Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Action Research Plan Update - 3/27/2013



     Well, my Action Research plan has been going since October.  I had initially planned to begin in September, but once I shared it with the other teachers are school, I decided we needed to get the kids into school and little before we started.  I also wanted to allow time for teachers to adjust to school and to get in the swing of a new school year.  I planned to include all grade levels on my campus. (Pre-K-4th)  I got the opportunity to attend all PLCs one day with my principal in order to explain the plan to all teachers.  Everyone seemed to be on board at the meeting.  I asked each grade level to come up with specific skills they wanted to work on and give me a list of activities that they were all willing to do daily and/or weekly with their students.  All the grade levels gave me the list.  I also stated that I needed a checklist, or progress report, at the end of each month.  This is where they began to lose their willingness.  After a month of having to remind them, I went to talk to my principal. 
     My principal and I decided that for this year, I needed to focus on 4th grade only.  This was fine with me because this is the grade I teach and the reason that I came up with the plan to begin with.  4th grade has implemented the plan.  I made flashcards for all 64 4th graders at school.  I designed a parent signature page for them to have their parents initial or sign nightly.  All three 4th grade classrooms have made this a nightly requirement.  It is even required over the weekend.  We all play multiplication games each week.  I make my give me an answer to a multiplication problem as their exit ticket to go to lunch at least one day per week.  We all have multiplication problems posted in our rooms.  I had planned to put them all over school, but when we decided to contain it in 4th grade, I decided for us to keep the facts within our classrooms.  All 4th graders are required to get on the FastMath computer program at least two times per week.  We all print off the monthly reports from this program as our documentation.  I have been using it to track progress.  I have been extremely pleased at the results and progress many students have made.
     We have some students that do not regularly do their flashcards and their scores on FastMath are lower.  It has proven that being consistent with multiplication facts has been a positive task for 4th grade.  It has proven to them that they can learn those facts.  Some of the students that I have that struggle have learned and memorized their multiplication facts because of this research plan. 
     I plan to continue my research plan into next year and add third grade.  I may add second as well, but I will have to talk to my administrator to see what she would like me to do.  I have proven that requiring the students to learn and practice their multiplication facts daily had helped them increase their math skills.  I have been pleased with the results we have gotten.  I was a little disappointed in some of my colleagues that were not very willing to participate, but I still feel that we have made great progress and strides in mastering multiplication facts in 4th grade!

Friday, July 6, 2012

Week 5 - Reflections

       WOW!  The old saying "Time flies when you are having fun" is true about this course!  I can't believe that it is almost over.  This course has totally changed my thinking of "research".  I really use to dislike the idea of research, but now I am excited and looking forward to this new challenge.  Finding answers to my question, and seeking ways to improve my teaching has lit a new fire inside me.  I am ready to get started!  I do feel a bit overwhelmed with knowing that I have work, an action research plan to do, and all of the activities on my internship plan to complete throughout this year.  Not to mention normal life at the Tirey house!  Oh well!  I have always loved a good challenge (I am extremely competitive!).  I am excited to see what this year has in store for me.  Please continue to follow my blog and comment.  I would love to get more input on my action research plan,  ideas to improve my blog, and inspiration to keep me going! 

Friday, June 29, 2012

Week 4 - Revision to my Action Research Plan

          I have to say that blogging has been way more exciting and fun than I ever imagined!  I find myself checking my blog regularly and excited when I have a new follower.  Ever since I posted my action research plan to my blog, I find myself looking even more with hopes that someone has posted a comment or suggestion about my research plan.  I am so excited about my plan and want to make it the very best and beneficial that it can be.  I feel that getting helpful suggestions for improvement or affirmation of my plan can only help me to strengthen it and make it better. 
          I did not repost my Action Research Plan because, my site supervisor approved the one that is already posted.  I did revise the posted action plan to reflect changes that were discussed with my site supervisor and suggestions made on this blog.  The only change that I will be making is taking out TPRI as a tool for gathering data.  Having never taught a grade where the TPRI was administered, I assumed that it gave data on math.  That teaches me a lesson on assuming!!! It only give data on reading.  For this reason, I will be gathering data from the Pre-K through 1st grade teachers on specific math skills that need to be worked on.  I had that already in my plan.  I will also try to tie the monthly checklist for Kinder and 1st to our CSCOPE curriculum in order to not add extra work to those teachers.  I don't want unhappy teachers!  I want this to be beneficial for all, not misery! I also added that teachers would be posting comments on this blog about activities that worked and progress being made in their classrooms.  I would love to get more input on my plan and any suggestions for activities.  Thanks!

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Revised Action Plan! 6/29/12

Just the Facts—Increasing Basic Math Skills for LaMesa Elementary Students
Action Research Plan
(Revised 6/23/12)

Goal:  The goal of this action research plan is to determine ways that LaMesa Elementary teachers (Pre-K through 4th Grade) can improve the teaching of specific math skills in order to increase student learning and retention of those skills.


Action Step(s)
Person(s) Responsible
Timeline:
Start/End
Needed Resources
Evaluation/Monitoring of Achievement of Goals and Objectives
1. Develop a committee to determine the math skills for each grade level and the specific activities and assessment that will take place.
Brandy Tirey
June 25 – July 13, 2012
None
Determine participation of a committee member representing each grade level as well as administrators.
2.  Look at data on math skills.  Look at the end of the year math scores on the Fast Math program for grades 2 – 4 , and the TPRI scores for K & 1. Gather information on math skills from the Pre-K teacher.
Brandy Tirey
Sharon Wright, Principal

June 25 – August 10, 2012
End of Year Fast Math Score Printouts, K & 1 data from , teachers, Info. from the Pre-K teacher on Math skills
Reflection Journal

Looking at the Fast Math scores, TPRI scores, and Pre-K information, determine the progress that was made on math skills from last year.  Look to see if there are major gaps.
3.  Make a list of ideas to discuss at the meeting we will have in August.  Look at Fast Math activity ideas, the book Number Facts & Jumping Jacks, and on line math resources.
Brandy Tirey
June 25 – August 10, 2012
Fast Math program, Number Facts & Jumping Jacks book, a computer.
Reflection Journal
Create a list of ideas to discuss with the committee of possible activities for our campus to use.
4.  Create math facts and numbers on posters to place on stairs and walls around the building. 
Brandy Tirey
Possibly some committee members
June 25 – August 10, 2012
Poster board, paper, markers, scissors, glue, tape
None
5.  Conduct grade level meetings to get input on specific skills they feel are important to focus on and discuss activities.
Brandy Tirey
All grade levels – Pre-K to 4th
(Individual mtgs.)
August 2012 (date to be determined after in-service schedule has been made by principal and superintendent)
Reflection Journal for notes. List of possible activities I generated.
Journal ideas in reflection journal and use them when I meet with the committee.
6.  Have a committee meeting to determine specific math skills to target and track throughout the year for all grade levels. 
Brandy Tirey
Sharon Wright - princpal
Alissa Carter – Asst. Principal
Committee members – 1 from each grade level
August 2012 (date to be determined after in-service schedule has been made by principal and superintendent)
List of activities, data from Fast Math, TPRI scores, and information from Pre-K, Posters created in step 4.
Reflection Journal
Get feedback from committee members, determine a plan of action for each grade level, and determine assessment method for each grade level.
7. Conduct staff meeting with entire campus to present the action plan and activities that will be conducted throughout the year. 
Brandy Tirey
Entire LaMesa Staff
August 2012 (date to be determined after in-service schedule has been made by principal and superintendent)
List of committee members, List of activities with descriptions of each activity, copy of assessment tool for Pre-k through 1.  2 – 4 grades will turn in Fast Math monthly reports.
Reflection Journal
Evaluation from the principal on how the meeting went and was conducted.
8.  Distribute meeting evaluation/ideas form to all staff to receive ideas and feedback.
All Staff at LaMesa Elementary
August ( Same day as meeting)
Evaluation/ideas form
Determine new ideas from the evaluation forms.
9.  Begin activities in all grade levels.
All Staff at LaMesa Elementary
August 20, 2012 – April 26, 2013
Plan of Action for all teachers and list of activities and assessment dates.
Discuss with teachers weekly to determine success and problems.
10.  2nd – 4th Grade students will complete SMI test, and Pre-K through 1st grades will do checklist determine baseline scores and teachers will turn in reports.
Brandy Tirey
August 27 – 31, 2012
Computer lab computers, check lists
Analyze data to determine problem areas.
11.  Teachers turn in monthly reports and checklists.   Teachers will also make comments to blog about activities and progress.
Brandy Tirey
All Teachers
Last Day of each month August 2012 – April 2013.
Reports/Checklists
Monitor student progress from reports and checklists.  Make any necessary suggestions and activity changes to focus on specific skills.  Check blog for comments and suggestions.
12.  Meet monthly with committee to discuss data and make any necessary changes needed in activities or add new ones.
Brandy Tirey
Sharon Wright
Alissa Carter
All Committee members
September  2012 – April 2013
Reports
Reflection Journal
Compare results from month to month, determine activity effectiveness.
13. Blog results of findings monthly.
Brandy Tirey
August 2012 – May 2013
Reports
Reflection Journal
Regularly check blog for comments. 
14.  Present Findings
Brandy Tirey
Sharon Wright
May 2013 (date will be determined by her schedule)
Monthly reports and checklists
Evaluation by site supervisor, Sharon Wright.

Week 3 - Action Research Plan Draft

Well, another week of planning my action research plan!  Wow!  I feel really pretty good about my plan to research how my campus can improve our teaching of math skills and increase student learning and retention of specific math skills.  I feel that this will be an extremely beneficial research plan for my campus.  Finding a way to improve our students' math facts has been on my heart for a while, and I am excited to see my thoughts and ideas be put into a plan.  I would LOVE some feedback on my plan!  I am open to suggestions!  Please tell me what you think! 

Just the Facts - Action Research Plan

Action Research Plan
Just the Facts—Basic Math Skills for LaMesa Elementary Students

Goal:  The goal of this action research plan is to determine ways that LaMesa Elementary teachers (Pre-K through 4th Grade) can improve the teaching of specific math skills in order to increase student learning and retention of those skills.


Action Step(s)
Person(s) Responsible
Timeline:
Start/End
Needed Resources
Evaluation/Monitoring of Achievement of Goals and Objectives
1. Develop a committee to determine the math skills for each grade level and the specific activities and assessment that will take place.
Brandy Tirey
June 25 – July 13, 2012
None
Determine participation of a committee member representing each grade level as well as administrators.
2.  Look at data on math skills.  Look at the end of the year math scores on the Fast Math program for grades 2 – 4 , and the TPRI scores for K & 1. Gather information on math skills from the Pre-K teacher.
Brandy Tirey
Sharon Wright, Principal

June 25 – August 10, 2012
End of Year Fast Math Score Printouts, K & 1 TPRI Scores, Info. from the Pre-K teacher on Math skills

Looking at the Fast Math scores, TPRI scores, and Pre-K information, determine the progress that was made on math skills from last year.  Look to see if there are major gaps.
3.  Make a list of ideas to discuss at the meeting we will have in August.  Look at Fast Math activity ideas, the book Number Facts & Jumping Jacks, and on line math resources.
Brandy Tirey
June 25 – August 10, 2012
Fast Math program, Number Facts & Jumping Jacks book, a computer.
Create a list of ideas to discuss with the committee of possible activities for our campus to use.
4.  Create math facts and numbers on posters to place on stairs and walls around the building. 
Brandy Tirey
Possibly some committee members
June 25 – August 10, 2012
Poster board, paper, markers, scissors, glue, tape
None
5.  Have a committee meeting to determine specific math skills to target and track throughout the year for all grade levels. 
Brandy Tirey
Sharon Wright - princpal
Alissa Carter – Asst. Principal
Committee members – 1 from each grade level
August 2012 (date to be determined after in-service schedule has been made by principal)
List of activities, data from Fast Math, TPRI scores, and information from Pre-K, Posters created in step 4.
Get feedback from committee members, determine a plan of action for each grade level, determine assessment method for each grade level.
6. Conduct staff meeting with entire campus to present the action plan and activities that will be conducted throughout the year. 
Brandy Tirey
Entire LaMesa Staff
August 2012 (date to be determined after in-service schedule has been made by principal)
List of committee members, List of activities with descriptions of each activity, copy of assessment tool for Pre-k through 1.  2 – 4 grades will turn in Fast Math monthly reports.
Evaluation from the principal on how the meeting went and was conducted.
7.  Distribute meeting evaluation/ideas form to all staff to receive ideas and feedback.
All Staff at LaMesa Elementary
August ( Same day as meeting)
Evaluation/ideas form
Determine new ideas from the evaluation forms.
8.  Begin activities in all grade levels.
All Staff at LaMesa Elementary
August 20, 2012 – April 26, 2013
Plan of Action for all teachers and list of activities and assessment dates.
Discuss with teachers weekly to determine success and problems.
9.  2nd – 4th Grade students will complete SMI test, and Pre-K through 1st grades will do checklist determine baseline scores and teachers will turn in reports.
Brandy Tirey
August 27 – 31, 2012
Computer lab computers, check lists
Analyze data to determine problem areas.
10.  Teachers turn in monthly reports and checklists.
Brandy Tirey
All Teachers
Last Day of each month August 2012 – April 2013.
Reports/Checklists
Monitor student progress from reports and checklists.  Make any necessary suggestions and activity changes to focus on specific skills.
11.  Meet monthly with committee to discuss data and make any necessary changes needed in activities or add new ones.
Brandy Tirey
Sharon Wright
Alissa Carter
All Committee members
September  2012 – April 2013
Reports
Compare results from month to month, determine activity effectiveness.
12.  Present Findings
Brandy Tirey
Sharon Wright
May 2013 (date will be determined by her schedule)
Monthly reports and checklists
Evaluation by site supervisor, Sharon Wright.