Background
The first six weeks of the 2010 school year had the lowest Average Daily Attendance (ADA ) in some time. This has become an issue of concern for the Site Based Committee, Attendance Committee, and the school administration specifically the High School Principal. The Site Based Committee instituted a Attendance Award drawing at the end of each 6 weeks period. The prizes range from one or two big prizes to several small prizes. The principal saw an opportunity for an action research investigating the effectiveness of this program.
Question\Statement
Determine the effectiveness of use the Attendance Award Drawing implemented by the Site Based Committee which was implemented to address the recent student attendance concern at the high school.
Goals / Objectives
1. To determine the effectiveness of the Attendance Award Drawing on student attendance
2. To ensue the cost effectiveness of the program
3. To advise changes to the program based on findings
Actions/Activities
1. Monitor student attendance data over the course of the year
Time line:
November 2010 - June 2011
Each six weeks following the previous 6 weeks drawing
2. Meet with:
1. Site Based Committee
Time line:
November 2010 - June 2011
Regular scheduled meetings
2. Attendance Committee
Time line:
November 2010 - June 2011
Regular scheduled meetings
3. Principal
Time line:
November 2010 - June 2011
Though out the duration of the action plan
3. Survey Students
1. Winners
2. Student body
Time line:
February 2011
Resources needed
ADA for each 6 weeks
Prizes awarded for each 6 weeks
List of winners
Survey for students
Time line
November 2010 - June 2011
*See activities section
Persons responsible
Cody Gore
Assisted by:
Josie Hastings
Site Based Committee
Attendance Committee
Principal - Matt Garner
Counselor - Pam Garner
Special Ed Coordinator - Cara Dudley
Curriculum Director - Jerod Neff
Process for Monitoring the Achievement of the Goals/Objectives
AVERAGE DAILY ATTENDANCE for each 6 weeks
Student survey results
Assessment Instruments to Evaluate Effectiveness
ADA vs 1st 6 weeks Baseline
The prizes given for each term as well as the previous term.
Analyzing Data
There will be several data gathering strategies used during the duration of this project that include but are not limited to:
Quantitative Measures
Attendance patterns will be analyzed based on ADA from each 6 weeks comparing to the 1st six weeks baseline.
Field Notes
Notes will be made as the project goes from any other the activities or meetings.
Interviews
Interviews may be conducted with the winners of the drawings as well as other students. The principal will be interviewed extensively thought the plan.
Documents
Documents can include the ADA reports, discipline referrals for absences, and notes from any meetings.
Pictures
Pictures may be taken of the prizes and the winners with the prizes.
Reflections
Reflections may be blogged or written as well as collaboratively in committee meetings.
Surveys
Students may be surveyed. The surveys may be split into winners and the general population results.
Literature reviews
Literature will be reviewed based on extrinsic rewards for students. There may be some correlation between this study and one done previously.
Developing a Deeper Understanding
The data secured will be used in committee meetings as well as meetings with the principal to get thoughts and collaborative revisions to the plan and the attendance project itself.
Engaging in Self Reflection
Personal reflection will take place. Written reflections will be used frequently as well as web bloggs.
Exploring Problematic Patterns
The use of each 6 weeks ADA will be plotted verses the baseline of the 1st 6 weeks. The effectiveness will also consider the prized of the term and the previous term. The use of collaborative information for committees and conclusions from principal meetings will be used to effectively monitor progress.
Determining Direction
The direction/objective seems to be clear and all resources adequately secured. This project has already become a collaborative issue with 2 committees and the administration on board. The timeline is adequate to the focus, resources, and the nature of the problem. The plan to monitor and assess the success seems to be reasonable. The plan will be revised periodically as needed through reflection and collaborative decision making.
Sustained Improvements
The ideas generated for this inquiry will be used primarily to make the program more effective. If there is some aspect of this project that can be transferred to other areas of interest then the inquiry has had a positive outcome.
Cody, your preparation in getting this started looks awesome. You got a good jump on addressing an important issue. Good collaborative effort, well planned. You should experience good results and progress.
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