Goals and objectives/outcomes of the research investigation
Our goals and objectives are very simple. We want to design a task/reward structure that is conducive to producing happy teachers that goes along with the model of love and mutual respect that is already implemented on the campus. Our ultimate objective is to provide teachers little extras that will put smiles on their faces and get them through an already hectic school year.
Activities designed to achieve the objectives
The most important activity in this venture was meeting with my administrators and setting up a plan of action. This was daunting because they are so busy all the time. We decided to meet up one day during the summer and churn out a plan of action. Secondly, I would have to do some research and try to narrow down what it meant to go above and beyond. Lastly, we would decide what the rewards would be for the system of implementation. This step will be a vital step in ensuring that the rewards fit a feasibility scale that we as administrators can agree on.
Resources and research tools needed for data gathering
The resources and research tools that I will be using will be basic. I will use the internet to do some research about teachers going above and beyond in their classrooms and their schools. This should enable me the ability to establish a broad definition of above and beyond to introduce to my administrators so that we can narrow down the list of possible task/reward options.
Draft timeline for completion or implementation of activities
Our timeline will be simple. We will use the first half of the year to do our test trails and set up testing groups. It will be our responsibility to examine our results and to introduce our findings to our teachers. During the end of the year we would consolidate the groups and finalize the finishing product so that it is ready to implement on a full time basis the following year.
Persons responsible for implementation of the action research plan
I, along with my administrators, will be in charge of implementing the action research plan. It will be my responsibility to get everything together and present it to them and gather feedback. From their feedback we will fine-tune my findings and make sure that all parties are in the loop about the project.
Process for monitoring the achievement of goals and objectives
The administrators on campus will do the monitoring. There will be a set list of criteria to make sure that protocol is being followed. It will be up to the administrators to evaluate the process and tweak it on the go so that the research can go as smoothly as possible.
Assessment instrument(s) to evaluate the effectiveness of the action research study
Our assessments will be two fold. First, the administrators and I will get together and assess the issues relating to the reward side of the equation. We decided to try to minimize cost by offering more incentive based rewards. Still, if we do decide to buy certain items we will have to evaluate how much budget monies will be available for the future implementation of the program. Also, because we will have two groups receiving different rewards we will sent out a survey that is either paper based or through a survey site such as survey monkey to help us determine what the teachers found to be the best and worst parts of the incentives program.
I really like your research action plan idea. I think anything that supports and uplifts teachers is a great idea. Some of the teachers I work with and I had a similar idea last school year that I'd like to eventually try. We thought we'd start a "Gold Star Teachers" group for teachers who were willing to go "above and beyond" the call of duty. We thought teachers who were willing to team teach a few lessons together or give after school mini-inservices on relevant topics or topics they felt more "expert" in would qualify for gold star status. Our principal is really great at supporting innovation and would be willing to add a little in the way of incentives for our program. Some ideas we came up with were:
ReplyDelete1. a half-day off to do whatever you want
2. an extra planning period once a month to meet with the gold star team,
3. spa day where we bring in a masseuse to give "chair massages" to gold star teachers, etc...
We tried to think of things that would encourage other teachers to "join in the fun." I hope some of this helps you in your incentive program, Ivan. I wish you lots of luck with it!