EDLD+5326+Action+Research+Plan+Update

I have conducted an extensive search for literature and other sources of information on text to speech and audio books. There is no substantial literature that I could find that would assist me with the use of text to speech technology. I have conducted interviews with the local university and companies that are publishing audio versions of textbooks already in print. They have been my main source of already existing research and data relating to my topic. I have collected data from target group in Fall 2011 and Spring 2012. This data showed promising results in the area of test to speech and audio technology enhancing the academic achievement of students with learning disabilities. These students have been able to access the core curriculum using this technology. They have also been able to take standardized assessments in Math and Science using audio technology. They are not permitted the use of audio in the Reading assessments in Oregon. I am continually reviewing the data from teacher interviews, student interviews, observations, grades, file reviews, discipline referral data, state and district assessments and benchmarking. I have had to revise my group when members of my study group moved. I added two more students with learning disabilities to the existing group. I have collected the data and completed half the group, they graduated in June 2012. The three students in the research plan graduated with regular Oregon diplomas, a first for our school district to graduate 100% IDEA students with regular diplomas. I will collect the data from the Fall 2012 state assessments as well as grades, and final teacher reports and interviews. Once this data is collected I will compile the final results and write my report. I have worked an estimated 50 hours on this action research plan, most of it in the early stages last year. I will estimate an additional 20 hours to complete the project.