What Have You Learned About Action Research and How Will You Use It?

     Action research is a deliberate process in which educators can examine their own practice and create a plan to improve that practice. It is based on the ideas that educators work best on problems they have identified themselves, that they are more effective problem solvers when they examine their own work, and that they help each other when they work collaboratively. There are four types of action research: Individual teacher research, collaborative action research, school wide research, and district wide action research.  This type of solution-oriented investigation has five steps: 1) identify the problem, 2) gather data,  3)interpret the data, 4) make a plan of action based on evidence, 5) evaluate results and reflect.  The benefits of this type of research are that it is focused on the interest of the investigator, it expands their knowledge, leads to potential impact on school change, allows for reflections of own practice, and can improve communication among stakeholders. Educators should use Action Research when they want to expand their personal and professional growth, improve their practice and enhance student learning, and to advance the teaching profession.
     I have used action research with my leadership team to determine what areas on our campus need improvement and to create an action plan to improve those areas.  Our district is also in the process of strategic planning and we have used this process to create action plans to improve our district that will be in place and effective for our school district even if the district leadership changes.  Through these experiences I find using action research an effective means of leading change for instructional improvement and student learning.  I will continue to use this process as a principal and future superintendent.