Action Research Revisions - The highlighted pieces are recommendations made by my site supervisor.

 Goals and objectives/outcomes of the research investigation
My goal throughout this process is to identify factors that influence student motivation in the classroom environment. I want to be able to identify motivational strategies/methods that will enhance performance and assist the students in becoming successful. In addition, I would like to see if there is a correlation between elevated motivation and student attendance.
 Activities designed to achieve the objectives
There are many different activities that will be conducted throughout the action research process, some of which I will add as I go. I will be giving surveys to my sample group at different intervals in the year. I will also be assisting my principal with a professional learning community, or PLC, where we will conduct a book study and look at research about student motivation. In addition, I hope to implement a campus blog community that will be utilized as a journal where teachers can write reflectively about their experiences, perspectives, and questions.
 Resources and research tools needed for data gathering
Resources and research tools are the backbone of this tool. I will be using data shared through our PLC meetings, book (The Motivation Breakthrough) study analysis, and student surveys. Also utilized will be student assessment and attendance data. Cumulative data will be TAKS information and our FLEX program attendance numbers. In addition, the number of students being identified as being learning disabled or in need of tier II interventions will be identified.
 Draft timeline for completion or implementation of activities
PLC meetings will be held quarterly so that the teachers will have the opportunity to put some of the learning into action. During the PLC discussions teachers will share and analyze data compiled from their own experiences and research. We will identify strategies found to be successful. Surveys will be given to student sample group quarterly. Teachers will complete webblog on a timeline as to be determined by my site supervisor.
 Persons responsible for implementation of the action research planWendy Ruthart, Principal/Site Supervisor and Amy Ball will be responsible for the implementation of the action research plan.
 Process for monitoring the achievement of goals and objectives
During the research process I plan to take quantitative and qualitative data by analyzing students’ assessments, surveys, and attendance records. I will also observe the reflections of the teachers during our PLC and blog posts.
 Assessment instrument(s) to evaluate the effectiveness of the action research study
The assessment for this study will be an analysis of student statistics for the year. Did the students’ attendance rates increase along with their surveys on motivation? How are their assessment scores in comparison to the other data obtained from the study? Also to be included are interviews with students. Are the students more motivated now than before to perform in school? Are the students aware of what motivates them to be successful?

 Goals and objectives/outcomes of the research investigation
My goal throughout this process is to find strategies, research, and incentives that will motivate learners. I want to be able to identify ways teachers can work with students to assist them in becoming successful. In addition, I would like to see if there is a correlation between elevated motivation and student attendance.
 Activities designed to achieve the objectives
There are many different activities that will be conducted throughout the action research process, some of which I will add as I go. I will be giving surveys to my sample group at different intervals in the year. I will also be assisting my principal with a professional learning community, or PLC, where we will conduct a book study and look at research about student motivation. In addition, I hope to implement a campus blog community that will be utilized as a journal where teachers can write reflectively about their experiences, perspectives, and questions.
 Resources and research tools needed for data gathering
Resources and research tools are the backbone of this tool. I will be using data shared through our PLC meetings, book (The Motivation Breakthrough) study analysis, and student surveys. Also utilized will be student assessment and attendance data. Cumulative data will be TAKS information and our FLEX program attendance numbers. In addition, the number of referrals to the tier II math and reading classrooms will be analyzed.
 Draft timeline for completion or implementation of activities
PLC meetings will be held quarterly so that the teachers will have the opportunity to put some of the learning into action. Surveys will be given to student sample group quarterly. Teachers will complete webblog on a timeline as to be determined by my site supervisor.
 Persons responsible for implementation of the action research plan
Wendy Ruthart, Principal/Site Supervisor and Amy Ball will be responsible for the implementation of the action research plan.
 Process for monitoring the achievement of goals and objectives
During the research process I plan to take quantitative data by analyzing students’ assessments, surveys, and attendance records. I will also observe the reflections of the teachers during our PLC and blog posts.
 Assessment instrument(s) to evaluate the effectiveness of the action research study
The assessment for this study will be an analysis of student statistics for the year. Did the students’ attendance rates increase along with their surveys on motivation? How are their assessment scores in comparison to the other data obtained from the study?

Reflection Week 2

In reflection of these three interviews I can see that action research is not meant to be an intimidating action. It is to be used as an innovative tool that provides data based on your situation. As Dr. Kirk Lewis shared it is practical in nature in that you are able to take the information and/or knowledge back into the classroom and use to make an impact on your students.

Importance of Blogs As a Leader

Being a leader can be a very isolated place. You are the "boss" and relationships are different. My principal actually expressed this to me in our interviews in one of my previous courses. She said," It is hard because there is no one to bounce ideas off of." Blogging can create a community of principals that are experiencing similar things as you. You can share ideas or solutions, maybe just talk about the everyday happenings of being a principal. In addition, I can see using blogs on the campus as a way of communication between staff. When school gets rolling it is sometimes hard to keep in touch with everyone on the campus. You could have the staff utilize a blog as a journal or maybe in conducting a book review. I believe that blogs could be a very important and meaningful part of the school community.

Reflection of Learnings

Action research is a deliberate, reflective process that anyone can partake in to become a better practitioner. I didn't realize it at the time, but I have been a part of action research. This previous year our principal organized professional learning communities, or PLC's. Each teacher picked a couple of areas that they would like to learn more about. I loved being a part of these and feel that I learned a lot more than just being in the regular staff development. Action research is going to make me a better administrator as it will enable me to really think about things that need to be done and about changes that I have already made. Action research does involve research, but it is individualized to meet the needs of your campus and teachers. In contrast, traditional research is more of a blanket prescriptive. You may or may not be given what you need to address the areas needing attention. Action research is done from the inside. You are the one who knows the most about the strengths and weaknesses of your campus, teachers, and students. I believe that action research will be a valuable tool in my growth as a campus principal.