Evaluation - Don't forget it!

The most revelatory insight for me in my course on action research dealt with learning how to evaluate the implementation of an action research plan.  While working through the CARE model tool (Harris, 2010, p. 99), I reflected on what is necessary to produce sustained improvement within schools.   This tool called for us to identify the best ways to evaluate the implemented recommendations of an action plan.  As I worked through this process, I found myself suggesting evaluation tools that used data and/or gave specific feedback using surveys or rubrics.   I had a bit a “break-through moment” when I realized that many of the action plans I have been apart of failed to set-up up a system to evaluate the change.  In my nine years of teaching, I have been a part of several experiences where an administration attempted to implement systemic plans for change.  When I look back at the plans that actually produced sustained improvement, I see a common denominator: they all had built-in evaluation tools to ensure that change was indeed taking place.  By using formative assessments throughout the change process, faculty and administrators could also adapt as needed.  This is a critical final piece of action research that I think is often left out of the process.  Evaluation is needed for accountability on many levels.  Without evaluation, there is no way to assess the success-level of the change process or to ensure that teachers are actually following through with what is asked of them.  Therefore, a pre-determined evaluation plan is absolutely necessary for the implementation of an action research plan.