Administrator Inquiry

Conducting research is what some people consider boring, unnecessary, and a waste of time. But action research is nothing of the sort. Action research is a method that allows teachers and principals to have a voice in the research process allowing for real change to take place. So many times we try to improve student performance by focusing only on the student. We test them, re-teach, retest and evaluate student progress. What doesn’t happen during this method of research is studying the teacher’s practices. Action research was originally developed to help improve teaching and learning, but recently administrators and school leaders have started using it as a way to improve schools. While engaging in action research, administrators use the same process of inquiry, developing understanding, and completing and sharing their findings that teachers would. When administrators use this method, it is sometimes called administrator inquiry instead of action research. It is important for principals to see how “administrator inquiry is a part of, not apart from,” the work they do. Weather it is called administrator inquiry or action research, this process of action must begin with the principal. So many times principals get tangled up in the everyday demands of their job, and never take time to reflect on their own practices as the “head learner” of the school (Dana, 2008). Administrators can use action research as a professional development tool since it is “long-term, planned, and job-embedded; focuses on student achievement, supports reflective practice; and provides opportunities to work, discuss and solve problems with peers (Sparks 2002). If principals would engage in action research, they could see an improvement in teaching, learning and school climate. As a principal I would use action research with my staff as a unit of study or professional development. Next I would create a professional learning community for each grade level. While teachers are working on improving teaching and learning, as principal I would implement administrator inquiry into all aspects of my job so I can lead through example.


Blogs in Education

Blogs in education are becoming a more effective way to communicating among school administration and staff. Educators can share important information as well as share ideas and personal opinions. Administrators can gather information quickly through the commenting area.The ability to have members subscribe through an RSS feed offers up many other possibilities.