Week 2

This week I continued to collect data on the frequency of off task behavior during independent work time. It was fascinating to me to observe 2 children so closely for a solid 10 minutes. Usually during the day I don't give my undivided attention to one student for that long. It was interesting to me to see that during the assignment part of the work time the child was very on task. But when they were finished and got to self select an item from my "What to do when I'm Done" chart his off task behavior dramatically increased.

I'm upping my goal for myself next week, in that I would like to get 2 observations and tally charts completed instead of just one per week. Hopefully this goal will help me continue to stick to my timeline.

The Research Begins

I did my first piece of data collection today. 1. I'm so proud of myself for getting it started and squeezed into my hectic Friday and 2. It required more focus than I orginally thought. and 3. I discovered that I am a better multi-tasker than I thought. :) I had to manage students questions such as "Can I use the restroom?" while making observations on 2 students every 2 seconds.

It confirmed for me my need for more eyes in my classroom to help me collect data. I can make observations during independent work time but I'll need someone else to observe while I'm teaching. (I don't know why I didn't think of that before).

I also realized that my ADD student today was really pretty focused for the whole 15 minutes and wondered how different he is without his medication. Are there already new wonderings?

Creating the Plan

This week I had to create my plan for action research. I loved laying out specifically what I am going to accomplish. It helped me make sure that I was really answering my inquiry questions. Creating a timeline also made the project seem more reasonable and gave me the feeling that I could definitely accomplish this. This plan will guide my research and help keep me focused.

Action Research Plan

OBJECTIVES	ACTIVITIES	RESOURCES/ RESEARCH TOOLS NEEDED	PERSON RESPONSIBLE	TIMELINE	HOW WILL IT BE MONITORED?	Revisions to SIP/PIP based on monitoring and assessments
I will assess the on task and off task behaviors of ADD students compared to their peers.	Tally off task behaviors of students with ADD and those without ADD	-a tally chart for each student being observed found in the book The Tough Kid Toolbox by William R. Johnson pg. 213	Tara Fitzgerald   Denise May	Start by mid September 2011: Tally one student with ADD and one without each week for 6 weeks.   By the end of Sept. 2011: Have the principal make observations of on and off task behaviors.	I will calculate the percentage of off task behavior for each student observed and record the data.
I will assess what strategies I am using to help ADD learners focus.	-gather notes from the teacher about strategies they are using with their ADD students -have someone observe the teacher and take field notes about strategies the teacher is using	-teacher notes   -field notes form	Tara Fitzgerald   Denise May	September and October 2011	I will compile a list of all strategies currently being used and include in my presentation.
I will get input from teachers on my campus about effective strategies for working with ADD students.	-create a survey for teachers/staff to complete about the strategies they've found to be effective with ADD students	-survey monkey	Tara Fitzgerald	Give the survey by the end of October	I will compile survey answers into one document.
I will get students' perspectives.	-get permission from parents to interview their child   -interview past and present students with ADD	-create interview questions such as What helps you focus?	Tara Fitzgerald	Have surveyed 4-6 students by the middle of Nov.	I will write up my interview notes.
I will read relevant research on ADD.	Read parts of books and journal articles about strategies for working with ADD students.	Access to professional journals   -specific books to come	Tara Fitzgerald	By the end of December I will have read at least 4 sources on my topic.	The references will be included in my written report on my research.
I will implement new strategies as a result of my findings.	-pick several new strategies to begin using in the classroom.	-none	Tara Fitzgerald	I will implement the strategies starting Spring Semester and use them for the next 2 months.	I will monitor this by documenting the strategies I am using.
I will assess the on task and off task behavior of ADD students compared to their peers.	Tally off task behaviors of students with ADD and those without ADD after having implemented new strategies.	-a tally chart for each student being observed found in the book The Tough Kid Toolbox by William R. Jenson pg. 213	Tara Fitzgerald   Denise May	Complete tally charts on each student throughout March and April 2012.	I will calculate the percentage of off task behavior for each student observed and compare that percentage with the beginning percentage. This will allow me to evaluate the effectiveness of the new strategies.