Getting Started

     I spoke recently with my site supervisor regarding the direction of my action plan and any suggestions she might have.  The initial part of my plan, to establish a tutoring program at our school, involves me, as well as the math specialist working together to schedule, implement and progress monitor our groups.  My site supervisor recommended waiting until mid or late fall in order to begin the process as she would prefer that we are coaching teachers more and pulling out students as little as possible.  We discussed a coaching model that I would like to implement, but we are waiting to hire a new math specialist next week and need to include them in the conversation.  She worked with me to incorporate the professional development time I need to present Quality Tools, Thinking Maps and other instructional strategies into our yearly calendar in a way that would allow teachers options in what they chose to participate in.  She suggested that by allowing options, I might have more buy-in and participation.  I have at least one, sometimes two after schools sessions on the calendar now and will offer PD based on the needs of the teachers and our curriculum.  In regards to the plan, she reminded me that as the year progresses, I may need to update or change some things after getting survey results and feedback from staff.  Opportunities for collaboration to discuss setbacks and progress in the implementation of my study will be created to ensure an action research model that allows for continuous improvement.