Iris Chapa’s Action Research Plan
Goal: To provide freshmen with the tools to make a successful transition from middle school to high school utilizing 12th grade mentors.
Action Steps(s):
Person(s) Responsible:
Timeline: Start/End
Needed Resources
Evaluation

Setting the Foundation

Creating a Student Leadership Mentoring Program Committee at Tuloso Midway High School involving 12th graders and 9th graders


Nelda Garibay, Freshmen Counselor; Stacie Figueroa Student Leader Sponsor; Ann Bartosh Principal

Tuloso Midway High School

Iris Chapa
July 18, 2010- August 5, 2010

Every Wednesday Afternoon From 3:35p.m. – 4:30 p.m. during PLC meetings at Tuloso Midway High School
Gathering Data of past Freshmen and the academic information that will allow us to look at the success and failure rates of freshmen.

Approval from Prinicpal Ann Bartosh to allow us to look into the tools needed for a Mentoring Program and permission to put one together.
Ann Bartosh Principal along with Sponsor and Counselor will agree to a Student Leadership Class and the Process for Selecting Student Leaders.

Committee will be formed and will decide whether or not there is a need for a mentoring program that will allow peer mentoring for all incoming freshmen.




Analyzing Data:



Gathering various academic scores and attendance information to be analyzed.
Gathering of Student Sores and credit of 9th graders from previous years.
Gail Birdwell Assistant Principal; Nelda Garibay Freshmen Counselor; Staci Figueroa Student Leader Sponsor
Iris Chapa
July 20th- August 5th, 2010

Before school:
8:00a.m. 8:35 a.m.

After School:
4:15 p.m.- 6:30 p.m.
Counselor and Assistant Principal will gather reports and summaries of scores from past TAKS tests of last years freshmen. In addition, we will look at 9th graders and their 6 weeks percentages of passing grades.
With the appropriate data collected, the committee will analyze the information and determine if there is a need for such a program at our school.


Developing a Deeper Understanding:

TM 9th grade mentoring committee review the need for the program based on the data collected. l Why is there a need for this program?




Staci Figueroa Student Leader Sponsor; Ann Bartosh Principal;
Nelda Garibay Freshmen Counselor Tuloso Midway High School.

Iris Chapa
August 4, 2010
August 11th 2010


After School 4:10- 5:30p.m.
Committee will meet with freshmen teachers and ask them what they have observed from freshmen coming into high school What are the challenges they face? In addition, we will create a focus group of sophomores who are willing to talk about their experience as freshmen.
Committee Members will actively listen to focus group and freshmen teachers. We can then understand why freshmen are struggling academically and emotionally. Unless we have a true understanding of why there is a problem, we may not have the tools to fix it.



TM Committee Members will discuss the need for self reflection Asking ourselves who we want to be as educators and what we would like our campus to be. Engaging in Self Reflection





Iris Chapa Teacher and Student Leader Sponsor: Nelda Garibay Counselor Tuloso Midway High School
On -going
I will use this key component to understand that I as an educator want to enable students with the proper tools needed to be successful in high school and beyond…thus becoming productive members of society.
My self evaluation will consist of always re examining the need for aiding our students. Remembering that the key is to continue to find new ways to help our students become successful.




TM Mentoring Committee will meet to discuss the information gathered and look for examples and trends in the work program.

Exploring Patterns

Iris Chapa Teacher and Student Leader Sponsor: Nelda Garibay Counselor Tuloso Midway High School
July 20th August 5th
After School 4:10- 5:30p.m.
Resources needed would consist of scores among past freshmen classes beginning with the first six weeks of every year and ending with the last six weeks of the school year. We will also look at referrals for freshmen compared to all other classes.
The evaluation of exploring patterns is to look at the difference between the passing failing rate and TAKS scores among freshmen as compared to sophomores, juniors and seniors. In addition looking into trends in high instances of behavior modification among freshmen. Freshmen should have a higher rate of failures and referrals.
The TM Mentoring Committee will decide whether the program is ready to be put into action. Addressing various issues that may arise. Determining Directions
Iris Chapa Teacher and Student Leader Sponsor: Nelda Garibay Counselor Tuloso Midway High School
August 15th 2010

After School 4:10- 5:30p.m.
Needed resources would include self reflection, the need for a deeper understanding, analyzed data, and recognized patterns in order to decide the direction goal of creating a mentoring program.
Evaluation of this process would include someone always keeping us on task of the goal. Making sure we all agree that the goal is the main focus. Making sure the direction taken is in reflection of the goal with appropriate goals set.
The TM Mentoring Committee will begin to start the process of taking nominations for 12th grade mentors. Teachers will nominate students and the committee will process applications.
Taking Action
Iris Chapa Teacher and Student Leader Sponsor: Nelda Garibay Counselor Tuloso Midway High School
August 15th 2010- June 2nd 2011
Needed resources would include the campus as a whole. We would need the commitment and understanding of the goal by all staff members at Tuloso Midway. We also need a willingness to work toward the goal of helping freshmen.
Evaluation can include staff meetings during Wednesday PLC meetings to look a the success and areas needing improvement. . We will also evaluate the program at the end of the semester and of the year to see if we are still working toward the goal.

TM Mentor Committee Members will meet regularly to evaluate the information and the program and make changes that are needed.
Sustaining Improvement
Iris Chapa Teacher and Student Leader Sponsor: Nelda Garibay Counselor Tuloso Midway High School
August 15th-
Needed resources will include the commitment of all staff and the willingness to help make this program successful. We need to commit to revisiting areas and making improvements as needed.
Evaluation can come from the freshmen, teachers, staff, and parents. We can poll them on if they felt a significant change helped their student or son/daughter. We can also continue to look an data and student /staff participation.