Update- I've changed my topic to better align with my campus need and internship plan. I will now be doing my action research over the development of the hiring committee that I am implementing at my campus. I hope to research on the changes that the committee has on our staff hiring process.

Looking Ahead

Action Step Person Responsible Timeline Start/End Needed Resources Evaluation   1. Meet multiple times with the G/T pullout teacher (Hicks) to determine acquired learning taking place within the pullout program. Determine if there is a sufficient difference in these students’ work performance when they are outside the general education classroom. Myself Melissa Hicks September - December Student samples from the pullout setting and student work samples from within the classroom I will compare student samples from within the classroom to student samples from within the G/T pullout classroom. 2. Access data to determine why (if any) there is a difference in work performance when the g/t students are in a general education classroom versus a gifted class. While researching I would also like to find effective assessments to give my gifted learners to test the effectiveness of their learning environment. Myself October- January Data, assessment techniques for  acquiring the level of learning obtained in class versus the level of learning taking place in the g/t setting. I will perform the acquired assessment on the students and hopefully  determine the best learning environment for them. 3. Use strategies and resources to make my gifted learners rise to their ability levels and perform at a higher standard Myself January-May Assessment tools and resources through research End of course exams, data proven assessments, conferencing, standardized test scores, universal screenings.

Steps of Action

1.  Setting the Foundation- The need for my research topic is to improve motivation and performance levels of gifted/talented learners.

2. Analyzing Data- Information will be gained through universal screening, assessment, standardized test scores, and informal assessment.

3. Developing Deeper Understanding- I will work directly with the G/T pullout teacher to determine if the gifted students are performing at a higher level in the mixed ability classroom or within the gifted classroom. I will perform tasks with the gifted students in the classroom to see if they perform at their ability level within the mixed ability classroom, then the pullout teacher will complete similar tasks with the gifted students and we will compare data.

4. Engaging in Self-Reflection- As an educator it is my duty to see that every child is performing at their highest ability. With this research, I intend to determine if achieving the highest ability level for gifted learners is better served in a higher ability level classroom or within the mixed ability setting.

5. Exploring Programmatic Patterns- My gifted students often seem bored or unfocused on our daily learning objectives. When I work with my gifted students in a small group setting together, they often tend to achieve higher. While I realize most students have higher achievement when placed in a small group setting, the pattern still arises far more visibly with the gifted learners. Are my gifted learners being neglected in daily lessons that are geared toward the improvement of my slower learners?

6. Determining Direction- I plan to work directly with the G/T pullout teacher. We will collect data and perform assessments and universal screenings to determine if the G/T students’ performance is affected by the classroom setting.

7. Taking Action for School Improvement- This research will be available to all faculty. Also, the research will have a possible affect on how G/T students are placed in classrooms next year.

8. Sustaining Improvement- I will continue to research and keep data updated in attempt to ensure every student rises to their highest ability.

Research Week 2

After watching the interviews this week I learned that Pasadena ISD is a recipient of the Melinda and Bill Gates Foundation Grant. Pasadena ISD is not far from my district, Buna ISD, and we have similar demographics. I am going to discuss with some administrators and see if my district is eligible for this grant as well.
What a great week!

Educational Leaders & Blogs

Blogs are a great way for educational leaders to communicate and gain knowledge. It is always nice to hear someone else's perspective on a difficult topic; blogs are a means of gaining insight through other's experiences.
Also, blogs could be used for community communication. Educational leaders and teachers could post information on blogs for parents and students to see. The great thing about blogs is that the parents and students could also comment on the blog postings to let the teacher know they have seen the blog information. Blogs provide a technology based, fun communication option for educational use.

Action Research

Action research is a research method that all teachers and educational professionals should use to research and develop ways of change based on the needs of each individual campus.  Education is continually changing and adapting through the use of action research. Action research is a guide to help professionals grow through research. Action research gets teachers involved in the process of change through active participation. Action research lets change happen through investigation and the trial and error process. Action research benefits teachers and their students simultaneously through teacher involvement and active participation in the process of inquiry and eventual change. Properly used, action research is never ending; educators should always be using action research to find new initiatives to improve their campus needs. In Leading with Passion and Knowledge: The Principal as an Action Researcher (2009), the author defines action research as "systemic, intentional study of one’s own professional practice” (p. 9). As educators we should be continually participating in active research in order to better our own "professional practice". Education should be constantly improving; action research provides the tools to help make that possible.
It is important to remember that my focus is on education, however action research can be used in any organization or business to foster improvement and change.