My Research Action Plan - the beginning of the journey

After stressing about the fact I was having trouble meeting up with my supervisor, we finally talked today!  
I spoke to my co-supervisor/assistant principal early in the day.  Her idea was for me to somehow incorporate a certain model using technology; specifically using the Flipped Classroom model.  I was a little hesitant.  I had researched this on my own before proposing the differentiation strategies plan to them.  It seems like a ton of work to prepare ahead of time, but it also seems like it will be less work for me during the school day.  For those of you not familiar with "flipping", it's basically this: I would post a video lecture on the teacher web or Edmodo for the students to watch outside of class.  They would then return to school hopefully with the background knowledge needed to complete the activity I have prepared.  Those that have not prepared by watching the video are not ready for the activity, but those that are prepared don't need me to stand up and lecture all day.  Seems easy, right??
My hesitation in doing this is due to my upcoming schedule - teaching 3 class periods of 7th grade science students followed by 3 classes of 6th grade science students, all while simultaneously working on my Master's Degree. After explaining my hesitation to my assistant principal, she told me to go talk to the principal because she had an idea of her own that would work for all of us.
I went to talk to Mrs. Medrano.  She was busy (about to go into a principal meeting)  and asked me to send her an email of our talk.  She could sit in the meeting and reply to my emails.  So I did :).  I asked for her thoughts, comments, and suggestions.  She then responded with her idea.  I could "flip" my classroom for a certain period - just initially so I don't feel overwhelmed.  She told me about another teacher in the building who had flipped her class last year and the students loved it. She told me I should go observe her during the year to see how it works.  While I am observing the other teacher to learn more about flipping, she would teach my class.  At first I thought "what???"  She said she has been out of the classroom for a number of years.  She was an elementary teacher, an elementary assistant principal, an elementary principal and now a junior high principal.  She wanted to refresh and regain her passion for classroom teaching.  While she and the assistant principal were discussing my plan they came up with a way for both of us to reach our goal.  I will be able to flip my classroom and gather data from another core subject teacher. She will be able to return to the classroom and hopefully be able to pass her "research" on to other administrators.  
We discussed the rationale - I will pick one class period to begin the plan.  I will conduct my research (Flip the lesson).  During a different class period with a traditional lecture or activity day, she will come in and teach while I observe another teacher.  She was very excited!  "Scharla, it's a win - win situation for both of us, and we can strive to inspire so many other students, teachers and school leaders!"  How could I say no to that?  While I am still a bit anxious, it is after midnight here and I am still online researching Flipped Classrooms.  My journey has begun....

Determining my action research in times of transition

I almost don't know where to begin with my post this week.  Dr. Abshire said for us to make comments, revisions, leave thoughts, etc.  So here I go.....
I have yet to sit down face to face with my supervisor, or her 2nd in command, my co-supervisor.  Both are very busy.  We are moving into a brand new school.  My principal is literally doing walk-throughs of the building, evaluating the paint job, whether the door locks work properly, and trying to allow teachers to move in at the same time.  It has been a big ordeal!  The administrative team moved in and allowed teachers to begin moving in last week.  This week they are attending district required principal meetings.  Several times we have just missed each other in the building.  While I am in and out moving my school belongings, she is in an out attending meetings or getting last minute things completed and approved.  She is a very busy person and I don't envy her position right now.  
We have communicated via email since July and most everyone took their vacations.  She has tentatively approved my action research plan, but says she has other things in mind.  She would like to meet face to face so she "can see the reaction on your face when I tell you what I'm thinking".  She's funny.  She's done this to me before - in April.  She asked me to teach a split schedule in August - half the day 6th grade, the other half 7th grade.  And she said "I wish I could see your face when you just took that breath".  I wish I could have seen my face also.  I'm sure it was stark white with big, huge eyes!!
I have sent my other ideas/topics to my other/co-supervisor.  She has also said that she has ideas.  All three of us were having a hard time in the beginning of my course to come up with an issue on our campus - because we don't have any issues - there aren't any students in it yet! :)  We decided to take some time to think, reflect and most off all use Google to search for topics that are relevant and will not only help me in my research, but help the overall school as well.  While I'm a bit apprehensive to meet with them next week, I am also ready to get things going.  I will be teaching two grade levels, lesson planning with two different teams on two different days, managing a home with two teenage boys involved in sports (neither of which can drive himself yet), and trying to keep up with my husband who travels for business on a weekly basis.  Oh, and there's the graduate degree I decided to start...what was I thinking? Hopefully everything will go on without any major issues and I will complete this project and be able to give my findings to others that will affect my school (and maybe others) in a positive way. 

Action Research

When I enrolled in this course, I was not very excited by the title "Research".  I thought to myself "how am I going to find the time to research some sort of topic in education in addition to working full time, driving my two boys all over town, and remaining a sane person".  I was not looking forward to this class at all!

After reading a little of the two required textbooks, communicating with my peers in the discussion board and participating in the web conference, I have a different mindset.

Action research is a term used when a person (teacher or administrator) seeks to grow professionally by defining a problem or issue that needs improvement in his/her school.  The two textbooks that helped me understand action research are: Leading with Passion and Knowledge - The Principal as Action Researcher, and Examining What We Do To Improve Our Schools - 8 Steps From Analysis to Action.

Action research can be used to solve school-wide issues as well as allow teachers to improve upon their teaching practices.    

There are many ways educational leaders can use blogs. First, educational leaders can use blogs to collaborate with other leaders who are in similar situations.  They provide an outlet for discussion and sharing with others.  Blogs can provide a discussion board to address hot topics in education immediately instead of in monthly magazines and yearly conferences.