Action+Research+Project

Action Research Report: BISD 1:1 Action Research Plan I. Title The title for my action research project is titled BISD 1:1 Ratio Action Research Plan. The goal of this plan is to determine if the 1:1 ratio of students to laptops at Beckville High School is having an effect on student achievement.

II. Needs Assessment The proposal of the BISD 1:1 Ratio Action Research Plan was discussed with my site supervisor. She was interested in having facts related to the implementation of a 1:1 laptop to student ratio on our high school campus, and wanted to see if there were any positive effects on student achievement levels because of this implementation. Data from past test scores and achievement levels of students is gathered to compare with new data to complete the findings for the action research plan.

III. Objectives and Vision of the Action Research Project Because of the vast interest in the use of implementing technology and its components in our school district, the technology director, principal, superintendent, and other school leaders are intrigued to find out whether the use of a personal laptop per student will increase the achievement level for students in the required classroom curriculums, and whether or not it will increase the achievement levels on standardized test scores.

IV. Review of Action Research Strategy At the time of my proposal, there had been little to no literature concerning the information to be gained in my proposed action research project because schools are just now able to implement the 1:1 ratio and not enough time has elapsed in order to compare standardized test scores. In implementing the decisions made regarding the BISD 1:1 Ratio Action Research Plan, the technology director, high school principal, and high school guidance counselor were all involved in the process. The various tests students are required to take throughout the year will be used to compare results from past data results to see whether or not scores have improved.

V. Articulate the Vision Communication of the vision of the action research project was articulated through use of electronic mail to campus leaders, teachers, and staff, with the opportunity to have any questions about the research project answered via electronic mail. Community members and parents are not aware of the action research project, but will be made aware of the results from the findings in our district newsletter and school webpage.

VI. Manage the Organization Most of the responsibilities required for the BISD 1:1 Ratio Action Research Plan rely solely on myself as the administrator of the project. It is my duty to gather all data needed to compare previous student achievement levels and scores to current student achievement levels and scores. The high school counselor will help me obtain these scores and will give me authorization to find and record these scores for the purpose of completing the BISD 1:1 Ratio Action Research Project. The nature of this action research project does not require materials or money to be used, only data that is obtained from school records.

VII. Manage Operations Because of the new implementation of a 1:1 ratio of laptops to students in our high school, school leaders were interested in learning the value of each student having his/her own laptop for their personal academic use, and whether or not it could improve the achievement levels of our students. To continue the implementation of technology at the scope and range that we plan on implementing it in our district, it’s important for the technology director and school leaders to have facts that prove using technology resources in the way we do will help our students. In addition to just comparing test scores and student achievement levels with previous data, surveys have also been given to students and teachers to document their feelings on this new 1:1 ratio and the benefits (or detriments) they feel this implementation has affected.

VIII. Respond to Community Interest and Needs The completion of the BISD 1:1 Ratio Action Research Plan will solidify to parents, teachers, school leaders, and administration the advantage of allowing each student his/her own laptop to aid them in their academic career at BHS. BISD is a low-income economic school district and many kids aren’t afforded the luxury of owning their own computer to complete assignments and do schoolwork. The implementation of a 1:1 ratio in our district will allow all students the same advantages and will not give students any excuse to be “left behind.”