Week 5

Brian Kelly

·         Lectures

·         Readings

·         Searches, like electronic searches of topics and questions

·         Assignments and activities

·         Discussion Board

·         Blogs

    I have learned a tremendous amount in this course, not only will I use the information learned in my educational world yet I will use the information in my world as a father and all other aspects of my life. The lectures have been informative and very helpful in my action research project. The professors have set up a clear and concise format to follow in my action research plan. This was something very new to me and their help was priceless in setting the ground work for my project. The readings have explained possible subjects for research and they have also elaborated on the lectures given already. The readings were very simple and easy to follow; this made the class fun and exciting. The readings created curiosity and a need to learn more. All of my searches were done through Google and or blogging. The electronic portion of this course was something I would have never ventured into if I had not taken this course. Blogging was something that never made any sense to me, yet the information gained from others through their blogs was extremely valuable and it also created an atmosphere of collaboration which is an area that all educators need to build on. The replies on my blog have helped me advance my research project and also gave me the confidence that my research project was important and helpful. The assignments and activities definitely created collaboration. Reading the discussion posts was the most helpful part of the assignments. Critiquing other peoples discussion board posts helped me see areas where I needed to work on as well. Overall, this has been an experience that will help me become a better administrator in the future. The action research project will help me focus on other areas of improvement in the school system of today and in the future.

Comments on Agreed Action Research Plan

Comment #1:  “Has your school turned to the PTA to help provide supplies to students? This is something you could address during your research. The PTA could also be a resource for funding for field trips, books, and school spirit wear that the students would have a difficult time paying for.”

This comment was very helpful and will be extremely effective in my action research plan.  During week 2 and 3, I will be conducting a PTA conference in order to increase funds for these economically deprived students.  I didn’t think of going to the PTA at all and am thankful for this comment.  I will have an added resource to help my proposed research plan.

Comment #2:  “I like your topic. Is your school a Title I school, if so there are funds that should be set aside for resources and supplies. Encourage your departments to spend money on basic supplies so it doesnt become an issue. Some committed teachers will also spend money during back to school sales (Its tax deductible). Also look and see if businesses are willing to donate items that students can use. Many business will give in the spirit of educating our students. Great Topic. Good luck in your findings.”

One of my schools is a Title 1 school, yet the other is not.  The one school that is a Title 1 school does set aside extra monies for those students in need.  We are developing an outreach program through teachers and staff in hopes of possible clothing donations.  In the closing of my action research plan, I will ask local businesses and military to help donate bikes and extra toys for these students.

EDLD 5301 Week 3 Action Research Plan

Action Planning Template
Goal: Create extra/support resources for those students who are economically disadvantaged and who possess behavior issues.
Action Steps(s):	Person(s) Responsible:	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
Find one to two students who have economic/behavior problems	Brian Kelly Brandon Bills Beth Meyers Principal’s at participating schools	3/21/11-4/1/11	Class Roster, Free lunch list	Determine if these students are appropriate for the research. Review findings with teachers and principals, can we help these students?
Receive permission from school and parents to conduct research	Brian Kelly	3/28/11-4/1/11	Parent contact information	If parents are not ok, what can we do within our rights as educators without permission?
Examine already provided resources/support for these students.  Examine classroom and school setting/schedule	Brian Kelly Students’ teachers	4/8/11-4/22/11	Students’ teachers documentations of behavior track and support used.  School supply list and school budget/funding review.	On top of already used resources, what support could the students benefit from?  Does the school have the added funding to provide this support?
Use added resources/support in order to prevent behavior issues.  Look for possible antecedents for behavior problems, and then use added rationales/resources to prevent breakdowns.  Give students extra supplies that they lack and see if that helped with their self efficacy.	Brian Kelly Brandon Bills Beth Meyers Principal’s at participating schools	4/25/11-6/3/11	Extra school supplies, data sheets, teacher documentations, parent documentation/ involvement, school counselor input, student input	What added resource helped and how can we create this opportunity for students who possess the same issue district wide?

Format based on Tool 7.1 from Examining What We Do to Improve Our Schools

(Harris, Edmonson, and Combs, 2010)

EDLD 5301 Week 2 Reflections

 Reflect on what you learned from watching and listening to each of these scholars.

    I learned a lot from watching and listening to these two scholars. I learned that if you know what you are looking for and what you are talking about, you exude a certain confidence which these two gentlemen showed in their interviews. From Dr. Briseno, I learned that collaboration is key and if I have a problem in the future than I should read/research the problem. Take others advice and use it, don’t re-invent the wheel! Dr. Lewis taught me a lot as well. In the future I will contain an action research project on only those issues that are practical to my school. Find out information that is only relevant to my school. Research done solely for my school will increase teacher interest/participation which will ultimately help those students who are affected even more. Great interviews!