Last week of 5301

The topic that has given me the greatest insight during this course is the importance of the use of action research as a tool for improvement. While reflection in most forms is a great way to find ways of improvement, action research allows a person to dig much deeper and use more formal data as a bases for decisions.

I still would like to learn about ways to make action research part of a regular routine to be used by the whole staff, not just the administration. I think time would make this an issue for teachers that already so busy, but the campus could benefit so much if everyone was working toward improvement.

I will look into writings about the topic to look for deferent ideas. I hope to find articles, books and so some interviews of those that have been able to make it happen.

Challenges

Some challenges I may face in doing my project is finding solutions and/or getting my administration to buy into possible solutions. After I have surveyed the student body on participation in extracurricular activities, I will have a list of reasons why many may not participate. I already have ideas for possible solutions for some of those; however some I may not have an answer as to how to address a solution. To deal with this challenge I will interview other schools for solutions they have used. I even hope to get ideas from my classmates in this program.

Another possible challenge I may encounter is after I have gathered solutions to the reasons why students do not participate in extracurricular activities, I may need some commitment from my administration to make changes for improvement. Some solutions may be more financially taxing than others. I will deal with this challenge by showing them the number of students that will benefit from any money spent or changes made. I will show them the overall benefits the entire campus and even community will have from improving participation. Basically the return will be worth it.

Action Planning Template
Goal: What can our school do to increase the percent of students involved in extracurricular activities on our campus?
Action Steps(s):	Person(s) Responsible:	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
Survey the student body at NCHS to find out how many students do or do not participate in extracurricular activities.	James Bryant, David Loyacano (principal,)  English teachers	March 2012	Surveys	Compile the survey data in a spread sheet.
Review the data from spread sheet.	James Bryant, David Loyacano (Principal)	April 2012	Survey data from spread sheet	Analyze the reasons listed for NOT participating.  Brain storm about possible solutions that would allow more students to participate.
Meet with key administrators about support for solutions.	James Bryant, David Loyacano (Principal,) Kenn Franklin (Supt)	May-August 2012	Survey and results from brain storm.	Offer new ideas for improvement to students.