02.5301-3.ARP - Related Information and A VERY Rough Draft (Sandpaper Not Included)

PART I -- Related Information

Background Information Our school district’s free and reduced lunch population is quite high and has either held steady or increased over the years.  Our students tend to not test well when compared to students within the conference, CESA, and the state.  Standards and expectations to improve have increased recently at both the state and federal levels.  If our district maintains its current course of action the results will not keep pace with expectations and our justification to exist will wane.  We need to think outside of the box and actively pursue any and all possible methods for improving each student’s opportunity to learn (and therefore, improve each student’s ability to test more successfully). Data Collection and Analysis The data gathering process has been quite expansive.  The challenge has been deciphering the value of each data set.  Ultimately, there have been some key data sources that have driven the project (both in clarifying the pros and cons of YRE - year round education).  This process is not done.  In fact, I anticipate keeping this door of data gathering open for most if not this entire project, especially if the data sheds new light or reinforces previously established conclusions. Inquiry Design The ultimate purpose of this project is to determine the viability of a YRE calendar for our school district.  I intend to involve our superintendent and other district staff and administrators in the project throughout to keep them involved as well as to weave in their respective perspectives.  This will hopefully keep the awareness and ownership of the project and a high level. Anticipated Conclusion This is a significant undertaking that cannot be rushed.  It very well could need more time to develop than is provided within this program (my anticipated graduation from Lamar is by the end of 2014).  I would rather take the time to do it right than rush towards a mistake.  Plus, the process will lengthen as more people are brought on board for the purpose of increasing ownership.  This change is significant and affects everyone in our district.  The seeds of change need time to take root and blossom.  Rushing such a process hinders the potential and desired fruit sought in the first place.  The overall project’s status will constantly be determined by the willingness of each person to remain open to the potential benefits of a YRE calendar. As this project takes traction so will the development of each of these four tasks.

PART II -- ARP Rough Draft

The following table is one of the most fluid products I've produced yet.  My project's development is not at the rate that it seems this course (5301) is requiring.  I am not concerned overall but I am open to the possibility that I am not up to par as of this point in the process.  Your perspectives are always valued and sought.  Thank you in advance!

Action Research Plan
GOAL: Determine the viability of a balanced (or year round) calendar for the School District of New Lisbon. YRE  = Year Round Education BalCal = Balanced Calendar FRL = Free & Reduced Lunch
Action Step(s)	Person(s) Responsible	Timeline (Start/End)	Needed Resources	Monitoring/ Evaluation
Identify district data from pertinent areas: ·       Past testing (WKCE, ACT, etc.) ·       Demographics (ethnicity, poverty, home settings) ·       Retention recommendations ·       At-risk related data ·       Compare data to districts at conference, CESA, and state levels to serve as starting point	Ryan Meyer (with assistance from Guidance, Administration, CESA)	September 2013/January 2014	District and State data	Mark Hansen is the primary source of the information sought. Place data in NL BalCal spreadsheet
Determine potential cost analysis of BalCal: ·       Additional intercession staffing ·       Intercession transportation ·       Food ·       Building maintenance	Ryan Meyer (with assistance from Administration to determine potential costs and potential curriculum)	September 2013/January 2014	District budget information	Place data in NL BalCal spreadsheet
Survey students, staff, and parents regarding awareness and potential acceptance of BalCal. Analyze survey data to ascertain status of each group.	Ryan Meyer	Late Spring 2014/Fall 2014	Communication distribution methods (paper/digital)	Place data in NL BalCal spreadsheet
Determine best methods and timing for engaging community in process	Ryan Meyer	Spring 2014/Fall 2014	Time to search and question decision makers in districts already using BalCal or YRE	Unknown at this time; based on feedback from current BalCal or YRE   districts
Survey staff regarding retention ·       How much do you have to review from previous year/class? ·       How much time do you have to review? ·       Determine FRL percentage of each classroom.  Is there a correlation?	Ryan Meyer	Fall 2013 & Fall 2014	User-friendly, streamlined method for surveying staff	Unknown at this time
Seek, process, and potentially apply past, current, and future related data	Ryan Meyer	Throughout project	Establish search methods such as Google search filters	Unknown at this time
Determine effects of BalCal on extra and co-curricular schedules.	Ryan Meyer	2013-14 school year	WIAA calendar, NL activities calendar	List pros, cons, and other factors in spreadsheet
Project Evaluation	Ryan Meyer	Prior to Lamar Ed Admin completion (November 2014)	Methods for measuring the perspective of each affected group	A(n) report/update will be submitted within this date window to provide interested, outside parties a status of where this project is at in its development.