Action Research for T.E.A.M. (Teaching Excellence and Achievement through Mentoring)

Action Research is described as "articulating a wondering, collecting data to gain insights into the wondering, analyzing data, making improvements in practice based on what was learned, and sharing learning with others"(Dana 2009).

Action research is insider based, meaning that the principal takes ownership of what is happening in his/her school and is basing all actions toward student achievement based on data collected, books reviewed, or other information that has been shared with them. The Action Researcher is familiar with the school setting unlike other forms of research conducted by universities. In these studies, often the university researchers are not familiar with school settings or they are not fully aware issues that students, teachers, and administrators are faced with.

Action research also known as teacher inquiry, practitioner inquiry and is a powerful tool for both teachers and administrators and has furthered educational reform. These staff developments are focused on problem solving, teaching practices, leadership roles and inquiry, which in turn increases student achievement.

I plan to use action research as I submit a proposal for a mentoring program. When becoming frustrated when there was a lack of parental support for students. I later came to realize that some parents have work schedules that prevent them from supporting their child while others just do not understand the content of the subject. The students in turn show low academic acheivement and high discipline referrals.

During this time I also realized that I could not be a mentor to all, therefore I am stepping into the community to seek those who have a heart for helping children. I will seek the support of the administrative team, the campus improvement committe, counselors, and other staff who are willing to support the effort to increase student achievement.

Students will check in with their mentors once a week and discuss the progression or digression of academic and behavioral progress. Once a month, the student and a parent will meet with the mentor and teacher to discuss what is and is not working. Student feedback will be important to inform me of what changes should be made to improve the program.

Dana suggests that an online blog can be used as a journal in the form of a reflective, powerful data collection tool that can be shared with teachers and students. The online blog can also serve as a tool to link to other resources that may be beneficial to staff.