Why Action Research?

Action research is a reflective process that aides administrators and educators in working collaboratively to address and solve real, everyday problems that will improve instruction and lead to high levels of student achievement.  It is about looking at the current issues that concerns them at their particular school instead of looking at more general research that could pertain to their school.  The issues are closest to them so they can exhibit some influence and make change.

I am constantly in search to be a better educator.  I do a lot of reflecting on assignments, activities, and labs to determine if they are truly well-written and if the students understand to mastery according to the TEK described.  I think being an administrator, I will continue to reflect on how I can better serve my teachers, students, and parents. I can be more effective as a teacher or as an administrator when I examine and assess my own work and then consider ways to work differently for better student achievement.  Action research stresses the development of the teacher and will help in the creation of professional development opportunities instead of focusing on the content they teach.  They know their content.  This betters themselves as a professional educator.

I would use action research as an administrator to come up with solutions to various concerns or problems that may be taking place at my school.  My leadership style is definitely not that of a dictator. Administrators see certain things that teachers may not see and visa versa.  So I would put together a team of teachers that show invested interested in the concern.  Team work and individual contributions are incredibly important to the group as progress is made toward the goal.  Narrowing the problem question, gathering and analyzing data, and creating a plan of action, will lead to a sense of ownership and accomplishment for the people on the team.  I would not be making a decision on my own, but we would be making a decision together as a school-wide effort to effectively solve a problem on our campus.