I decided to only change one thing on my action research plan so far. Due to great replies and comments that I have received from my discussion board in class and my blog, I have decided to not only have separate meetings with the teaching aides and teachers, but also have meetings with all of them present together to anonymously make suggestions/comments/concerns that I can read aloud and then we can all brainstorm on. I am hoping that this group collaboration will be helpful for all involved. I also received great suggestions for different types of programs that I can use for my staff commendations that I still need to look into more. I am certainly willing to consider anything that will make these easier and less time consuming for the teachers. Please keep all of the great comments coming -- they are so helplful and I am truly greatful for them all!!
P.S. I do not know why it continues to do this silly goal repetition of words that it keeps doing!! When I try to edit it looks normal, but once it is published it keeps doing this --- uugghh....technology!? If anyone has any suggestions, I'm all ears!!
| Action Planning Template | ||||
Goals:
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| Action Steps(s): | Person(s) Responsible: | Timeline: Start/End | Needed Resources | Evaluation |
Research adult motivation techniques. | Myself—Rachel Blankenburg | September 2011 - October 2011 | Will find on-line articles as well as look for books that address this topic. | Discussion with site supervisor. |
Research the importance of positive working relationships between teachers and teaching assistants. | Myself—Rachel Blankenburg | September 2011 - October 2011 | Will find on-line articles as well as look for books that address this topic. | Discussion with site supervisor. |
Hold separate and joint staff meetings with teachers and teaching assistants to address expectations as well as concerns. | Myself – Rachel Blankenburg | August 2011-May 2012 | Staff meeting agenda (with signature page for all to sign who attended the meeting). Staff surveys. | Completed staff surveys, questionnaires, personal one-on-one interviews. |
Implement intrinsic motivation for teaching assistants via verbal praise and peer recognition through a "Teaching Assistant of the Month" award. | All 5 campus teachers and myself. | September 2011 -May 2012 | Staff commendation forms submitted by teachers and myself. | Teacher and teaching assistant surveys, questionnaires, observations, and interviews. |
Implement extrinsic motivation via a "Teaching Assistant of the Month" award accompanied by a $200 monetary award. | Teachers, myself, Executive Director and CEO of our residential facility. | January 2012 – May 2012 | Staff commendation forms submitted by teachers and myself. Money given by CEO. | Teacher and teaching assistant surveys, questionnaires, observations, and interviews. |
Analyzing the effect on campus climate and negative student behaviors. | Myself, teaching assistants. | September 2011 – May 2012 | Restraint Log | Review restraint log to see if student restraints increased or decreased throughout the year, observations, student surveys and interviews. |
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI think you are on the right track with collaborating both with and without the teachers and aides together. The last time I was in the classroom I had a fantastic paraprofessional as my co-teacher. She and I worked together for 4 years and I 'fought' to have her in my room each year. I taught her everything I could because I relied on her to pull small groups and work with students. I was able to coach her with techniques and strategies for working with students in a positive way. We made tremendous student progress gains every year. You have a great research project on your hands!
One final suggestion, change the title of your action research plan; it is no longer a template, it's yours. ;) I renamed mine- AbiHabib's Action Research... I don't think that really matters but I thought I would mention it.
Best of luck with your research. I look forward to studying your findings.
Ginger