Using Action Research

Action research is focused on providing insight into an administrator's practice in an effort to make changes and improve schools. It is an interactive and collaborative process which gives leaders opportunities to work with peers to find solutions to challenges that are specific to the home campus.  It provides professional development strategies for teachers and administrators in terms of school operations and student success (Dana, 2009).  It can also help an administrator move to more of an engaged practitioner role.  It is a personal process, but at the same time it still maintains the characteristics of scientific method.  Action research can be used to address any type of challenge or issue that may occur on campus.  Because of its reflective nature it helps you to delve more deeply into issues, and come out with effective solutions (Dana, 2009).  It can be used to develop "tailor-made" plans to bring about change that is specific to the home campus.  It is used to integrate theory, practice, and helps to apply the results of your expertise.  It helps administrators to become head learners, and take on more of a role model position.  Using action research allows best practices to thrive, and the administrator to move out of their office into the light of reflective inquiry.