Action Research : Theory Into Practice National Staff Development Council Presentation December 2008 Frank Borelli, Superintendent Mary Moyer, School Library Media Specialist Delsea Regional School District

What is Action Research? Action Research is form of self-reflective inquiry by practitioners into their own educational practices and situations. (Definition from Dorothy Realdine, Director of Curriculum, Bridgeton School District) Why is it important?

What are primary purposes of Action Research? Improve educational practice Improve understanding of educational practice Improve teaching leading to higher student achievement

Why Action Research? The New Look of Professional Development – NCLB Shifted the emphasis of professional development to scientifically-based research. Focused on improving student achievement in all content areas. Defines professional development as “high quality, sustained, intensive, and classroom focused in order to have a positive and lasting impact on classroom instruction and the teacher’s performance in the classroom.” Clearly states that professional development activities are not one day or short-term workshops or conferences. The professional development must take place over a period of time in order to collect the necessary data to determine the effect on student achievement.

Steps in Action Research Introduction of Issue Action Plan Data Collection Analysis Reflection and Future Plans

Training Project Planning Project Implementation Data Collection Data Analysis Reflection Presentation Delsea Regional High School District’s Action Research Model Action Research Model

Tips for Action Research Projects Begin by asking questions – brainstorming potential areas of concern Define purpose – try not to tackle too large a project Stakeholders – who is involved Data Collection – How will data be collected? Tools – What tools are needed to complete project? Time management and deadlines Advance planning improves chances of project will be successful Resources (money and people) Measure success Changes - Be willing to accept change

Action Research Resources Survey Monkey – create online surveys Zoomerang – create online surveys EdTech Daily Practice Survey - Two types of surveys (one for students and one for teachers) help assess use of educational technology. EdTech Daily Practice Survey Questionnaires and Survey Design - Simple tutorial on designing questionnaires and surveys. Questionnaires and Survey Design DeBlieu, Martha O. “Use Action Research to Enhance Teaching.” NJEA Review. February 2002, pp. 16 – 22. Abilock, Debbie. “Data Driven or Data Action? Data Mining or Data Designing?” Knowledge Quest. May/June 2004, pp.7-9. –Warns against the pitfalls of passively collecting data or using / manipulating data to fit a predetermined solution. For fuller detail and website addresses, view the NSDCactionresearchAR wiki,

Accelerated Reader Action Research Project Research Project Conducted School Years and What is AR: Accelerated Reader is a computerized reading management program Research Question - Will Accelerated Reader, a computerized reading management program utilized as a supplemental reading program with a small group of students in the Resource Room Reading and Writing Classes, help students to become more aware of their personal reading habits, improve their reading grade level and help to boost library circulation? Students will select books to read, maintain reading logs, take computerized quizzes to check reading comprehension, receive immediate feedback and gain confidence in reading to become self- motivated readers.

Action Plan Divided responsibilities between Media Specialist and Classroom Teacher Media Specialist – Introduced program to students. Administered STAR Reader Assessment for pre-and post-test results. Assisted students with finding appropriate reading level books and gave students reading attitudinal surveys. Also provided Marking Period Rewards for those students that have met the reading goal. Provided additional support for those students who needed extra help. Classroom Teachers – Brought students to media center for introduction and for books. Reviewed STAR Reader results with students. Tracked reading in classroom via reading log sheets. Provided reading time in class and assigned as needed for homework.

Data Collection / Analysis 1. Get reluctant readers to become more aware of their own personal reading habits and the benefits of reading. Learn why reading is important. Measurement : Administer attitudinal reading survey and journal notes. Administered online survey (thoughts and feelings on AR). Most felt that AR was helping them in other subject areas and that they were reading more often in their free time. Student comments included: I read on the bus, I tell my friends when I have read a good book Get more books like Among the Hidden 2. Increase circulation statistics for individual students. Measurement: Circulation statistics Circulation increased. Students read from anywhere from 5 to 32 books. Some students were coming to the library weekly to exchange books. 3. Improve reading scores. Measurement: Administer Star Reader Assessment at beginning and at end of year. The overall gain in reading grade level was 0.4. The grade level rose from 6.0 to 6.4.

Results of Accelerated Reader – Benefits to Students Increased circulation – Students went from 1-2 books to 7-12 books checked out One student had checked out 23 books. Students were using the library MP Goals - 12 students achieved goal 3 Marking Periods making them eligible to attend Borders Bookstore field trip. 10 students were boys Comments from students- Nicole: Yes, I share my reading with my Mom Melton: Reading helps me in other subjects because of practice Dylan’s mother: Called to explain how her son was very happy with program Even those that were not as successful in passing tests were not discouraged from reading.

Reflection and Plans for Future Positive experience for students. Students are talking about reading. Library circulation has risen. Students are using the library. Small growth in student reading level. Will continue with modifications. Low cost is another benefit.