On Tuesday, May 6, the CART awardees met at Anderson Academy for our third support session of the year. Present were Tim, Donna, Debbie, Mandi, Nichole, Angela P., Carolyn B., Michaelann, Robin, Jennifer, Jenita, Angela M., Loche, and Shirlene. Three CART groups did not have a representative there and will be meeting with me soon.
Tim started us off with an icebreaker. He asked us to name the top 3 songs on our iPods or our favorite three songs. This was a fun icebreaker. There were some participants that I had not met before, and this was a quick way to get some insight into people’s personalities as well as share some laughter. The three songs that came to my mind that afternoon were “Perfect Day” by Hoku (it’s the peppy theme song to Legally Blonde), “If We Are The Body” by Casting Crowns, and “Passionate Kisses” by Mary-Chapin Carpenter. However, I really hardly ever listen to music on the iPod. I mostly use it for listening to “This American Life” podcasts whenever I walk the dog.
After the icebreaker, I went over the ground rules and agenda, and then we dug into reading an example of a teacher’s action research report:
“How can I improve student learning through the implementation of several strategies related to reflective practice?” by Jennifer Sztramko.
This source of case studeies was highlighted in McNiff and Whitehead’s book All You Need to Know About Action Research (2006). There are dozens of case studies available at the "Passion in Professional Practice" website.
It’s worth exploring this site to get more examples of how an action researcher can write about their findings and provide evidence.
After reading the article quietly, we split into three groups and used the “Three Levels of Text Protocol” to discuss and enlarge our understanding. Some of the issues that came up in my small group were the challenges of consistent reflection, modeling reflection for students, timing, and looking for evidence that we have changed.
We debriefed as a large group and then looked at the CART Grant Interim Report and Request for Renewal Funding. This report is due on or before July 31, 2008. I want to read the story of each grant team. I really want to have a narrative of learning rather than just a dry report. The text that we read can serve as a model—What was your original idea? What needed improving? What did you think might work? Did you try it out? What happened? Did it work? What is the evidence? How will you modify your plan for next year?
Download Interim Report
Please note that you should share your evidence—reflections, excerpts from journal entries, transcripts of conversations, samples of student work. What else can you use to show a change in practice and a change in results?
The reflections are in the extended entry.
The Reflection prompts were:
1) Notes to facilitator. What worked? What needed work?
2) What support do you need?
3) What are your next steps?
“1) Notes to Facilitator
What worked?
Discussing the article in small group and then sharing whole group. The small group provided a non-threatening environment.
2) What support do you need? NONE
3) What are your next steps?
-To continue to set aside time to reflect—continue to do some personal journaling
-Branch out from our small group and involve the whole staff”
“I am so excited to have sat w/ Donna + others to briefly talk about the written text. I was able to connect with the ladies in looking at the “timing” issues.
The Text Protocol is great for looking at [?] (common) areas. I was able to gather info on working on common goal—especially measurable. I will certainly use this Protocol I am looking forward to sharing with the CART. I am also excited [a colleague] was able to attend the meeting today. I like her.”
“I gained new information today from the abstract on reflective practices. It was highly stressed in the article to get to know students as early as possible and to tap into their interests. The three levels of text protocol were helpful within our groups to facilitate discussions in a simple and quick manner. The content addressed was current and relative to teaching practices of today. My suggestion for today would be for the facilitator to display the timer. I plan to implement this style of protocol with students in reviewing assessments and reflecting on how to improve their work.”
“1) The 3 Levels of Questioning went well for me this evening. I enjoyed hearing others share their feelings and then respond.
2) The support I need at the moment is to determine changes for next year. So many thigs are up in the air. I am trying to see where the grant will fit in.
3) My next step is to get evidence organized. I continue to just fill in the folder.
Grat idea meeting twice a year.”
“1) The article resonated with challenges we have faced in personalizing the ‘school experience’ for older at-risk students.
2) Encouragement from A+ to building principal via phone call or visit to encourage implementation.
3) Web based/ distance learning curriculum & personalized advisory!
We also hope to be involved with the restructuring of the Long Term Discipline Program.”
“1) Loved the food—
-text choice—wondering why a local text was not used—from past reports, past presentations, etc.
2) Figure out how to put 2 or 3 more hours in the day.
3) Write, Write, Write”
“Notes to facilitator: This was my first meeting. I found it to be very informative. I enjoyed the article and was able to make connections to what we are doing & I liked hearing everyone’s perspective on things.
2) What support do you need?-None
3) What are your next steps?
Planning for next year-relating what we have done w/ our staff & getting some feedback on future plans.”
“1. The meeting was great. I feel that I am one step closer to being successful working on this grant. I enjoy the communication w/ others and getting their input. It all worked!!!
2. On our campus we need support from higher-up.
3. How to report to staff and develop more buy-in. Also, to get them involved and motivated.”
“The article is fodder for my reflective practice—Gracias—
The protocol is one I will add to my repertoire—know I use CFG protocols regularly.
My next step is implementing MK’s suggestion for mid term report.
2nd year plans for meeting September & Mar, Oct-April visit OK”