Review of an action research study published in a scholarly journal
Area of focus
The Cole (2011) action research study is an education-related study that focusses on providing an overview of literature about variables pertinent to absenteeism and truancy. As such, the paper discusses the significance of students’ presenteeism and engagement, adverse implications related to poor school attendance and dropping out, as well as a review of the efficacy of Check and Connect and other multimodal tactics applied to improve attendance.
Data collection procedures
Data collection plan
Before data collection, the researcher wrote and disseminated research requests to the local school administration, local university Institutional Review Board and county requesting approval to conduct research.
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On the other hand, the program design included a day-to-day check-in system with that student advisory team (SAT) members; administration, school counselors and office staff constituted the SAT.
Once the approval was granted, the researcher started looking for data specifically from students who had more than seven absences record in the first semester.
Selection of sample population/participants
The study was conducted in a culturally diverse elementary school with a population of approximately 90 students. Participants were students in second grade and kindergarten with 7 to 14 absenteeism in the first semester of the academic year 2010-2011.
The county school computer program was used to collect attendance data. Besides, the researcher discussed the benefits of attendance intervention with the individual teachers.
The sample population consisted of 10 participants including 5-second graders and 5 kindergarteners from culturally diverse backgrounds such as Latina, Caucasian, Latino, and African-American and gender (male and female students).
Interventions to foster student attendance
The action research provided participants with an opportunity to earn various rewards throughout the entire program based on their attendance.
A punch system was used by students for day-to-day check-in with the members of the SAT and those attended school all week were eligible for a reward.
The parents and guardians of the selected students were contacted through sending a letter and brochure to inform them about the special program for tracking attendance.
Furthermore, relevant teachers were also informed about the purpose and objectives of the program so that that can inform the researcher and gather the students for meetings to check their progress.
Data collection methods
For this action research, the principal investigator used computer attendance program used by the local county, field notes, informal survey and personal observations compiled by the researcher to collect data.
Analysis and interpretation of procedures
At the conclusion of the research study, the principal investigator analyses the data obtained from the first semester to the end of program data to assess the percentage changes in individual student attendance as well as attendance change for the group.
Besides, the researcher cross-examined the informal survey administered to the homeroom teachers that had students participating n the action research and the members of student advisory team (SAT).
Furthermore, the researcher investigated for themes while taking field notes and informal observations.
Finally, the researcher coded that data obtained utilizing an identification system that did not capture students’ information such as name.
Development of an action plan
The researcher develops the action plan through restatement of the objective of the study to present the results obtained from analysis of data acquired from the research and seek whether the objective was met . The researcher then synthesize this information to establish factors contributing to the fall in truancy among students which include, community, economic, family and school setting aspects. As such, the researcher finally offers interventions and recommendations to minimize the truancy falls such as pattern recognition or early absenteeism, guidance and counseling to monitor social, cognitive, familial and emotional balance, and understanding the root problems and creation of effective programs.
Data collection plan for the proposed study
The topic of study is the “ Chronic Absence, and Native American Students ” and a similar approach used in the above action research can be used including: -
Selection of a data collection plan – This step includes informing the relevant authorities, selecting program design, and sampling.
Selection of sample population/participants – This step includes a selection of a sample population which is culturally diversified and adequate sample size to supply data for the research.
Interventions to foster student attendance – This step involves designing intervention programs such as a reward system to improve students’ attendance with respect to absenteeism, punch and check-in system as well as informing teachers and parents/guardians regarding the program.
Data collection methods – Suggested methods include attendance program, field notes, informal survey and personal observations, cross-examination of informal surveys, examination of themes based on field notes and informal observations and coding the data obtained utilizing an identification system that do not capture students’ information.
Analysis and interpretation of procedures – These include the assessment of the percentage changes in individual student attendance as well as attendance change for the group
Development of action plan – This step includes a restatement of the study objectives to facilitate whether the objective has been met , synthesis of results to establish factors contributing factors and then offer interventions and recommendations.
Reference
Cole, J. F. (2011). Interventions to Combat the Many Facets of Absenteeism: Action Research. Georgia School Counselors Association Journal , 18 (1), 62-70.
