Thursday, December 1, 2011

Draft Action Research Plan


Action Planning Template
Goal: How can we increase enrollment in Computer Science courses in CISD, especially for women?
Action Steps(s):
Person(s) Responsible:
Timeline: Start/End
Needed Resources
Evaluation
1. Setting the foundation.
Meet with site mentor and campus Principal to discuss the importance of Computer Science (CS), and the value of engaging young women in STEM courses.
Linda Woessner

Meet with
Mike Rhodes,
Sharolyn Overby


Nov 28 - Dec 2
Email,
Meeting times,

Completed meetings and discussions.


2. Analyzing Data.
Research and collect available resources to understand the status of CS Classes and enrolment in CISD as compared to the State and National rates.
Linda Woessner

Coordinate with Chris Stephenson from CSTA, among others
Dec 2 – Jan 2

(and ongoing)
Internet search of available resources of all types. Discussion Groups. RSS.
Written summary of information gathered. Numerical data compiled in charts and graphs wherever possible.
3. Developing Deeper Understanding. Survey the current student population to determine attitudes towards CS. Compare differences in attitudes between male and female students.
Continue to look for current research.
Linda Woessner

Carroll Sr. High STEM teachers
Conduct survey from Jan 17 – 31.

Data analysis from Jan 31 – Feb 29.
On-line and paper survey.
Completed survey by as large a population as possible. Data summarized, analyzed, and broken down by gender.
4. Engage in self-reflection.
Examine CISD course offerings and policies to determine if there are any ways to broaden the appeal of CS courses for all students, especially females.
Linda Woessner

Mike Rhodes, Carroll Sr. High Teachers

Feb 1 – Feb 29
School policy descriptions, and course descriptions.
Written summary of results.
5. Exploring Programmatic Patterns. Begin to formulate ideas that could be implemented on our campus to encourage increased participation in CS and STEM courses.
Linda Woessner

Discuss and receive input from Campus Decision Committee, Department Coordinators, and Guidance Department
Feb 1 – 29, 2012

List of potential ideas.
6. Determine Direction.
Choose specific steps to be taken.
Linda Woessner
Mike Rhodes
March 1 - 23
Resources dependent on plan of action.
List of ideas we can implement on our campus.
7. Taking Action. Develop a written plan of action. Include the following: a)Promoting National CSEdWeek to raise awareness of CS Education in the district and community.
b)Actively recruit during course enrollment period, and
c)Rewrite CS course descriptions
Linda Woessner

Coordinate with Campus Webmaster, Publicity Department, and KDGN team.
CSEdWeek preparation and planning: Nov 1, 2011 to Dec 10, 2011

Enrollment period: Jan 2012


Promotional Materials:
Posters, video announcements, website updates, flyers, district email blast
Successful promotions during the week of Dec 4 – 10, National CSEdWeek


2 comments:

  1. Our computer science is counting as a math credit as well so many students are interested in taking this course. This could be a way of keeping the class and marketing to both male and female.Since the state has required four science and four math this helps our program. Just another idea when you are looking into the research. Otherwise looks well thought out.

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  2. This is very thorough. I like the topic, specifically for improving enrollment for women. Your action steps look valid and like they flow together nicely. On action step 3 you could survey different cliques and categorize results by cliqhe. Another idea is to find after school programs and survey each group. I need to review my plan again. Will you comment on mine? I would really appreciate your opinion. http://heathactionresearch.blogspot.com/

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