DQ3: Specific Aspects of Action Research Plan

Research Question:  Will the introduction of Apple iPad technology into the Wheatley School special education classrooms have an impact on learning and/or improve student performance?

·                        A description of the context or setting of your study. 

The context of my study is based on the Reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Public Law 105-17 which contains a requirement for the Individual Education Program (IEP) teams to consider assistive technology in the development of an IEP:

 “The IEP Team shall – (v) consider whether the child requires assistive technology devices and services.” [Section 614 (d) (3) (B) Consideration of Special Factors.] 

The critical issue surrounding assistive technology use is the requirement of Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).  Schools are required to provide assistive technology for students that need such tools, if they are necessary for the student’s participation in and benefit from a free appropriate public education.  Wheatley School, PAISD, has made the move forward to provide state-of-the-art equipment to the teachers of students with disabilities. 

·                     An operational definition of your target population. 

My target population will be the forty (40) students enrolled in Preschool Programs for Children with Disabilities at Wheatley School of Early Childhood Programs, Port Arthur Independent School District.

     ·    How you will select your sample. 

My sample will be selected by the criterion of students which are showing the least amount of progress – those who seem to be unable to function in inclusion and/or regular education classes and seem to be destined for Life Skills classes and Abnormal Behavior Units (ABUs).  Ipad touch technology may impact these students most significantly.  A plethora of research and evidence attest to this possibility of improvement in learning for special education students.

 

·                 Brief rationale for your sample size. 

The rationale for my sample size is the prevailing view that iPads can assist students – even those with autism – to achieve mainstream educational goals.

 

·                  A brief description of how you will conduct your research. 

My research will be conducted through observation, scrutiny of student records (prior and current school years IEP technological adherence), teacher surveys and questionnaires, focus group meetings, professional learning communities and professional staff development training, if necessary.

My study purpose and significance is supreme to the delivery of assistive technology to the PPCD students and teachers of Wheatley School.  To be able to influence the proper direction in which iPad technology is utilized in my school is of paramount importance and benefit to me, the students, teachers, Special Education Division and the school district of Port Arthur.