Week 4 Reflections - A Ha's in Action Plan and Heat Strokes!

Well, the last seven days have been extremely busy for me! I had to attend two conferences on leadership back to back, completed the preparation work with my colleagues for our robotics camp in July, and continually to try to train for an upcoming marathon in October in 100 + degree Texas weather (without having a heat stroke - or maybe I have and not realized it)! (All tips on beating the heat while running are welcome!) Oh, let's not forget working on the necessary projects to wrap up this class in the next week. Whew!

First, I want to thank everyone for your continued comments on my action research plan this past week! I have made the adjustments to my action plan per some of your comments and simultaneously have graciously accepted the compliments! I met with my site supervisor this week to discuss the suggestions as well as any other improvements that might be needed. In addition to your comments, I have also revised my plan to reflect collaborative meetings with some target persons in our district's bilingual department that have recently taken new positions in this area as well as included a couple of instructional specialists that can really help me with the analysis of data from grades K, 1, and 2. I don't have as much interaction with the lower grades. So, I needed to collaborate with my colleagues that were more knowledgeable with the benchmarks and assessments needed for the success of the program.  In addition, I have become a constant intruder in our district's Assessment and Accountability Department. (Ha!) I told my main point of contact to just put me on speed dial #1 and to please not block my number. :)

Second, I enjoyed reading about more strategies this week (Force Field Analysis, Delphi Method, and Nominal Group Technique, and CARE Model) on sustaining improvement with programs for the success of our students. I was glad to learn the official name for "questionnaires, surveys, and faculty meetings." :) With that being said, I have used a couple of the methods already in preparation for the action plan. Throughout the next year, as needed, I will pinpoint the best method to use when receiving feedback from my colleagues and/or students regarding certain aspects of the plan. Also, by filling out the CARE Model template, I am able to focus on the top three (3) details for each component of the model.

Finally, I look forward to this final week as I reflect on what I have learned the past four weeks that have made my action plan more solid which includes each and everyone of your comments. I look forward to following your blogs and the progression of your action research plans. I want to see how your ideas develop into action for the improvements that you are needing for your individualized campuses/districts.

Thank you for following my blog! I look forward to your comments! I will follow-up with a comment!