Research Action Plan

Week 2 Reflection

This week I have learned about the nine passions that drive principal inquiry. In all passions of inquiry an increase in student achievement always seems to be one of the main goals of outcome. The nine passions that drive inquiry consist of staff development, curriculum development, individual teachers, individual students, school community, leadership, management, school performance, and social justice.These passions are the main components that keep the school operating at the best capasity. Inquiry allows the school to continue to grow in the right direction. As I read and went through these nine passions of inquiry for principals my mind was racing as my own wonderings about my campus raced through my head. Through inquiry, problems, gaps in achievement, and growth of programs can be made. As administrators, we must all become action researchers and we must model it in a way, so that our teachers will follow in our footsteps.

What I've Learned About Action Research

Usually the term research will send anyone and everyone running. In education although, action research is inquiry based and it is very beneficial for campuses and programs to be effective. Action research consists of reflection and action. It is driven by the needs of the campus through the eyes of the stakeholders. "Inquiring professionals seek out change and reflect on their practices by posing questions or wonderings, collect data to gain insights into their wonderings, analyzing the data along with reading relevant literature, making changes in practice based on new understandings developed during inquiry, and sharing with others." (Dana, 2009) Administrative inquiry allows principals to reflect on the campuses best practices and make changes in the areas of need. Administrators can build a campus with action research through their Professional Learning Communities and Leadership Teams. Professional learning communities can share techniques used in the classroom to teach concepts, analyze scores, and ask questions to raise achievement. Collaboration and inquiry can build a solid, effective learning environment for all stakeholders.

As a future administrator I plan to devote time in my busy day to sit down and reflect. I plan on using action research to help achieve shared visions and goals.

Works Cited
Dana,N.F (2009).Leading With Passion And Knowledge: The Principal As Action Researcher. Thousand Oaks: Corwin.

Educational Leaders Using Blogs

Educational leaders can use blogs as an effective way to collect data from parents, teachers or students. It opens up a line of communication that all school stakeholders can take part in. Educational leaders can also use blogs as a form of professional development for staff. Faculty can hold book studies and post their reflections and or inquiries on the blog site. Students can use blogs inside the classrooms with writing assignments and educational leaders can post feedback on the blogs as well. Blogs are an effective tool in education and can also be an effective tool in action research.