5301 CARE Model : Planning Tool

Examining What We Do to Improve Our Schools Sandra Harris, Stacey Edmonson, Julie Combs

Tool 8.1 CARE Model: Planning Tool

Identify Concerns that must change (look to the future)

(1 is the most important.)

1. The teachers’ practical knowledge of technology tools

2. The teachers’ attitude toward using technology in their lesson plans

3. The school wide integration of technology into the campus curricula

Identify Affirmations that must be sustained (look to the present)

(1 is the most important)

1. Excellent teaching practices

2. The desire to provide the best possible education for our students

3. Staff’s confidence in the campus administration

SMART Recommendations that must be implemented:

(Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Timely)

(1 is the most important)

1. Determine teachers’’ knowledge of technology tools available using a survey specifically designed for this task

2. Ascertain teacher’s feelings and subjective barriers to using technology in the classroom via class observations and focus group interviews

3. Report technology problems within the context of the campus’s ability and resources to solve with the help from administration and the LMS

EVALUATE – Specifically and Often

(Identify the best ways to evaluate the implemented recommendations.)

1. Sharing results – communicating with all the stakeholders

2. Collate a comparison and combination of qualitative and quantitative data

3. Ask the questions “What should we keep on doing?” and “What should we change?”  (Harris, Edmonson, & Combs, 2010, p.89)

5301 thoughts...

The purpose of working in an action research group is "having their colleagues ask them hard, challenging, critical, intellectual questions that push them to think" (School Improvement Network, 2010).

School Improvement Network. (Producer). (2010). Working in the action research group. [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.pd360.com/pd360.cfm?ContentId=1093

5301 Week 3 Reflection

Putting my wondering into a structured plan was thought provoking. Although it is important to ascertain the staff readiness to implement more technology into the curriculum, I must be conscious of the staff's perceptions of the study. I am concerned that some of the teachers will think that I am "grading" them. One of the APs has suggested that I request the help of any that may oppose or reject the inquiry, Instead, divert their concern to one as contributor.
As I consider my action research topic, I wonder it will bring about any type of improvement during the study. I think not. Is that okay? It is establishing the groundwork for future inquiry and improvement.