Why Action research?

Action research is what hundreds of practicing administrators across the nations are focuses on to help their school succeed and run the most effective way possible.  Becoming a “head learner” will ensure this goal.  The term “inquiry” was created to describe a systematic study by administers and teachers which allows them to view their own practices. (Dana 6)  Action research is not a fad in education but a true tool for achieving professional growth to help guide effective student, teacher and administrative learning.  Action research is a continual set of spirals consisting of reflection and action. (Elliot 1988)

            The inquiry focuses on the concerns of practitioners and engages them in the design, data collection, and interpretation of data around questions that are discussed and developed collaboratively.   It gives principals and teachers time to take a break and look at the changes that have been implemented and decide if successes on the goals created have been reached and reflected upon.  The information is then actively and effectively used to create a plan in a new direction or to keep up with the flow and current arrangement.

            My district has used professional learning communities successfully in the move toward the new curriculum CScope.  Our district created a small group of faculty members from two other elementary campuses with a focus that pertained to a certain grade levels and used time management and discussion topics to assist in an effective overall meeting flow and review.  My district is not new to change and has experienced issues in current and future budget, had an interim for about four months, hired and received notification of withdrawal and then continued the hiring process again to obtain a new superintendent who began three months ago. My district exhibits contexts that are ripe for inquiry. We are still at the mercy of the state and continue to receive inadequate amount of funding for student attendance.  As an early childhood campus, we are most likely to experience the repercussions of student attendance. 

            I feel that our campus is blessed with an administrator that strives for constant motivation and promotes PLC’s and leadership teams. Our campus has participated in practicing under a superior model of leadership and supported faculty members in obtaining a Master’s in Educational Administration. A research study will be conducted by two interns studying with Lamar University to review and develop an effective plan for implementation and participation that will allow Parent Involvement to thrive at our district.  We will not only develop a short term goal but a long term goal as well to assist in our steps towards success.  Our district has recently developed a Facebook and twitter page to allow others to follow our progress with parent and community involvement.  I plan to lead the long term goal that focuses on Parent involvement in Burnet CISD with the help of action research model.