Agreed Upon Action Research Plan

Action Research Plan

Week 2 Reflections

What I learned most from Week 2 is that we are not alone as educators. The problems we encounter and seek answers for are the same for other educators around the state and country. All we need to do is do some research and we can find the solutions without having to re-invent the wheel. Action research is empowering so that when I do have a problem, I will seek solutions myself and be a proactive educator.

Educational Leaders Using Blogs

Educational leaders use blogs in a variety of ways. Blogs create a venue that administrators, educators, students, parents, community members, and stakeholders can come together to communicate and exchange information. A school blog can communicate upcoming important dates and events. A school may use a blog to post a survey or ask for feedback from the community. Schools may even be able to conduct book studies via blogs. Teachers may use the blogs to post homework assignments and answer questions regarding the assignment. Blogs can be beneficial as long as you have a good sampling who are participating. The uses of blogs are almost limitless. They make communicating so easy and interactive.

Action Research

When I began this class, I knew that I would be conducting some sort of research. I did not know that the research I would be conducting would be Action Research. Action Research is a method in which an administrator grows professionally by seeking improvement in his/her school. I used two books to help me understand Action Research. They are: Leading With Passion and Knowledge - The Principal as Action Researcher and Examining What We Do To Improve Our Schools - 8 Steps From Analysis To Action.

Action Research can be used to solve problems within a school. Administrators can methodically follow steps that ask questions, examine data, and reflect on current practices. This examination can lead to best practices. There are several contexts that seem to be ripe for Action Research. I currently use action research with my Lamar colleagues on-line in our university coursework. We discuss problems and work together to form conclusions and provide vital feedback. Action research is also being used in Leadership teams. At my own campus, we have an a team made up of the administrators and department chairs. They meet to discuss any pertinent information and then that information is dissapated downward to the grade levels and departments. Another context that action research is used in is Professional Learning Communities. PLCs get together to address a problem, work to solve the problem, and implement the best practice. PLCs at my own campus have been very productive and a major component in the improvement in TAKS scores.

Action research is a necessary tool that administrators can utilize to help find clarity in their busy and hectic schedule. Administrators can imbed the action research into their daily activities or set aside time to engage. Either way, administrators need to make action research part of their routine. They will grow professionally and their school will reap the benefits.