I think, therefore, IB…

I have to say, this week has been my most stressful thus far, but finally I am done!!  My higher-than-normal stress came as a result of changing my action research (not by choice) in addition to a highly stressful week at my campuses (but that's an entry in and of itself!!).  


 
Here is my action research plan. Please feel free to give me feedback. For those of you not familiar with the IB, you can find out more by clicking on the link to their website… International Baccalaureate Organization.


 

Action Research Plan for: How understanding the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) can result in the implementation of a student-centered, inquiry-based curriculum
Goal: This action research plan will deepen teacher understanding of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) philosophy so that program implementation can occur. The outcomes will be: 1.) an increase in student-centered learning and inquiry-based teaching practices as evidenced by student work; and 2.) the ability for teachers to articulate their understanding of the PYP.
Action Steps(s):	Person(s) Responsible:	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
Conduct a staff development session to review and edit the campus mission statement to align with IB mission statement.	Principal, Assistant principal, IB lead teacher	September 20, 2012	Current campus mission statement IB mission statement	Agenda Campus sign-in sheet Revised school mission statement Reflections
Create a PYP Leadership Team and Review pertinent documents and the progress of the IB implementation.	Principal, Assistant principal, IB lead teacher	September 2012- May 2013	Calendar for time allocated for meetings IB Pedagogical Leadership documents	Agendas Campus sign-in sheet Reflections
Conduct staff development sessions to review and discuss the IB/PYP Standards & Practices document in order to deepen staff understanding of the PYP.	Principal, Assistant principal, IB lead teacher, IB leadership team	September 2012 - May 2013	Calendar for time allocated for professional learning sessions IB/PYP Standards and Practices document	Agendas Campus sign-in sheets Chart paper with an ongoing list of standards and practices being implemented on campus Reflections
Conduct IB/PYP staff development sessions. Topics to include elements of the PYP, student-centered inquiry-based learning, backward design and student portfolios.	Principal, Assistant principal, IB lead teacher, IB leadership team	Oct.31, 2012, Nov. 29, 2012 Dec. 20, 2012 Jan. 17, 2013 Feb. 21, 2013	Calendar for time allocated for professional learning, inquiry-based learning videos, book study (The Continuum of Literacy Learning)	Agendas Campus sign-in sheet Reflections
Schedule half day planning sessions to write curriculum units (unit planners) that include elements of the PYP	Principal, Assistant principal, IB lead teacher	Sept.12-14, 2012 Nov. 7-9, 2012 Dec. 12-14, 2012 Feb. 6-8, 2013	Curriculum documents iPads for accessing online resources Unit planner templates Laptop Projector	Agendas Campus sign-in sheet Completed unit planners Reflections
Write a school Language and Assessment policy that includes staff input.	Principal, Assistant principal, IB lead teacher, IB leadership team	November 2012-February 2013	Calendar allocated for meeting times to draft policies Assessment and Language policy examples	Completed school Assessment and Language policies
Conduct weekly campus and classroom walk-throughs to look for evidence of PYP elements, student-centered work and inquiry-based learning.	Principal, Assistant principal, IB lead teacher, IB leadership team	October 2012 – March 2013	Walk-through observation forms Time allocated for providing feedback to staff	Completed walk-through observation forms Teacher reflection forms IB display pictures, and/or videos of student engagement
Visit from an IB consultant to provide feedback on the campus progress for the implementation of the IB programme	Principal, Assistant principal, IB lead teacher, IB leadership team, District IB director	January 31 – February 1, 2013	Agenda for IB visit School board members District central office personnel Parents Community members Evidence to support ongoing implementation of the IB programme	Agenda for IB visit IB consultant feedback report

 
 
 

Plan B

Wrapping up my school newsletters for the month, I realize I have been showing some of the IB attributes of the month myself. [it is gratifying to know that I am in fact, practicing what I preach] This month, I am encouraging students and parents to be reflective; to spend time focusing on their actions, strengths and weaknesses, and to take part actively improving these aspects of their learning. I have been engaging in this way of thinking as well; and how appropriate, with my action research project.

Things don't ever really go the way that you want them to, do they? Initially, I had a grand plan for the campus and one that I was extremely enthusiastic about. I had even gone so far as to think about a future dissertation on the topic. With ideas, mind maps, and bubble outlines in hand, I set out to get started on what was sure to be the greatest action research project man has ever seen. [did I mention how enthusiastic I was?] However, after meeting with my site supervisor again, I sadly realized  that my one of a kind idea would realistically not occur. and it is here that I become that model reflective thinker, put my thinking cap back on and start a plan B...

I have decided to change my action research project to be aligned with my current job description.  There are too many initiatives in place right now with the instructional coaches, and there would be no time to explore inquiry-based learning to the extent I would have liked. Instead, I will continue working with the entire campus to deepen their understanding of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) so that implementation can occur.  Inquiry-based learning is at the heart of the IB PYP, so I will still be able to scratch the surface with it.  However, the philosophy must be explored in order for teachers to understand the rationale of the programme.  

And so begins my Plan B....

It's all in the perspective...

I'm really pleased about the way this program is structured with the internship occurring simultaneously with the coursework.  It's giving me the opportunity to view my job this year through the lens of an administrator.  I am literally observing everything through the perspective of a leader.  It helps tremendously that I am out of the classroom, though, because there is so much going on during the school day that classroom teachers miss.  

There are a couple of teachers on one of my campuses going through their internships, but the structure is different from what is expected of me.  They have already completed their coursework, so their concentration is focused on all the activities they will complete in order to meet the hourly requirement.  For me, however, the focus is the coursework and constantly looking out for those opportunities to complete experiences related to my internship.   I have to say, I was hesitant about all the work involved, especially with the demand of a full time job (that doesn't end when you leave the building), and whether or not I would be able to keep up, but it is definitely worth it--stressful, but meaningful and significant!

Action Research...

After completing all my assignments this week, I am definitely feeling a little bit better about action research in general and my topic, of course.  Action research is a cycle of inquiry that is used for school improvement.  It begins with a question or an idea that the principal wonders about and is followed by literature reviews and research relevant to the topic in order to gain more knowledge.  Data is collected and analyzed in order to determine changes that need to occur and the best way to make those changes.  A plan is then created, implemented and reflected upon to determine the effectiveness of the changes and whether the plan needs to be modified.  At this point, more questions may arise and the learning cycle continues.  

Principals can benefit in so many ways by creating and following a blog. They can find schools that share the same concerns and engage in conversations to look for solutions.  They can form literature circles or complete book studies and participate in action research, not only with other principals, but with members of their own staff as well.  

I’m looking forward to interacting with the all the members participating in the EDLD blog.  What a great platform to help us create a network for professional development and continuous learning! 

Who Knew...

My daughter has been telling me I should start a blog, but I have told her I don't have time.  She will be thrilled to find out I'm having to create one as an assignment!!  

Who knows, maybe one will lead to another...