My Action Plan

Action Plan is located on google docs:

https://docs.google.com/document/edit?id=1jVpIcm55xcuNtPfM2FWBuVK8Jbp8sgqMJPNRtFt0DdA&authkey=CKn5ueMM&hl=en#


Is there correlation between extra-curricular spending and higher achievement on standardized tests?

ACTION STEP 1 Examining the work
Discussion with stakeholders, my mentor and principal we looked at 3 issues that dominate our work environment. The three inquiries were discipline, African American Male achievement and extra-curricular spending. After discussion and reflection, We decided to look at is there correlation between extra-curricular spending and higher achievement on standardized tests? This is a hot topic considering today’s shrinking educational budgets. Where do you cut? Invest? Add/Drop programs? These are issues that should be answered by this action plan. It benefits administrators and people who have to deal with defending their budgets.

ACTION STEP 2 Analyzing data, Developing deeper understanding
Gather the data from Aldine ISD, Alief ISD, Houston ISD and Humble ISD. Bernie Mulvaney will be responsible for collecting the required information for this action plan. Timeline: To have all information by 8/3/10. We will need a computer, calculator, phone and email. I will evaluate if my contacts will come through in these school districts. If I have my information on or prior to 8/3/10, it will be successful.

ACTION STEP 3 Developing deeper understanding, Engaging in Self-Reflection
Evaluate the data that has been gathered. We will look at TAKS test scores as district, SAT & ACT scores. We will evaluate spending on extra-curriculars as a whole and per pupil. Compare and contrast each and every school district with spending compared to test scores. Bernie Mulvaney will be in charge of disaggregating the data. We will need calculators and binders to keep the information organized. Timeline: 8/12/10. I will evaluate if we need more data to complete the action plan. Constant re-evaluation. This will allow me a deeper understanding of this issue. I will also self-reflect on where we are in the process.

ACTION STEP 4 Determining direction
Explore the data and determine the direction. We will assess the data and decide on the next step. Either way we will have enough data to give us an idea if there is a correlation. This can also take us in a new direction based on the data. Time line: 8/14/10. We will reflect on the data and decide to stay the course and add more school districts to get a better picture or we can possibly narrow the topic or broaden it. Reflection will help us in this process. The evaluation of the data and the process will be how we evaluate this step.

ACTION STEP 5 Taking action for school improvement
Use data to help with school improvement. Bernie Mulvaney, my mentor, Andy Shrobel, and principal Nancy Blackwell will be in charge of taking the information and using that data to take action to improve our school. Timeline: On-going. We want to re-evaluate the data on spending and achievement at least quarterly. Monthly is at all possible. Evaluation on this will be if there ends up being extra spending or less spending on extra-curriculars depending on what the data shows. Resources that are needed are our stakeholders to help reflect and decide the direction.

ACTION STEP 6 Sustaining improvement
Constant reflection, inquiry, and looking for improvement. What can we show to save extra-curricular spending? Reflection of the data as well as any increase or decrease of spending for these activities. Timeline: On-going, school improvement is a never ending battle. Bernie Mulvaney, Andy Shrobel, for and Nancy Blackwell will be the people responsible for this part of the action plan. The needed resource for this step is the school budget.