Action Research

Based on Nancy Fichtman Dana’s Leading with Passion and Knowledge, action research is a process for leaders to collect data, create analysis, formulate action strategies, and implement solutions to develop change within their school and district. Action research allows local school site leaders to participate in school problems using campus-generated knowledge instead of depending on outside sources for generic research. By participating in action research, administration and teachers become part of a learning community designed to engage in student, teacher, and administrative needs. Each member of the process must continually pose questions, read relevant literature, and create practices based on new evidence derived from the action research. With each member participating in action research, the staff is completing their own professional development and actively improving their leadership and teaching skills. Individually, the members must inquire upon their own skills and practices to evaluate educational success. During action research, knowledge, understanding, and a sense of ownership begin to foster amongst staff members through the process. With these action research practices in place, restructure and reform begin to cultivate school culture. The action based research process builds greater campus expectation, which sustains school improvement guidelines. Action research is an effective process to meet individual campus’ needs.