The goal of this action research project is to determine if there is a correlation between the digital divide and achievement gap in El Campo Independent School District. Over the course of several months, the researcher will take several steps: research literature on the digital divide and achievement gap; survey students and families about internet access; analyze TAKS test scores; compare results; and share findings. If a correlation is found between lack of internet access and lower achievement, the researcher will work with the district to determine ways to close the gap, such as increasing access to public internet resources, and continue monitoring results over time.

1. Action Research Project
Goal: Determine if there is a correlation between the digital divide and the
achievement gap in El Campo Independent School District?
Action Person(s) Timeline: Needed Evaluation
Steps(s): Responsible: Start/End Resources
Myself March 2011- Internet Are the
1. Research May 2011 activities
articles and realistic and
literature will I be able to
pertaining to come up with
the Digital
Divide and the
Academic
Achievement
Gap
Myself and May 2011 District Is this a reliable
2. Utilize site mentor Calling survey? If
ECISD calling System students do not
system to ask have internet
all families in they may not
our district if have home
they have phones.
internet access
at home.
Myself and August 2011 Survey Is the survey
3. Survey site mentor Monkey bias? Do
students to questions stay
find out there on target?
accessibility to
Internet
resources at
home.
Myself and June 2011 TAKS Data Will I be able to
4. Analyze site mentor access all of
TAKS scores the data I
from 2010, need?
particularly

2. looking at the
economically
disadvantaged
scores.
Myself September All of my Is there a
5. Compare 2011 research correlation
research and compiled between our
see if there is digital divide
a correlation students and
between the our
digital divide economically
and the disadvantaged
achievement students?
gap in ECISD.
Myself and October Presentation Will I be able to
6. Share my site mentor 2011 with all data come up with
findings and appropriate
brainstorm solutions?
possible
solutions.
Format based on Tool 7.1 from Examining What We Do to Improve Our
Schools
(Harris, Edmonson, and Combs, 2010)

3. 1. Setting the Foundation:
After discussing with my site mentor several topics on which to do my action research
project we decided that I would research if there is a correlation between academic
achievement and our digital divide students. We are a title one district; over 50% of our
student population comes from economically disadvantaged homes. I am going to research if
these are the same group of students performing lower on our state standardized tests and if
they are also students who do not have internet access in there homes.
2. Analyzing Data: Use a variety of sources to gather data
Utilize our district calling system to send out an automated phone call to every student in
our district asking them if they have internet access to gain a broad percentage of
students with access. Use Money Survey to gain qualitative data to further find out the
accessibility of which students has internet access. Analyze our 2009-2010 TAKS
scores to gain quantitative data, particularly looking at our sub populations and our
economically disadvantaged. After compiling all of the data compare my results to see if
there is indeed a correlation between our achievement gap and the digital divide
students.
3. Developing Deeper Understanding
As I begin to gather data I am sure more questions will arise and a light will be shed on
the gap of our economically disadvantaged students in our district. I will meet regularly
with my site mentor to discuss my findings and make a point to talk to our computer lab
teacher about them as well.
4. Engaging in Self Reflection
Take time to reflect on the qualitative and quantitative data that I analyze and actively
use this information. Also, ask yourself reflective questions throughout the process and
come up with other questions based on your topic.
5. Exploring Patterns
After analyzing the various forms of data and discussing it with my site mentor begin to
find solutions. Share my findings with other professionals I work with and bounce ideas
off each other to see if we can also come up with different solutions.
6. Determining Direction
Before launching you action research project be sure to answer two key questions:
What is the purpose and significance of this action research project? Particularly focus
on the main objective, the key stakeholders, and in the end who this research will
benefit.
A. Are you clear on what you are attempting to solve (your research questions)?
B. Have you adequately addressed the skills and resources questions?
C. Have you established a collaborative approach to the issue?
D. Are your timelines realistic?
E. Do you have a reasonable plan to monitor the project?
F. Do you have a reasonable plan for determining the level of success – how do you
evaluate if the plan is effective?
G. How will you revise and improve the plan based on monitoring and evaluation?
Throughout my action research project I will continue to refer to these questions to make
sure I am staying on topic with my study.

4. 7. Taking Action
If there is indeed a correlation between academic achievement and the digital divide
make a community goal to close this gap. Discuss my findings with my site supervisor to
find different ways to close this gap. I can not personally go out and buy internet
packages for all of our students, but I think we can make more use of the public areas
that have free internet access.
8. Sustaining Improvement
Continue to monitor these areas and see if the achievement gap is closing by analyzing
the following years TAKS data.