Action Research: 9 Major Wanderings, Week 2

Teachers and administrators face many challenges both in and outside of the classroom. With the pressure that states and the federal government are putting on teachers and principals to raise students’ test scores, it is no wonder principals and teachers are embarking on a journey to improve school performance while raising student achievement. But student achievement is not just going to increase because teachers have gathered data and shared it with counselors, colleagues and administrative staff. In order for real improvement to be made, principals must use reflective practices as well as engage in action research projects. There are nine major areas that Dana describes as major wonderings of many school leaders: Staff Development, Curriculum development, Individual teacher(s), Individual student(s), School culture/community, Leadership, Management, School performance, and Social justice or equity issues. Principals can choose to engage in action research projects on their own, or they can involve staff, students, and parents. Active research needs to be practical and applicable to specific situations. Project data must be reviewed, analyzed and implemented within a week or two. I also believe that principals need play less of a manager role and more of a leadership roll. Leadership by example is key.