Putting Action Research to Practice

My research potential research topic is: How does the current inclusion model impact student performance in mathematics for special education and general education students? What can we do as a campus to improve the current inclusion model to close the achievement gap and improve student performance?

Goals and objectives/outcomes of the research investigation

The objective of the research investigation is to look at the current inclusion model and determine how it has impacted the academic performance of the students enrolled in the classes.  The goal in which I would like to accomplish is the development of a comprehensive inclusion model that addresses and closes achievement gaps specifically in mathematics.

Activities designed to achieve the objectives

The activities I will implement to achieve my objective are:

·         Identify the current inclusion students

·         Look at data such as test scores, benchmark assessment and TAKS data

·         Survey and interview students regarding their perception of the inclusion class

·         Interview teachers

·         Look at professional development records to gather information on how teachers are trained for inclusion/ mainstreaming

·         Review current inclusion model to determine main areas of concern

Resources and research tools needed for data gathering

·         PEIMS data

·         District permission to conduct research

·         Surveys

·         Articles of successful inclusion models

·         Demographic information

·         Academic achievement data

Draft timeline for completion or implementation of activities

·         Review current inclusion model to determine main areas of concern (Begins 1/12)

·         Identify the current inclusion students (Now -1/12)

·         Look at data such as test scores, benchmark assessment and TAKS data (Begins 1/12)

·         Survey and interview students regarding their perception of the inclusion class (Begin 2/11)

·         Interview teachers (Begin 3/11)

·         Look at professional development records to gather information on how teachers are trained for inclusion/ mainstreaming (3/11)

Persons responsible for implementation of the action research plan

The persons responsible for the implementation of the action research plan will include me, an Assistant Principal, and the Special Education Administrator.

Process for monitoring the achievement of goals and objectives

The process I will implement to monitor the achievement of the goals and objectives will include continuous data disaggregation, regular meetings with team to evaluate progress and constant re-evaluation of activities to determine effectiveness.

Upon completion of the study, the data will be used to develop a new inclusion model or to make improvements to the current model.  The effectiveness of the research study would be determined by comparing the improvements made with the initiation of a new inclusion model.