Action Research Progress Status

Action Research Project Title: Hispanic Forum

Blog URL:  http://www.angierichardactionresearch.blogspot.com/

Number of AR Project Documented Hours: 28 preparation, 3 hours for the Forum itself

                                                                         Total: 31 hours

AR Project Summary (at least 250 words):

The Hispanic Forum is an exciting project that is going well so far. I planned the first meeting over a couple of weeks. I had 5 separate meetings for a total of 10 meeting hours. I spent 18 total hours on prep work – including research, printing, copies, flyers, schedules, PowerPoint presentations, etc. The meeting was held on September 12 from 6:00 – 8:30 pm. In total, 24 parents showed up to the meeting. At the meeting we covered several items. Each student had a copy of their schedule and last year’s final report card. We took the parents on a tour of the school and showed them where their child spends their time during the day. It was amazing to see how interested these parents were in seeing the classrooms their child spends their days in. We also had charged laptops available for parents to use. We walked them through the steps of signing up for Parent Connect. Parent Connect is an online resource that allows parents to monitor their child’s grades, attendance, and discipline. Parents have single click access to email teachers, counselors, and principals. It is an amazing program that keeps communication lines open for all members involved in their child’s education. The PowerPoint presentation for the parents covered school procedures, school discipline (ISS, OSS), dress code, schedule changes, clubs and organizations, and ways for the parents to become involved in Klein Oak High School. We provided Spanish speaking contact information for each department so parents would know exactly who to call for any issues. When the meeting was over, we had a survey to ask for feedback. Surprisingly, these parents wanted even more information. We have a second Hispanic Forum scheduled for December. In the meantime, I am compiling information for each child whose parent(s) attended the Hispanic Forum. I will be evaluation whether or not the parental involvement had a positive effect on the ESL student’s academic performance, discipline, and attendance.

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