Week 5 5301 Assignment Part 2 – Final Reflections

                           Assignment, Part 2 – Final Reflections
The work I have completed on my action research for this class has been very useful and informative. I enjoyed the interviews that were given by Dr. Artebury and Dr.Jenkins,. These interviews were also useful throughout the course. I especially enjoyed Dr. Johnny Briseno, Principal, Rancho Isabella Elementary. “We do not make a decision without data first” (Briseno, Video Interview). What I found interesting is, Briseno mentioned his thoughts about data in reference to that numbers do not tell the whole story about a student’s success or failure; they also want to focus on qualitative side of why a student may not be as successful as his or her peers. There can be physical, mental, emotional issues of the student, which causes him/her to lose focus. As I work on my action research, I feel that the data I gather will be carefully analyzed and evaluated leading to changes and good results, “action research is intended to bring about change of some kind Action research, according to Dana, There will be a change in how professional development is done in our district” (Dana, 2009). I feel what I am trying to achieve within our school will create a better atmosphere amongst students and teachers, thus incorporating the vision and mission of Judson ISD in the student’s academic learning.

In Examining What We Do to Improve Our Schools a great analogy was used, in which I shared this with my site supervisor. “A principal's quest to get healthy, action research must involve the steps a physician takes to diagnose and ultimately help a patient to health, namely, a systematic approach to improvement (teacher retention) based on the process of inquiry and use of diagnostic data from multiple sources” (Harris, et.al., 2010). As I am getting more involved and a development of my research, I am realizing I am going to have to take a pro-active role and determine the most achievable way to help these students reach academic success.

The biggest resource tool in this program is the discussion board. I absolutely love this feature. The feedbacks I have received from my peers have been very useful. The discussion board is a prime example of what my action research is regarding. The fact peers are learning from each other to gain an insightful thought or help about a particular issue. My peers have pointed out areas that I did not consider, like what if students do not get along with their tutors and other suggestions. I have noted all suggestions and have shared them in my blog. I also feel that I have given positive feedback to my peers as they work on their action research. 

Assignments have been interesting and a little challenging.  If you do not read then of course you are bound no t to succeed, but I feel that they have helped me focus on the task at hand.  The readings have helped guide and shape my way of thinking like an administrator. Because of the new found knowledge I have gained, I believe my action research will be exciting and eventful, and I will enjoy completing my action research. My department head, supervisor and principal appear to be excited about seeing my research as it develops. I now need support from the students, and teachers to help make this a successful research

Dana, Nancy Fichtman (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: The principal as action Researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

Harris, S., Edmonson, S., and Combs, J. (2010). Examining what we do to improve our schools: 8 steps to improve our schools. Eye on Education Press.