WEEK 2 Action Research

The most prominent aspect of what I learned about Action Research during week 2 of EDLD 5301 was how to condense the inquiry into a manageable inquiry.  I also found out that I have a dilemma concerning my action research.  While most LU online students enroll in EDLD 5301 as the 2nd course of the program and EDLD 5397 is the 7th course in the sequence, may case differs.  EDLD 5301 Research is my tenth course and EDLD 5397 will be my 11th course. This allows for very little time to conduct the action research project.  Another interesting tidbit is that my e-portfolio was completed before I began the EDLD 5301 Research course.  With the assistance of Dr. Jenkins, we will figure it out.  I hope everyone has a wonderful Spring Break 2013!

BLOGS & Educational Leaders

Educational leaders might use blogs as a quick and effective way to share ideas and concepts.  Coaches have done this for years by going to meet with other coaching staffs to share ideas and gain knowledge.  Educational blogs could eliminate travel and time speaking one on one.  Educational leaders could pose questions to one another, blog about best practices, blog about what new strategies have worked and what has failed.  Blogging would be a great way to seek advice and input on educational questions or strategies.

What is ACTION RESEARCH?

In my brief study of "Action Research" or as it is often referred to"Administrative Inquiry", I have learned that this is a valuable tool for any administrator.  This tool can be used to unclutter the days events and demands, while taking charge of the administrators own professional development.  In addition, administrative inquiry is a pathway for a principal to become the "head learner" of their campus.  Modeling this is a positive for any educational staff. 
The nuts and bolts of the action research process begins by a principal engaging in an intentional study of their job performance, routine, and effectiveness.  The ultimate goal in this process is to produce positive needed personal and professional change as a result of the inquiry.
I have also learning that Action Research is different from traditional research because it provides a practical way to improve education, teaching, and learning.  This is accomplished by addressing specific campus issues.  It requires an examination of relevant data and an opening of pathways for professional growth and most importantly, school improvement.
While thinking about the many possible ways to use Action Research, two scenarios became very apparent for me.  First, I truly believe that the process of self evaluation is critical for personal improvement in any job or position.  The ability to use the administrator inquiry piece should be a powerful tool for self improvement.  The second area that I believe is critical for the use of Action Research in the area of developing professional learning communities (PLC) in schools.  Education has changed drastically in the past 10-15 years.  The utilization and maximization of PLCs is the key for any principal to initiate a change process in schools that would positively affect student achievement.  Action Research provides the tools and framework needed for this to occur.

EDLD 5352 Course Reflection

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Technology Integration Organization Chart

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Technology Action Plan

Please view @ http://www.scribd.com/doc/24094490

Texas STaR Chart: Technology Progression

After carefully studying the Texas STar Chart Summary for our campus at Georgetown High School, I have decided to discuss the key area of Infrastructure for Technology as it pertains to our school's technology development as well as the progress of the campuses across the state of Texas. I chose this key area because I feel like this area will be, and currently is, the most difficult area to achieve because it depends on something that is completely out of the hands of educators. I'm talking about the area of funding. I have been in education long enough to have seen numerous state educational mandates go completely unfunded by the state. In difficult economic times, it is nearly impossible to convince the taxpayer to have their taxes raised in order to get every child a computer or access to a computer. This is especially difficult to explain to someone who no longer has children in public schools. At Georgetown High School, the STaR chart shows that we have been very fortunate to have a strong infrastructure in place as early as 2006. We were categorized in the Advanced Tech category in 2007-2007 and again in the 2007-2008 school year. However, as our enrollment continues to rise, our school has regressed into the developing Tech category. In part, this can be traced back to two areas: Students per Computers has dropped during the last two years. Our school has not kept pace with the increasing student enrollment as it relates to the number of computers available on campus. The second area of declining concern is Other Classroom Technology. It is evident that the hardware and software has remained constant while the enrollment has continued to rise.
In comparison to the State of Texas where more schools are progressing to the Advanced Tech category, I am concerned about our school's regression in this key area. If our school is going continue to strive to meet the needs of the students, the technology infrastructure has to be the major area of emphasis. All other areas of the Long Range Plan will come to a grinding halt in terms of the implementation of using technology to assist in quality teaching and learning.