who are constantly absent during tutorial.

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. Student must be given weekly assessment in order for student to appreciate how tutorial is helping him/her.

2. Teacher must research and implement different teaching techniques during tutoring.

3. Administrators should monitor tutorial attendance on a weekly basis.

EVALUATE – Specifically and Often

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

1. Surveys will be distributed to tutorial students in order to determine what factors encouraged and/or discouraged them from attending tutoring.

2. Group discussion will be held with tutorial students in order to gain insights on what teaching strategies motivated them/unmotivated them during tutoring.

3. A reflective conversation will take place between tutorial students and me after the last tutorial session with the purpose of gaining insights on their tutorial attendance.

Update on ARP

Hi guys!

So as some of you may know, I already started my action research plan. It consists of determing what factors encourage students to attend after-school tutorial. This week has been extremely productive for me. I was able to meet with one of my former co-workers to discuss the tutorial strategies that are being implemented in her campus. That went extremely well and I was able to gather some interesting information. At her campus if students are required to stay for tutorial and have permission from their legal guardian, their 9th period teacher holds them after the dismissal bell and then proceeds to walk them to their tutorial classroom. NEAT!

On another note, I was extremely upset when my spring break started. Last week I distributed a tutorial contract to my tutorial students in order to hold them accountable for their attendance. The tutorial needed 3 signatures: mine, theirs, and their guardian's. Well, I started calling the parents of the students that had failed to turn in their contract and I ran into a teacher's worst nightmare... an uncooperative parent! For the sake of not disclosing too much information, let's just say that some people consider an F a passing grade :/

Needless to say I was heartbroken but I have already developed a plan for that! I will continue updating you throughout the week and I will be posting my CARE model tomorrow! God bless!