Goal: What effect do Professional Learning Communities have on the academic performance of students in grades 3 through 8 at Lake Waco Montessori Magnet School?
August 2010 Gain background information on PLC’s through staff interviews, published readings, and internet sources
August 2010-January 2011 Attend campus PLC meetings to collect and review data with staff members
September 2010 Evaluate student achievement history through AEIS reports, district benchmark data, and campus benchmark data
August 2010-December 2010 Assist in development/Implementation of interventions for struggling students
October 2010 Conduct staff Interviews
November 2010 and January 2011 Evaluate student achievement through district benchmark data
March 2011 Students take TAKS
April 2011 Evaluate student performance on TAKS
May 2011 Share results with PLC members and other campus staff through oral presentations at PLC meetings
Action Research Project
Impact of Professional Learning Communities on Student Academic Performance
The process of action research to study the effects of PLC’s on student academic performance at Lake Waco Montessori Magnet School will include the following steps:
1. Examining the Work: Setting the Foundation – This step was conducted in collaboration with my campus principal. The impact PLC’s have on increasing student performance was chosen because our district will be initiating PLC’s on all campuses this school year. As with many new initiatives, there is hope that the implementation of this project will improve student scores on our campus. Since this is a new endeavor, the results of such a project are unknown at this time.
2. Analyzing Data – Several sources of data will be reviewed prior to determining the effectiveness of PLC’s on increasing student performance. Some of these will include AEIS data, district benchmark data, classroom assessment and observational data, field notes, and meeting minutes.
3. Developing Deeper Understanding – After initial review of student performance data, staff interview responses and journal reflection responses will be used to assist in formulating a greater understanding of PLC’s on student performance. Additionally, published readings and internet sources will be used to gain insight into the process of PLC’s.
4. Engaging in Self-Reflection – Self-reflection will be an ongoing aspect of the action research project. My plan includes continuing assessments through reflective journaling that is hoped to provoke more questioning avenues and possible solutions to any problems incurred.
5. Exploring Programmatic Patterns – This step of the project will be addressed through meetings with the various PLC members, campus administration, and any additional staff that can provide insight into patterns shown through analyzing student data.
6. Determining Direction – Determining direction includes evaluating the scope and sequence of the blueprint for the action research project. This has been initially addressed through conversations with my campus principal. Ongoing evaluation of the project’s direction will be conducted through PLC meetings.
7. Taking Action for School Improvement – Creating the initial plan was the first step in taking action for school improvement. Review of the PLC process and subsequent reviews of student performance data will provide greater insight into the results of PLC’s on student performance. The project will conclude with a summary of the determined results.
8. Sustaining Improvement – Sustaining improvement will be addressed through a discussion of the research results with PLC members and campus administration. Also, any additional questions that may have arisen as a result of the research will be discussed for possible investigation.
The project will begin with a review of current literature and an interview with current campus administration to gain insight into the theory and process of Professional Learning Communities in August 2010. I will then begin attending PLC meetings in three grade levels – elementary, intermediate, and middle school – to discuss my project and do an initial review of student performance data. I will become a member of all three PLC’s in order to assist with the process and continually evaluate its effects on student performance. Involved staff will be interviewed regarding the process and effectiveness of PLC’s. Student benchmark data will be collected and evaluated in November 2010 and January 2011. Final student performance will be assessed through evaluation of the TAKS results in April. A summary of the results will be prepared and presented to PLC members and campus administration at the conclusion of the project.
Wow, you have contributed so much detail to your plan! It looks great! I felt from reading your plan that you are truly invested and interested in the topic. It is going to be helpful to have your campus administrator helping as well as the PLC groups, so that way you don't have to gather all the data your self.
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