Program Progress

My research project began this month at the beginning of September. I was able to obtain a list of all English-Language Learners presently enrolled in my 7^th grade ELA class. I also gathered data on their STAAR Reading test scores for the 2012-2013 school year. I created my Excel spreadsheet indicating names and scores for the ELLs. I taught all my students the vocabulary flashcard literacy strategy that I will be specifically monitoring for ELLs progress. In teaching the content, my students have already created approximately 17 vocabulary flashcards. Each flashcard includes the vocabulary word, definition, visual, and Spanish translation for my ELLs. I have not yet assessed whole group for vocabulary and usage. Our district has administered 2 formative assessments to all students. I need to go over the data and add the information to my Excel sheet to mark progress. I will continue to add content vocabulary to the students’ flashcards. I will also include this vocabulary on our Word Wall. I plan to invite my ELLs to have lunch with me approximately 2-3 times per month to review our flashcards.

Week 5 Blog

I'm sharing the same post I used for the Week 5 Discussion in this blog. If we are in different sections of the course, it'll look new to you ;)

I want to learn more about how to be an effective, balanced leader. The position of principal has NEVER appealed to me because of the long hours and tons of extra duties. At the beginning of this program, I was sure I did NOT want to be a principal. However, as I read and learn more, I find myself becoming more interested in taking a leadership role. I am not at all prepared or equipped to be a principal or leader yet. To continue learning, my managers recommended me for a Teacher Leadership Institute offered by our district, IDEA Public Schools. We are reading Death by Meeting and Leadership on the Line. I will take part in several Saturday workshops as part of this program. I already attended a two-day training last week. I look forward to learning much more through this graduate program, as well.

My REVISED Action Plan

Thanks for your comments! I took them into account and added to my plan!

Erika Valdez Action Research Plan

Goal: Identify gains made from 6^th to 7^th grade by ELLs on state exam that use student-created vocabulary flashcards throughout the year.

Action Step(s)	Person(s) Responsible	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
1. Obtain 2013 STAAR Reading 6th grade scores	E. Valdez	August 2013	STAAR scores	Create Excel spreadsheet composed of ELLs and scores
2. Identify my sample size	E. Valdez/ Principal Alvarez	September 2013	List of ELLs and scores	Determine whether to follow all ELLs or half only
3. Create vocabulary list for the year	E. Valdez	September 2013	STAAR released questions/practice STAAR tests	Identify high-frequency vocabulary
4. Teach students literacy strategy (English one side/Spanish other side)	E. Valdez	September 2013	Index cards, index card box for storage, markers, dictionary, word list	Students will work on cards throughout the year and add to box
5.  Students create vocabulary flashcards	ELL student sample	2013-2014 school year	Index cards, index card box for storage, markers, dictionary, word list	Students will work on cards throughout the year and add to box
6. Administer practice STAAR tests	E. Valdez	October and December 2013; January and March 2014	Practice STAAR tests and vocabulary flashcards	ELL scores on practice tests; transfer data to Excel spreadsheet
7. STAAR Reading test 7th grade	E. Valdez and other 7th grade teachers	April 2014	Reading STAAR test 2014	7th grade Reading STAAR scores
8. Analyze data collected throughout the year	E. Valdez	May 2014	Excel spreadsheet with yearly data	Compare students results with last years scores
9. Finalize research and share with peers	E. Valdez	June 2014	Data and research	Final action research paper/presentation

Action Plan Research Template 7.1

Here's what I have so far...The template had 3 items only, so I included the 3 most important points in my action research. Let me know what you think!