Week 5 Reflection

I’ve learned so much from this course and the content it included, with an emphasis on action research. Action research is an ongoing, continuous process that never stops, preventing an organization from stagnating, and providing a progressive environment conducive to change. It also allows for a thorough examination of current practices, using the techniques of research to determine what could be lacking. Action research allows the vested parties to address issues that are specific to the individual, group, or school, not just issues outsiders believe are important. Action research is also a process that models problem solving, which can be introduced and modeled for teachers, students, and other administrators. In addition, action research has the capability to rejuvenate the learning and professional community alike. Action research follows a process of steps that tend to be cyclical in nature. Action research is more of an introspective, self evaluation tool to determine current abilities and skills, and what changes might need to be made. It can be an individual, collaborative, or school-wide undertaking that happens within the learning community.


Reflection is not new process for me, as it is greatly encouraged by my administration, but developing my action research plan really made me realize exactly how important it is to an educator. As an educational leader, it is vital to reflect on a continuous daily basis. When evaluating any type of project or outcome, to be an effective leader we must ask ourselves a few questions. Was the outcome positive? Is there anything else that could be done to enhance the outcome? If the outcome was not desired, what could be done to elicit better results? Based on the answers to those questions, then we should plan to improve and extend the desired outcome. Reflection also allows teachers to grow professionally, and gain confidence in their abilities and skills. Reflection is a time to understand our self better, and determine what changes need to be made to attain the desired outcome.

I also learned something that was totally foreign to me, which were the strategies for sustaining improvement. Force field analysis is a powerful tool when used correctly, especially in the school setting. There are always forces involved within any organization, both negative and positive. According to Kurt Lewin, who developed the force field analysis tool, there are forces that drive changes and forces that resist change. This definitely applies when developing an action research plan within a school environment. The Delphi Method relies on a team of experts or interested parties that would ultimately be affected by the change. This particular method is normally confidential, with surveys being exchanged and information being shared electronically. The Nominal group technique also has merit, but I hesitate to try this method first, due to time constraints. A facilitator normally leads the discussion within a small group setting, asking members to silently write down what they feel the schools needs/issues are. Each person shares one idea, which is written down, with no discussion at this time. Then a small group discussion follows of the alleged needs, with group members rating the needs from most important to least important. This technique also has merit because judgmental attitudes are not allowed as issues are being discussed, so members feel open to discuss freely. The more I studied these techniques; I feel that a combination of the Delphi method and Force field analysis would supply the greatest benefit for sustaining improvement in the school.

Week 4 Thoughts

Based on this week's reading, I plan to employ a combination of the Force Field Analysis and the Delphi Method in regards to my action plan inquiry. Using components of these tools offers the best of both worlds, so to speak, to ensure that my action plan is implemented with the best results possible achieved. Currently my action plan has not changed much, even after conferring with my site supervisor. I'm sure as I begin the implementation the plan will change accordingly to meet all needs and achieve maximum results.

Week 3 Action Research Plan

Action Planning Template


Goal: Implement Three for Me program to increase parent involvement and student achievement.

Action Steps(s): Person(s) Responsible: Timeline: Start/End Needed Resources Evaluation

Establish goals
Committee August 2010-September 2010
Human resources
Determine the needs of the school and create goals based on the needs.

Establish a budget
Committee August 2010-September
Human resources, accounting software
Determine the start up cost of the program, and the funds needed to sustain the program and produce a finalized copy of budget.

Organize a Three for Me sign-up campaign at all school events.
Committee July-September 2010
Forms, human, resources, flyers, pledge cards
Set up a Three for Me booth at school events, and events in the community.

Distribute and collect Volunteer Sign-Up and What Counts? forms
Committee August 19, 2010
Forms, human resources, organization tools such as folders, filing system, etc.
Distribute forms at the Meet the Teacher night.

Contact all parents who signed up for the program.
Wendy Hughes and 2 committee members August 2010-September 2010
Human resources, phones, computers, letters
Call or e-mail all parents who signed up to volunteer to ensure they are aware of volunteer opportunities.

Track volunteer hours
Wendy Hughes August 2010-June 2011
Volunteer tracking form
Create an Excel spreadsheet where parents can sign in, and maintain an electronic copy tracking hours. View spreadsheet regularly to ensure we are meeting goals, and if not revise methods.

Provide each teacher with a list of volunteers who can volunteer from home only.
Wendy Hughes August 2010-September 2010 (ongoing process)
Volunteer list for each relevant teacher with necessary contact information. Give each teacher a list of at-home volunteers so they can send things home to be completed.

Recognize each parent who fulfils the 3 hour requirement.
Committee member August 2010-June 2011(as needed basis)
Volunteer log sheet, certificates of achievement
Each parent that meets the 3 hour pledge receives a certificate of appreciation. Issue challenge to continue volunteering.

Volunteer recognition ceremony at the end of the year,
Committee June 2011 Refreshments, certificates of achievement, human resources
Have a Volunteer Recognition ceremony at the end of the year, honoring all volunteers, and also recognizing the volunteers with the most hours logged.

Week 2

This project is starting to overwhelm me just a bit! I am so eager to implement the Three for Me program at my school, and observe the results, but I'm loaded with questions on how to implement and exactly what level of commitment I will be able to obtain from all involved parties. I also struggle with delegating tasks, and tend to try and do everything myself, which is a control issue I've always struggled with. On the positive side, though, my administration is on board, and I feel that with everyone working together, this program will enhance parental involvement, and increase student achievement.

Leader analysis

Blogs are a very interesting tool for education leaders for many reasons. We can share information, share ideas and thoughts, and share advice which is just a few of the ways blogs are beneficial.

Action research is a beneficial tool in so many ways. Whether you are an individual, collaborative group, or a school wide effort, all have benefits for everyone involved. Action research is an ongoing, continuous process that never stops, preventing an organization from stagnating, and providing a progressive environment conducive to change. It also allows for a thorough examination of current practices, using the techniques of research to determine what could be lacking. Action research allows the vested parties to address issues that are specific to the individual, group, or school, not just issues outsiders believe are important. Action research is also a process that models problem solving, which can be introduced and modeled for teachers, students, and other administrators. In addition, action research has the capability to rejuvenate the learning and professional community alike. Action research follows a process of steps that tend to be cyclical in nature. First the problem must be identified, and then data needs to be collected and organized. Next, the data should be interpreted, and based on that interpretation appropriate action should follow. Lastly, professionals should reflect on the path the action research took. Was it successful? What could be changed for maximum beneficial change? Who could get involved? Following the process of action research provides professionals a way to constantly hone their skills and their schools.