Week Two, What I have learned:

During this weeks readings and videos i began to understand what exactly what we are going to be doing. I had planned on researching the problems and issues related to attention deficit in high school students. Also focussing on popular remidies for the issues such as; medication and diet restrictions. As you can see I have already designed my blog for that one topic. after this week I am starting to reliaze I may have bit off more than I can chew! I have learned the action research has to have a purpose and a main focus. I also learned you have to be able to complete the project, I am not sure my topic is resonable. The topic must not include sex, religon or politics. We have to make sure we follow ethical code even though those topics may be interesting. So I will be meeting with my site supervisor Friday to get his opinion on the matter.

Week Two: Real Life Action Research

My action research plan will focus on the the avenues to help high school age students suffering from add/adhd. I will look into the pros and cons of different leading procedures to help the students. Such as stimulant medication, theropy and diet restrictions. As a high special eduction teacher I have spent many years dealing with add/adhd students not really understanding the illness or willing to take the time to research the information to help the families and the students. After the action research is complete I will be able to work with the parents on behalf of the students and instruct regular education teachers on classroom activities that may help behavior and focus. I will narrow my research down to two topics 1. Popular avenues for releaving the struggles for students and classroom practices developed for the add/adhd students.
The benefits from my action research will help the students, teachers, coaches and parents of the children. I will be able to have a educated opinion to help other teachers better understand the student and his/her needs. The service I hope to provide will not only promote the students achievments in academics but also in extracurricular activities as well. Understanding the topic and issues will allow the parents to feel welcomed during the ard meetings and help open up collaboration and team work. If the students and parents have a advocate on campus who could explain the issues to fellow teachers, it would benefit all involved.

WEEK1: How Blogs can Help Educators

I have always thought of blog writing to be extremely difficult to produce and develop. The process of designing a blog during this class has really opened my eyes to the powerful tool of blogging. A daily blog could help the administrators collaborate with his/her and colleagues. Teachers can keep up with calender events throughout the district as well in their own department.
The blog would be very helpful in relaying information to parents and students. The teacher could post homework assignments daily to keep all stake holders on track and prepared. I think the use of blogs will attract students and parents because of the different pictures and visual stimulation blogs present. The blogs are continues and become more interesting by visiting the blog site. The action blog we are creating will be a great opportunity for us to share our information with out fellow students but most importantly keep us focused on the task at hand.

WEEK ONE ACTION RESEARCH

During the duration of the first week in class I have learned a great deal about action research and personal inquiry research. After reading about the activity it made perfect sense why this philosophy works. I have logged many hours doing various research projects, hoping to produce a research paper that would score a good grade. The only goal in mind was the final grade of the project. I have to admit learning and personal growth was not a concern. The traditional research paper are usually issued to the student by the professor eliminating the benefit of interest. Action research allows the individual too research issues that will increase positive actions in their careers and life. The educational administrator can use action research to promote the success in their schools and eliminate negative issues that may be standing in the way of the campus atmosphere.
Administrator inquiry is the ability to look at your current philosophy and actions, and to critically rate yourself. Dana(2009) states that "administrator inquiry refers to the process of a principal engaging in a systematic, intentional study of his/her own administrative practice and taking action for a change he/she learns as a result of the inquiry"(pg2).
I am currently teaching high school special education, and have been very interested in the study of attention deficit disorder in children and adults. The lack of knowledge on this issue on my behalf has lead me to unknowingly label students without really understanding their disorder. The action research will help me not only help me understand the issues but hopefully help the students reach their academic goals.

Dana, N.F.(2009). Leading with Passion and Knowledge: The Principal as Action Researcher. Thousand Oaks,CA:Corwin Press.