Week 1- "What is action research and how can you use it?"

Action research is a constant state of questioning, analyzing, interpreting data, and collaborating between administrators, teachers and even students.  Action research also bases the information on those that are fully immerged in the educational process.  Traditional research is based on information found by college professors or experts; however, they do not have a daily interaction with the students that we are educating.  Action research can be utilized in university coursework, Superintendent/ district meetings, leadership teams, and professional learning communities.  Utilizing action research creates a constant state of inquiry within an organization.   This state of constant inquiry and collaboration ensure that professional isolation does not occur.  It ensures that the principal is the example of continued or professional learning.  It also helps that best practices are followed and exchanged freely.  This constant state of inquiry does not come easy.  There must be time set aside daily or weekly to truly examine the efficiency and possibilities of your school.  As a principal, much of your time is being reactionary to situations that occur.  When time is set aside to truly engage in action research, you are giving yourself time to plan and become prepared for improvement.   I feel that I will utilize all possible avenues of action research.  It is important to get your staff involved in the decision-making and research process.  I plan to create sub committees of experienced and non-experienced teachers and administrators to inquire about probabilities for improvement.  I will also set aside a meeting time with myself for personal subjects of reflection and inquiry.  It is our responsibility as administrators to ensure our students’ success, and by utilizing action research we can put them in the best position to succeed.