Why focus on TEACHERS?

Teachers at Lanier have a history of low technology fluency compared to other campuses within the district. Many teachers are unaware or claim to be unfamiliar with pulling reports, aggregation of data, ability to post/collect documents from googledocs, and lack of ability with many other tools which are critical for success of students. The deficiencies are a culmination of several factors. Lack of training, newness, infrequent use, and even unwillingness to change procedures.   Therefore, the goal of my action research plan is to provide professional development and mentoring for teachers who self identify as being deficient in these areas. In the past, there has not been a person or program to support technology growth of teachers.

The action research plan begins with teacher self-assessment of proficiencies with programs and interest in Web 2.0. Focus groups will be held to determine why teachers feel they are deficient, what they feel would be the best method of support, and which programs they are most interested in developing. Once data has been collected and analyzed, I will be meeting with the administrative team to develop mentoring/ professional development schedule. At the end of the year, focus groups and surveys will be administered again to determine teacher felt growth. During the year, mentor and administrative observations will be made to monitor development of teachers who identify as the highest need.

I hope to learn methods of supporting and preparing teachers for success in utilizing technology and database programs so that they can effectively use data available to address student needs, as well as encourage use of technology to make learning more engaging. I want to increase student achievement by increasing achievement of teachers.

Based on findings of this research project, I hope to establish a campus which feels more supported and confident in their ability to use technology for student learning. Success of the project may also lead to recommendations that will better prepare new teachers to use necessary programs at the beginning of their career. They are typically left to learn technology programs on their own while facing an already challenging learning curve of being a teacher.