Action Research Plan Outline

Hello fellow action researchers! Over the past two days, I have been developing, refining and discussing my plan to study the effect of instructional-aide delivered, technology-based interventions on student learning. The process has really forced me to think about all the details; which is good, because I'm usually a big picture kind of guy. One of the most important lessons I learned in this process is that it really does help, as I believe Dr. Abshire stated, to start with the end in mind. I found my self visualizing meetings and anticipating the push-back from colleagues as I wrote a more detailed version of my plan in section 3 of this week's assignment. I'm certain I haven't thought of everything - and I think that's the point.

Here's the template for your perusal and comments:

Action Planning Template
Goal: To improve instructional aide efficacy in student learning through the use of tablet technology.
Action Steps(s):	Person(s) Responsible:	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
Survey faculty to determine sentiment on current use of instructional aides and elicit opinions on how aides could be better utilized.	Paul Stolt – developed survey. Stacee Freeman – site supervisor	(completed prior to beginning EDLD 5301) May 13 – May 17, 2013	Google Doc survey	Survey resulted in valuable information from faculty used to determine scope and sequence of research project. Review with site supervisor lead to wondering about how to implement a program to incorporate aides more fully.
Research current literature on instructional aide use in providing remediation and small-group instruction. Identify curriculum areas of greatest need for intervention. Develop menu of applications based on greatest need(s) and determine what training in implementation would be required.	Paul Stolt Grade level representatives	August 2013	Access to internet	Synthesis of current research on topic presented to principal and grade representatives. List of 4 – 6 areas of critical need established by committee of representatives and applications identified to address areas developed. Aides trained in app usage and student engagement with device. Guidelines established for student use and schedule developed for aide intervention times.
Develop data gathering protocol and methodology. Begin interventions informed by STAR assessment data. Collect data from standardized assessments, anecdotal evidence from instructional aides.	Paul Stolt Instructional aides Classroom teachers Principal Literacy/Math Coaches	August 2013 – September 2013 October 2013 -April 2014	Google Doc Form for recording aide’s observations Standard measure(s) of student achievement tied to curricular subject. Interview form doc Standardized assessments Raz-kids.com assessments of literacy Scootpad.com assessments of standards	Qualitative and quantitative measures determined to access effectiveness of interventions. Standard reporting form created to collect information from aides and teachers. Weekly interview of aides and review of interview form to discern thoughts on effectiveness. Standardized measures  reviewed to determine growth in student learning of designated subject matter. Conclusions drawn from various data collected.
Conclude research, conduct analysis, and disseminate findings.	Paul Stolt Stacee Freeman	May 2014 – July 2014	Google doc spread sheet	Action research report created to show results of project including analysis of data collected and opportunities for future research.