Action Research Description

Action research is a tool that allows educators to take a "hands on" approach in the school setting.  Instead of bringing in someone from outside the district or attending a conference where a person who has never been to your district is telling you how to run your school or classroom, administrator inquiry allows educators to directly take the initiative and look for positive change. Teachers, principals, and administrators are able to control all variables while moving forward and seeking positive results.  For instance, in a classroom setting a teacher naturally observes students attitudes and behaviors.  They also naturally get feedback and analyze data by collecting sample work and assessments.  After reflecting and putting all of the information together in an action research project, this will show educators not only why something is occurring, but it will also offer them a solution to making their classroom or school a better place.

There are many reasons why principals would use an action research project.  Principals are leaders, and what better way for principals to take the initiative than to lead an action research project?  There are hundreds of different scenarios that principals deal with every year that make themselves ask  this question: Why is this happening and How can we solve it?  Whether it's an issue dealing with low graduation rates, discipline problems, or employee absences, an action research plan could help recognize potential areas for improvement and form a plan for positive change.