Thoughts on my Action Research. so far...

In the beginning of the course I learned I would have to conduct an action research project. It did not take me long to decide on a topic, the DATE Grant. I could have researched block schedule vs. traditional schedule, after all I had taught under three different scheduling formats; 45 minute, 75 minute and 90 minute long classes. I could have researched student success when comparing students in extracurricular activities vs. those not in any activities. In the Lamar University Interview Dr. Lewis, Superintendent of Pasadena ISD, said the research should be based on campus needs and interest. If you are interested in what you are researching then you will conduct a more in-depth study. (Lewis Interview – Lamar Univ., 2010) This is why I chose the DATE Grant because monetary bonus systems are so controversial right now. Many people believe that when money is involved, especially three or four thousand dollars, cheating on the TAKS test becomes a factor. I believe that good teachers should be rewarded for their hard work just like other professions and if all safe guards are implemented then cheating is not an issue. I particularly like the DATE Grant for a research topic because it can be controversial among teachers on a campus because the bulk to the payout money goes to teachers that teach TAKS tested subjects, not electives or 7th grade history or science. Some believe it should be this way because teachers in TAKS tested subjects are under more stress while others believe that everyone works for a common goal and rewards should be equal.
In the beginning of my research I developed a survey for the teachers on my campus asking their opinion of the DATE Grant. I asked if they participated (it is voluntary), did the grant encourage more tutoring or mentoring, did the grant encourage them to return to the campus next year, did they think the grant was the reason for successful TAKS results, and is the money distributed fairly? I took they questions to my principal, Mr. Weatherly. We discussed them and he liked them because they were simple and not too many. Mr. Weatherly said teachers are more likely to participate in the survey if it is short and simple. He then gave me the green light to email the survey to the staff and wait for responses. A few days after I met with Mr. Weatherly, he sent me an email saying the Dr. Hines, Associate Superintendent of the district, had also conducted a survey across the district concerning the DATE Grant one year ago and I should contact him. In talking with Dr. Hines he offered good advice and was able to send me the data from his survey so I could compare the results between the district and my campus. After talking with Dr. Hines I remembered what Dr. Briseno said, “There is no reason to do your own investigations and lengthy research on a topic when someone else from another district similar to yours has done it. He says a fifteen minute search on Google may make you a campus hero.” (Briseno Interview – Lamar Univ., 2010)
As my research plan has evolved and progressed I have enjoyed reading comments posted on my blog from my colleagues. They have all been very supportive and have all offered good ideas to include in my survey and suggestions for my research. Colleague Todd Ketcham is the DATE Grant representative for his campus and he sent me internet links so I could read DATE Grant updates and review the guidelines for district and campus participation.
My intention in conducting this action research is to show that the DATE Grant is contributing factor to the success of our students and our campus as a whole. I want to evidence to also show that the grant encourages our great teachers to keep working hard as well as return to our campus year after year. I believe the DATE Grant was created with the best intentions fostering student success and teacher retention and I believe my research will show that the grant has been successful in both areas.