Developing an Action Reseacrh Plan

Goal: What effective blogging strategies can be implemented in ways that will improve 3rd grade ELL students’ literacy skills?

Objective 1: Both researcher and administrators view blogging as a tool for providing effective classroom practices for ELL students. They understand that educational technology as a learning tool can increase opportunities for students.
Action Steps: Researcher will meet with administrators before school starts to understand and set the scope of the project. They perform needs analysis prior to software selection. Select software/hardware that reflects student cultural, linguistic, and learning style diversity.
Person(s) Responsible: Site supervisor and researcher.
Time Line: November 2010.
Needed Resources: Federal, state, and local guidelines. Research findings.
Evaluation: Conference, walk-through, informal observation, and lesson plan.

Objective 2: Schools offer opportunities for parents to understand literacy and have foundational knowledge of an engaged learning environment where technology is a tool for learning.
Action Steps: School creates opportunities for parental and community involvement. Parents collaborate with their children and teachers to engage in computer activities such as writing narratives, conducting small-scale research projects, and publishing newsletters. Parents engage their children in daily conversations and activities involving informed technology in addition to reading books, telling stories, and taking their children to field trips.
Person(s) Responsible: Site supervisor and researcher.
Time Line: December 2010.
Needed Resources: Parental involvement, computer, Internet access, conference time.
Evaluation: Parent surveys/interviews, school functions, parent conference.

Objective 3: Teachers allow many opportunities for student engaged learning. They understand students' individual study, writing, reading habits, learning, and language development needs
Action Steps: Teachers are periodically trained in professional development and the successful use of technology, so they integrate technology efficiently, creatively, and confidently. Administrators integrate technology systemically and simultaneously with teacher professional development. Teachers allow flexibility with students who have varying levels of English proficiency. Introduce and reinforce vocabulary within a contextual framework. Educators provide opportunities for students to speak, listen, read, and write, and communicate with each other in meaningful ways. Finally, they use technology for instruction with a point and application in real, authentic situations, and become a facilitator rather than a deliverer of knowledge.
Person(s) Responsible: Researcher, site supervisor, and technology coordinator.
Time Line: April 2010.
Needed Resources: District curriculum, research-based practices, computers, Internet access, and computer lab time.
Evaluation: Formative and summative assessments, parent surveys/interviews, lesson plans, informal observations.