Repeat after me "I will not re-invent the wheel"

The piece to knowledge gold that I took away this week was that I do not have to reinvent the wheel; meaning someone out there has more than likely completed some of, if not all, the research that I need for my action research assignment. My task them becomes customizing the research and actions to the needs of my campus. Dr. Briseno said to invest the time into reading others research and glean what you can. This is good time management-- and we all know how precious time is. Happy "google-ing" to you all!

An excerpt from the book that I am reading...

A Learner's Bill of Rights

Every learner has the right to know why they are learning something, why it is important now, or may be important to them someday.

Every learner has the right to engage in questioning or interrogating the idea of "importance" above.

Every learner has the right to be confused and to express this confusion openly, honestly, and without shame.

Every learner has the right to multiple paths to understanding a concept, an idea, a set of facts, or a series of constructs.

Every learner has the right to understand his or her own mind, brain wiring, and intellectual inclinations as completely as possible.

Every learner has the right to interrogate and question the means through which his or her learning is assessed.

Every learner is entitled to some privacy in their imagination and thoughts.

Every learner has the right to take their own imagination and thinking seriously.

-From Wounded By School

Kirsten Olson

Why blogs?

Blogs are a convenient and efficient way to share information with a large audience. Using a blog allows for reflection by the author as well as comments by readers. Blogs are an excellent way to track a project from beginning to end.

What is Action Research?

Action research is not your typical, college reseach paper. Action research is conducted by administration or teachers within a school focusing on what needs to  be changed so that the school can meet the needs of the student, staff and community better.The process of action research is a cyclical process that is never ending. It is important that the administrator make time for inquiry and reflection as this is part of being a head learner for his campus. An administrator or teacher needs to ask “what is best for the students, what are they doing, where are they now and where do they need to be” as guiding questions to start an inquiry (Dana, p15).  The first step of action research is setting the foundation through a shared vision and understanding the need for inquiry (Harris, p 5). This step is the most important for change to be successful; all faculty need to feel comfortable with the administration, school vision and the new idea in order for the change to be successful. Action research can be conducted solely by the principal, group of administration or with a group of teacher (Dana, p 21). Working collaboratively allows the individual (teacher or administrator) to experience the greatest growth professionally and personally. 

References

Dana, N. (2009). Leading with Passion and Knowledge. California: Corwin.

Harris, S., Edmonson, E., & Combs, J. (2010) Examining what we do to improve our schools: 8 Steps From Analysis to Action. New York: Eye on Education.

Things are moving fast now... better get my facts straight

I googled "no zero" grading and found a website that another school district set up to discuss the book amongst its teachers. I forwarded this information to my principal and tomorrow I will be meeting with him to set up a website for our campus. I am hoping that this website promotes communication about this policy as well as addresses the myths and truths associated with the policy. I hope this is just the first of many steps toward a more communicative campus.

Eureka!!! I have a topic! Now what...

After giving much thought to the many issues effecting my school I narrowed the list to two and submitted them to my principal. for conducting my action research assignment.  He replied quickly with another idea that had not even crossed my mind but should have.
We are looking at decreasing student apathy and increasing student learning on our campus, one option that we are looking into is a "no-zero policy". Over the summer Mr. Loomis purchased the book "Power of ICU" by Danny Hill and Dr. Jayson Nave for the entire staff to read. This is a program that is being met with strife on our campus and Mr. Loomis would like me to research the implementation process and take action on the information I find to help shape the campus.
There are two definite sides to the argument and I plan to look at the pros and cons of both sides. Please feel free to chime in with your experiences.

What to research....

Educators are good at complaining... good at seeing the negative in a situation rather than looking for the gold that might be just beneath the surface. I am hoping to change this about myself and hopefully others. I have a poster in my classroom-- homemade but still effective-- that states "Do not come to me with problems, come to me with solutions." I am hoping to instill this in myself, my campus, and my students as I conduct action research. Won't you join me on this journey?