My Three Topics of Possible Research

Our assignment includes discussing the direction of our action research project with our site supervisior(s), due to summer break our discussion was via e-mail. I shared with her a general list of ideas. She expanded in detail what is needed on campus. I decided to take a step further and poll my coworkers. I sent an email to my campus and had 5 responses. I found that not very many people read their school emails. I organized the information by gathering responses and highlighting topics that were recurring. Three major topics came up:

A. Technology
1. Separate training for those who are proficient in technology
2. Separate training for those who are still learning the basics of technology
3. Training to be presented by Technology Specialist and not the Teacher who went to a workshop.
4. Integration of technology in Social Studies
5. Implementation of technology in a more effective way that students would want to use it in their homes to improve student achievement.
6. Training on good websites, how to make them accessible and relevant for students on campus and at home

B. School Environment
1. Student attitude and behavior
2. Teacher attitude
3. Team building through out the year

C. Assessment
1. Define Common Assessment
2. How often should it be used?
3. How effective is assessment and can it
accurately measure students’ academic progress?
4. How can Common assessments be implemented
into the Aware program we already have in the district?
5. Kinder assessments are not age appropriate


In the three proposed action research studies, I found that both Teachers and Students will benefit. The ultimate goal in education is student success. Below I have elaborated more on the benefits of each of the topics.


Technology
Teachers will benefit from being technology proficient.
Technology will be integrated in curriculum to enhance learning.
Teachers will implement technology to enhance intellectual rigor and skills.
Students will benefit by increasing marketable technology skills.
Enhance student retention by offering technology enriched classes.

School Environment
This topic has many key stakeholders: Faculty, Student, Administration, Staff, and Parents. Our campus has experienced many changes in personnel and we have not addressed campus environment. It is crucial that all key stakeholders feel: welcome, safe, respect, their classroom conducive to learning, etc. The school environment is the thread that binds our school together.

Common Assessment
The teachers will benefit in understanding how assessment can be powerful. Yes, benchmark data is not always authentic. Consequently professional development in Common assessment will provide a deeper understanding in developing authentic assessment. Students be will benefit in that the Teacher can focus instruction or tutoring to achieve success.