The specific challenges I foresee in implementing my action research study are as follows:
Teachers do not like to have students pulled out of their classes since they feel like they don’t have enough class time to cover all the TEKS.
With the program’s limited capacity teachers will have a hard time deciding between equally needy students.
The paraprofessional in charge of the program may resent having my input in her class, or being a part of a study.
The possibility of changing directions if the data indicates that such a change is necessary.
I plan to address these challenges as follows:
Work with the teachers and the paraprofessional in scheduling a time that best suits the most class schedules. Have some built in flexibility to accommodate class schedule changes that may affect several classes or an entire grade level.
Work closely with the teachers in selecting the students with the greatest need and have the greatest probability of success. Remain flexible to accommodate students with special circumstances.
Work closely with the paraprofessional, explain the study and why it is being done, and help her understand that I am there to help.
Be sure everyone is on the same page before considering any type of program change.
I think your plan is very well laid out and I could not agree more that teachers hate when students get pulled out (we feel we are the best source of education for them). I feel the major challenge you will have is with regard to scheduling as you will have to work with all your colleagues and administration in an effort for this to run smoothly- how will that work
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