Week 4

Action Planning Template
Goal: To implement Professional Learning Communities in order to promote collaboration and communication among Teachers and Leadership as a component of Campus AYP Corrective Action Plan.
Action Steps(s):	Person(s) Responsible:	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
Put into action a Campus Special Education Professional Learning Community.		November 2011-June 2012	Location for meeting, Substitute for classroom coverage	Increased communication among Special Education Teachers
Share Action Research Plan with Leadership and other schools in Texas.		November 2011	Copies of Action Research Plan	By sharing Action Research Plan, leadership will be aware of strategies used to support AYP Corrective Action Plan
Conduct a survey among Special Education Teachers and Leadership to assess and identify prior knowledge and misconceptions of Professional Learning Communities. Include Delphi Open ended questions.		November 2011	Computer and web program to complete survey (Survey Monkey)	The data from the survey will be used to plan future meetings and objectives for PLC.
Apply Force Field Analysis Strategies, Delphi Method, and Normal Group Techniques to the PLC meeting on any issues that may cause resistance to change.		January 2012	Chart Paper Post it Notes Paper Pencil	The end result will be group consensus regarding needed changes.
Discuss results of survey with school leadership		December 2011	Computer and web program to analyze survey results	Allow development of goals for PLC
Assist in data analysis from Instructional Focus Meetings		November 2011-May 2012	Data Disaggregation Table and DMAC web based software	Data analysis will assist in planning, direction and goals for PLC.
Explore ways to implement existing technology and explore new technology for the Special Education Students		February 2012	Computer	Technology will increase modalities to deliver instruction to differentiate instruction.
Explore ways to increase opportunities for Special Education Students inclusion in the regular education classroom		March 2012	Computer and search engine	Lesson observation checklist from PDAS can be used to see if learning styles are being addressed.
Present Book review on Professional Learning Communities at Work: Best Practices for Enhancing Student Achievement		December 2011	Computer, Microsoft PowerPoint, and copy of book	Teachers and leadership can use results to guide discussions and goals for PLC meetings.
The PLC will explore uses of common accommodation and modifications in Reading, Math, and Language/Writing in order to provide more focused aligned instruction on areas of needed improvement for the students with special needs with the purpose of improving STAAR scores.		December 2012	STAAR testing manual Computer	Checklists, Lesson Plans, and TEKS Verification Documents can be used to see if goals are being met.
The PLC will vertically align their curriculum in Reading, Math, and Language/Writing in order to provide more focused instruction on areas of needed improvement for the students with special needs with the purpose of improving STAAR scores.		December 2012	STAAR testing manual Computer Vertical Alignment Documents	Checklists, Lesson Plans, and TEKS Verification Documents can be used to see if goals are being met.
The PLC will explore ways to collaborate and communicate with General Education Students in order to assist mainstream students.		May 2012	Computer Survey	Regular meetings will lead to student success in mainstream classes.

Format based on Tool 7.1 from Examining What We Do to Improve Our Schools

(Harris, Edmonson, and Combs, 2010)

Week 3

Action Planning Template
Goal: To implement Professional Learning Communities in order to promote collaboration and communication among Teachers and Leadership as a component of Campus AYP Corrective Action Plan.
Action Steps(s):	Person(s) Responsible:	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
Put into action a Campus Special Education Professional Learning Community.		November 2011-June 2012	Location for meeting, Substitute for classroom coverage	Increased communication among Special Education Teachers
Share Action Research Plan with Leadership.	Crystal Leiva	November 2011	Copies of Action Research Plan	By sharing Action Research Plan, leadership will be aware of strategies used to support AYP Corrective Action Plan
Conduct a survey among Special Education Teachers and Leadership to assess and identify prior knowledge and misconceptions of Professional Learning Communities.		November 2011	Computer and web program to complete survey (Survey Monkey)	The data from the survey will be used to plan future meetings and objectives for PLC.
Discuss results of survey with school leadership		December 2011	Computer and web program to analyze survey results	Allow development of goals for PLC
Assist in data analysis from Instructional Focus Meetings		November 2011-May 2012	Data Disaggregation Table and DMAC web based software	Data analysis will assist in planning, direction and goals for PLC.
Explore ways to implement existing technology and explore new technology for the Special Education Students		February 2012	Computer	Technology will increase modalities to deliver instruction to differentiate instruction.
Explore ways to increase opportunities for Special Education Students inclusion in the regular education classroom	Crystal Leiva	March 2012	Computer and search engine	Lesson observation checklist from PDAS can be used to see if learning styles are being addressed.
Present Book review on Professional Learning Communities at Work: Best Practices for Enhancing Student Achievement	Crystal Leiva	December 2011	Computer, Microsoft PowerPoint, and copy of book	Teachers and leadership can use results to guide discussions and goals for PLC meetings.

Format based on Tool 7.1 from Examining What We Do to Improve Our Schools

(Harris, Edmonson, and Combs, 2010)

Week 2 Reflection. DATA DATA DATA

In order to begin any good, practical, and relevant research plan it is imperative that data is collected. As a special education teacher, data analysis is critical to my job. For the student's IEP and testing placement, I am required to identify their Present Level of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance. This data guides their instruction and the development of their IEP plan. After the IEP is developed, I collect data to progress monitor their mastery towards the goals. The new STAAR guidelines for testing placement requires that we look at the students PLAAFP, accommodations, and modifications to determine placement.

Blogging for Educational Leaders

Blogging is an excellent tool for Educational Leaders. It allows us to establish a community of learners. Sharing ideas, networking, and support can all be obtained from a blogging community.  An educational leader may use a blog to develop new ideas or gather information on needed change.  Also, a educational leader may just use a blog for needed encouragement and support.

Action Research

What I have learned about Action Research?

Webster defines action as  " the accomplishment of a thing usually over a period of time, in stages, or with the possibility of repetition".  Action requires us to do something.  Traditional educational research is made up of theories, ideas, and suggestions.  Action research demands that we make a change. 

Administrative inquiry or action research first occurs when an individual reflects on their current situation and environment,  Additionally, it is vital to collect data related to the area of need.  The next step in action research involves analyzing relevant research and literature related to the area of need.   Pursuing this further will require the action researcher to make changes based on the literature and research.   Finally, it is important for the action researcher to share the information gathered and the change that was implemented. 

How can I use Action Research?

To implement Professional Learning Communities in order to promote collaboration and communication among Special Education Teachers to improve AYP rating.  My principal as given me an area of need.  She suggested that I start a Professional Learning Community for Special Education Teachers at my school.  The next step will be to research literature related to this area of need.  Once adequate research has occurred, I will identify and establish a plan for change.  Then I will share the outcomes.