Action Research Rough Draft

Examining the Work : Setting the Foundation
After meeting with the campus supervisor we conceded that the 6th graders difficulty transitioning into middle school has had a negative effect every year and has become a problematic issue for our campus with the recent removal of 12 6th grade teachers, based solely on EVAAS data. 6th graders have the lowest academic growth each year compared to other grade levels, they account for majority of the disciplinary infractions that occur on campus, and their parents become less involved.

Analyzing Data
After examining the EVAAS data (measures student growth), disciplinary referral log, and parent volunteer/conference/contact logs it reveals there is a need for transition programs for 6th grade students. While researching the issue of transitioning, there are realistic solutions to helping 6th graders adapt into the new campus culture, such as 5th grade field trips at the end of the school year, using current 6th graders as ambassadors, and 6th grade ”Induction” summer camp.

Developing Deeper Understanding
I plan to interview current 7th graders, to see what would have helped them perform better in 6th grade. I would like to conduct a survey with future 6th graders to identify their fears with middle school, so that the programs implemented will reflect their concerns. A vertical team with 5th and 6th grade teachers will be created to share ideas/strategies that are being implemented at the elementary level that can carry over into the 6th grade and vice versa.

Engage in Self-Reflection
Will I have the participation (teachers, students, parents) needed to implement the transition program successfully?
Will the transition increase 6th grade academic performance?
How will success be determined?
Do I have the skills needed to establish and monitor an effective vertical team focus group?
Can funds be allocated to execute a 6th grade induction camp?
How can parents be more involved with the transition program?

Exploring Programmatic Patterns
After discussing with my site supervisor, the major concern is getting the 5th grade teachers involved. They will not be gaining much from this transition program so I will have to find a way to convince them it will be worth their time. Another aspect I failed to mention was working more closely with the 6th grade administrator and counselor, gathering their input and expertise to ensure the success of the program. The induction program is a great idea but they suggested I think about the number of students that will be a part of the program, criteria for choosing students, getting students to participate in the summer, what teachers will assist, and how they will be compensated.

Determining Direction
My goal is to deter the negative effects transitioning has had on the 6th graders, such as declining academic performance, increasing disciplinary issues, and low levels of parental involvement. I possess the skills and have identified resources needed to successfully implement a transition program, with the assistance of administrators, counselors, 5th&6th grade teachers, students, and parents. This process is an ongoing program, therefore, the timelines will be adjusted as needed. I will be responsible for monitoring the project and I will enlist the help of 6th grade teachers because they will benefit the most from this initiative. Student academic performance as well as the EVAAS data will be a major determinant of success, however, the change in campus culture will determine the programs effectiveness. With the program being an ongoing process, revisions will occur as needed.

Taking Action for School Improvement
There will be several committees throughout the program. We will need members for the vertical team focus group, the “induction” summer camp committee members, members to analyze data to see trends within the program, parental involvement committee, and any other committees we be added as needed.

Sustain Improvement
I plan to share my findings with my peers through the discussion board and the blog. As I continue to research more articles and books related to this issue, I am finding new innovative ideas other schools and districts are implementing who do not have the resources to create an intermediate campus for 6th graders. Research has shown that students began to create their identity in the middle grades, this is true for their academic capability as well. As I find more research on the psychological barriers that 6th graders face while transitioning, I hope that will assist me in my research and create a more effective program.

Action Research

I have learned that action research is really what research in action is, it is my own accounts of the things that I would do on a daily basis. I use my own findings and reflect on the decisions that I have made. I use my personal understandings and also the thoughts of others to help guide better decision making. It is something that I have been doing in years prior to. I have done action research and never noticed that I had been doing it. I constantly find ways of improving instruction to the learners that are mastering the concepts being taught. I read books that help me to understand the how and why my students don't value learning the way that I do. I use books that give me ideas on how to introduce concepts to the demographic of students that I teach as well. When a concept is not mastered I look at the data to determine what concepts need to be taught again. I know that I will be able to action research all the time because I have been doing it for years. It is now that I am aware of what the concept is and how to better use it on a weekly basis.