Using Action Research

     After our readings from this week, I have come to value action research as a tool for improving our school. I feel that our Instructional Leadership Team has done a good job of reflecting on our processes and trying to make changes. However, our changes have not always had the outcomes we’d hoped to have. I believe action research will provide us with a more systematic approach for enabling change in our school.

     The 8 Steps outlined by Harris, Edmonson and Combs (2010) in their Framework for Examining School Improvement are very explicit, and I like how the process is viewed as cyclical and ongoing - answering one question leads to another. Harris et al. (2010) also include “sustaining improvement” as part of their process. I have found that this step is often overlooked. A change is made and then leaders often forget to provide the support needed to sustain the initiative to ensure its ongoing success. As a leader, I need to make sure I don’t forget this crucial step.

     When I sit in district staff developments, I often feel like the presentation is very informative but not applicable to my school. I would like to see my district move towards action research as a means for staff development. I think schools can achieve so much more by forming Professional Learning Communities to conduct action research on needs unique to their school. By having Professional Learning Communities made up of teachers analyzing data, conducting research and developing solutions, other teachers in the school would be more likely to try the initiatives rather than if it was something presented by the principal. I believe that once our teachers participate in action research they will see the value in it, and it will become a part of their reflective teaching practices.

     One final item that struck me was the importance of my modeling and actively participating in action research once I become a school leader. I truly believe that everyone in education should always be reflecting and learning. Even in my current position, I try to show my teachers that I am learning and discovering new things. I am not complacent in my knowledge of the curriculum, classroom management, my role, etc. As I continue to develop as a leader, I need to begin to participate in action research to model and encourage the teachers to do the same. By sharing what I’ve learned through blogs and discussion boards, I can also show my teachers that I value what I’ve learned and want to benefit what others have learned.