Learning Outcomes

Action Research Inquiry/Goal

 

Since all ______ Independent School District schools were mandated to extend the school workday for teachers, did the extended hours aid in improving student’s academic performance and close the achievement gap between lower socio-economic schools and middle to upper income schools within the district- specifically in grades 3rd- 5th?  Is there a difference in the learning outcomes in both racial and income groups? Are the extended workday school’s student achievement scores and overall academic performance better than schools that have continued to maintain regular school hours?

Goal and Objectives/Outcomes of the Research Investigation

The goal of the action research plan is to determine if extended school days improve student’s academic performance. 

1. If so, should extended hours be added to our school day to help increase student performance?
2. Did the extended hours aid in closing the achievement gap between lower socio-economic schools and middle to upper income schools within the district- specifically in grades 3^rd- 5th? 
3. Is there a difference in the learning outcomes in both racial and income groups?  
4. Did the student’s behavior change with the extended minutes?
5. Determine if teachers and students felt an increased burn-out during various interval breaks?
6. Were teachers able to accomplish more of their goals with the extra time (instruction, tutoring, assessment, build student/teacher relationships, etc.)?

Activities Designed to Achieve the Objectives

Teachers maintain a minimum of eight hours and 30 minutes during a five hour workday.

According to mandating the implementation of 45 minutes, teachers can:

1. “For two of the days, 45 minutes may be used each day by teachers for tutoring students, accelerated instruction, and/or instruction, and/or enrichment activities for students.
2. For at least two of the days, 45 minutes will be used each day by teachers at their own discretion and may include activities such as individual or collaborative planning, tutoring or any activity intended to support student learning.  This time can be spent on campus, at home, or another off-campus location.
3. For one of the days, 45 minutes may be used before or afterschool for professional development sessions, staff meetings, school teams, PLCs, committees, and/or for another purpose at the discretion of the principal”

Resources and Research Tools Needed for Data Gathering

• Surveys
• Interviews
• Quantitative Measures of Student Achievement
• ______ Independent School District Implement Plan 2012
• School Leadership Memos/Implementations
• Vertical and Growth Model

Draft Timeline for Completion of Implementation of Activities

• January 26, 2012- Vote to Implement 45 minutes to workday for teachers
• August, 2012- 45 minutes implementation of workday for teachers
• October, 2012- Benchmark (evaluate student progress)
• November 29, 2012- District meeting regarding extension hours
• December, 2012- Review student grades (progress vs. regression), STAARs Testing
• February, 2012- Benchmark Assessment
• March, 2012- STAARS Testing
• April, 2012- STAARS Testing
• June, 2012- End of School (Inventory/Review Inquiries) 

Persons Responsible for Implementation of Activities

• Me
• School Leadership Members

Process Monitoring the Achievement of Goals and Objectives

• Observation

Assessment Instruments to Evaluate the Effectiveness of the Action Research Study

• Teacher Responsiveness
• Student Responsiveness
• Leadership Responsiveness
• _____ ISD governing parties