WHY CHESS? WHY NOT CHESS? ACTION RESEARCH

Action Planning Template
Goal: What effects does/will a chess club have on improving students’ attitude toward school, attendance, problem solving, logic and reasoning skills and efforts to achieve personal goals? Will implementing a chess club demonstrate a positive impact on academic performance and emotional intelligence?
Action Steps(s):	Person(s) Responsible:	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
Research the benefits of implementing a chess club for middle school students	Javannah McCully	April and May 2013	Internet, Lamar Library, Middle schools with chess clubs and literature on chess clubs	N/A
Starting a scholastic chess club-Solicit high school, parent and teacher volunteers/ Planning a start-up- Contact the school to ensure support	Javannah McCully	April-August 2013	Names, email addresses and phone numbers of volunteers	Gain feedback from volunteers
Schedule a meeting to discuss facility, equipment and student invitations/Organize Volunteers	Javannah McCully	August 2013	Computer, dept. stores for prices on chess sets	Consider and possibly implement feedback from volunteers
Book or reserve Facility for chess club (weekly) Equipment-Plastic mismatched sets picked up cheap at garage and clearance sales	Javannah McCully Principal-to approve gym, cafeteria, library or a designated classroom Javannah McCully	August –September 2013 June-August 2013	Computer, colored paper, printer Chess sets	Collect sign up flyer's for chess club According to students attendance be certain that there are enough chess sets
Student attendance-Average bright and fun-loving kids who just enjoy playing the game	Javannah McCully	August-September 2013	Attendance roll	Monitor weekly attendance
Scheduling –Pick a time that doesn’t conflict with similar activities (1 hour)	Javannah McCully/Volunteers Principal	September 2013-March 2014 (Monday 4p.m.-5p.m.)	Email	Approval of time from principal
Recreational Play-Emphasize purpose of the club (to play chess and have fun) group kids by skill level once they start playing	Javannah McCully/Volunteers	September 2013-March 2014	Chess sets/instructions, computer	If someone is willing more than losing, encourage tougher play. Always emphasize good sportsmanship
Instruction for new players	Javannah McCully/Volunteers	September 2013-2014	Chess sets/instructions	Any child that can be taught the alphabet can be taught chess.
Tournaments (possibly)	Javannah McCully/Volunteers/ Other middle schools	March 2014	Chess sets/medals	N/A
Create a survey to send out to teachers/principals	Javannah McCully	Ongoing (Monthly)	Survey monkey.com, Computer, email	Collect and analyze data from survey