I finished my action research plan this week... I like how it is coming together and what started as several ideas has become one completely workable research project.  I am now looking forward to gathering all of the data and realizing the effect of iPads on instruction.  It will be exciting to share my results once I am done!

Here is my plan so far:

Action Planning Template
Goal: Does the addition of iPads into the everyday routine of classroom instruction have a positive effect on student Math and Science test scores?
Action Steps(s):	Person(s) Responsible:	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
Disaggregate data from 2011-2012 3rd graders including STAAR scores, classroom grades and district assessment.	Campus Principal, Assistant Principal, Counselor, Rachel Hayes	May 2013	2012 3rd grade Math STAAR scores, 2011-2012 District assessment scores in Math and Science	Document overall scores of 3rd graders in 2011-2012. Note deficits in specific objectives from each subject area.
Collect scores (District Assessment, STAAR, classroom grades) from 2012-2013	Campus Principal, Assistant Principal, Counselor, Rachel Hayes	August 2013	2013 4th grade Math STAAR scores, 2012-2013 district assessment scores in Math and Science.	Document overall scores of 4th graders in 2012-2013. Note deficits in specific objectives from each subject area.
Compare District assessment scores, STAAR scores and classroom grades from 3rd graders in 2011-2012 to data from same assessments from 4th graders in 2012-2013.	Counselor, Rachel Hayes	September 2013	Scores/data from both school years. Chart to provide side by side comparison of both years data.	Compare scores of both years, paying special attention to the areas of deficit from first year.  Were there improvements in those specific areas?
Draw a conclusion based on data compared and collected as to whether or not iPad integration was effective.	Campus Principal, Rachel Hayes	September 2013	Charted Math STAAR scores, District Assessment scores, and classroom grades from both years.	Conclude results of research to determine if iPads are an effective instructional tool that will assist in improving student performance.

1. SETTING THE FOUNDATION –

Set up meetings with principal, counselor and Assistant principal to discuss the issue of determining effectiveness of iPad use during daily math and science instruction.

2. ANALYZING DATA –

Use multiple sources of data such as STAAR math test results, District Assessment results in math and science, formative and summative assessments in math and science, and classroom grades in math and science.

3. DEVELOPING DEEPER UNDERSTANDING –

Conduct meetings with stakeholders to determine if the research is going as planned, and if there are any areas that need to be looked into on a deeper level. 

 

4. ENGAGE IN SELF-REFLECTION –

I will ask questions of myself,the program and my site supervisors during the time of research such as:

-Are there teachers who use the iPads more consistently than others?

-Are all of the teachers using the same apps for instruction?

-How independent are the students when using the programs?  Are they working in groups, or partners? Are all of the students having equal amounts of iPad time?

 

5. EXPLORING PROGRAMMATIC PATTERNS –

After meeting with my site supervisor, counselor and assistant principal and going through the self reflection phase, I will make a more clear and concise research plan and anticipate results.

 

6. DETERMINING DIRECTION –

I am clear about the direction of my research.  Because the iPads have been in place for this entire school year,  I will be able to effectively meet the timeline I have set for myself.  As the timeline progresses and I continue to meet with the stakeholders in the projects, I will reevaluate specific direction as needed.

7. TAKING ACTION FOR SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT

After taking the above steps, I will develop a written plan to continue to guide my project. I will use Tool 7.1 to assist in the development of written plan.

8. SUSTAIN IMPROVEMENT

When I am able to determine the results of my research, I will use the data to push either for or against continued iPad usage on our campus.  If the results show that iPads are helping to improve scores and performance in math and science, I will work with teachers and principals on my campus to determine how the iPad usage can be beneficial for ELA/social studies as well.  How can our campus achieve the maximum benefits from iPads being available to all of our students, and what are the limitations of them in the different subject areas.