Action Research Project
By Dyan Marek
Title- Are Students Positively or Negatively Impacted by Retention?
Needs Assessment- In talking with my principal, we discussed
the importance of determining the effectiveness of retention. Over the last
century, research has been conducted determining the harmful effects of
retention and yet it is still a practice highly used throughout our country. My
district wants to do everything possible to keep from having to retain a
student, and my research will prove why this is important and interventions
needed to help the individual students.
Objectives and Vision of the Action Research Project- The
objective of this research project is to keep students from even needing to be
retained. I envision strategies and interventions put into place ensuring the
success of all students. In a measurable way, I want to improve student success
and provide opportunities to each through the use of: reading interventions,
math interventions, positive social groups, behavior plans, and community
involvement.
Review of the Literature and Action Research Strategy-I have
reviewed nine separate articles. After this review, my principal and I
discussed our campuses’ needs and our need to ensure no child is retained. We
will employ a variety of interventions and strategies to do this.
Articulate the Vision- The vision will be communicated
through my blog site and a power point presentation. I will first gain approval
from my principal and then share it with my colleagues on campus. If my findings
are significant enough, I will share it with other principals as well.
Manage the Organization- I am responsible for identifying
the students at risk and dividing them into two groups based on the likelihood
of these students to be retained. I will also study the progress of a small
group of students who have already been retained. Through the use of tutoring,
by a number of different staff members, and the disaggregated data of these
students, I will determine the effectiveness of differing strategies. Student
learning and safety will be a high priority. All information will be kept
confidential, with only those working directly with the students knowing their
personal information. I will ensure all interventionist know the importance of
confidentiality. We will all work with the highest standards of ethics on
place.
Manage Operations- To lead the operations of the
intervention strategies, I am participating in the Master Schedule Committee and
PLC’s. Together, we determine groupings of students, teacher schedules, and
plans of action. We are currently working on building consensus with our new
schedule, which includes a power-time intended to provide ample opportunity for
enrichment and tutoring. Our district has not met AYP for two years and it is
important to determine a best practice to reach all students.
Respond to Community Interest and Needs- Our students with
exceptional needs will be benefited by the power-time because they will get 45
minutes daily to practice for UIL, social needs, and enrichment. Those students
with more specific academic and behavioral needs will benefit as well by the 45
minute daily tutoring made available. Here we will be able to focus on specific
needs on a daily basis to provide for interventions for every child. All data is
disaggregated, but groups are not determine by cultural, ethnic, or economic
needs, but rather on individual needs based on academic scores or behavioral
progress. We have also implemented PBIS strategies to help with behavioral needs.
Together, the power time and PBIS should help us reach every student and ensure
their success.