The Plan (Week 3)

Action Research Plan

Objective: Determine the benefits of using Accelerated Reader versus silent sustained reading in grades 6-8 to increase reading comprehension in all content areas.

Action Step 1:
Select six core content classes (2 per grade) to participate as part of my sample group. One class will have mostly English Language Learners and the other class will have native English speakers.
Person Responsible: Olivia, Site Supervisor
Timeline: September 1, 2010 – September 30, 2010
Needed Resources: Master schedule
Evaluation: Classes will be identified by mid-September.

Action Step 2:
Identify the students’ reading levels prior to beginning their assigned activities.
Person Responsible: Olivia, Participating teachers
Timeline: September 15, 2010 – September 30, 2010
Needed Resources: TAKS test, Gates-MacGinitie assessment results
Evaluation: Student’s reading levels from the participating classes will be determined through data disaggregation.

Action Step 3:
Assign one class in each pair to work on the Accelerated Reader program and the other group to engage in silent sustained reading. Each group will spend an hour on their assigned activity three days per week.
Person Responsible: Olivia, Participating teachers
Timeline: October, 2010 – May, 2011
Needed Resources: Accelerated Reader reports, Teacher lesson plans
Evaluation: Teacher lesson plans will reflect student participation in assigned activities.

Action Step 4:
Observe students during their activity.
Person Responsible: Olivia
Timeline: Every nine weeks between October, 2010 – May, 2011
Needed Resources: Field note collection method
Evaluation: Each class will receive two observations each semester.

Action Step 5:
Interview teachers to gather feedback and their daily observations.
Person Responsible: Olivia, Participating teachers
Timeline: December, 2010 and March, 2011
Needed Resources: Interview protocol
Evaluation: Interview notes will be recorded.

Action Step 6:
Collect and compare student work.
Person Responsible: Olivia
Timeline: Every nine weeks between October, 2010 – May, 2011
Needed Resources: Student work
Evaluation: A portfolio of student work before and after the project will be maintained to determine growth over time.

Action Step 7:
Disseminate research findings.
Person Responsible: Olivia, Site Supervisor
Timeline: July – August, 2011
Needed Resources: 2011 TAKS Test scores; Pre and Post Gates-MacGinitie assessment results
Evaluation: Action research findings will be shared with the faculty during a faculty meeting and will be available through the creation of a summary report.

Template adapted from the Harris et al. text.



Dana, N.F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: the principal as action researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

Harris et al. (2010) Examining what we do to improve our schools: 8 steps from analysis to action. Larchmont. NY: Eye on Education.