Foreseeing challenges of action research plan

As I think more about my action research plan, I can see different challenges that may hinder me from conducting an effective and successful research. Those obstacles may include support from the designated administrator that I'm assigned to work with, access to, and preparation of data. and simply the time to do it, even though this is a project that will be stretched out throughout the program...I also struggle with trying to decide on what the size of my sample should be, or if I need one.
My research plan is very simple in nature; what procedures or plan can we put into place to help at-risk students achieve passing or higher-level scores on state tests? Is that even a worthy research plan? I don't know for sure.

I may have to re-do my question or choose or pick another topic all together. what I do plan on doing is talking to the administrator I was assigned to work with, and monitoring that situation a bit more before scratching the plan completely. Any ideas would be appreciated..