Week 1 Part 1:

I really enjoyed the reading for this week regarding action research.  The idea of inquiring, posing questions, gathering data, reflection, introspection, and implementing change makes sense to me.  I see the value in action research versus the previous methods of research being "imparted" to us teachers via the latest and greatest education guru who has no clue about our school.  I like how action research could be used not only to address issues on our campus, but also as an assessment of my own performance as an educator.  If more principals modeled this type of introspection, many more teachers would be willing to "look in the mirror" to see how we can be better educators.

Action research can be utilized at our school to inquire why there is so much teacher turnover each year, how we can improve interventions, will allowing students to bring their own technology to class work, how one block course affect the entire schedule, dress code, etc.  I think the posssibilites are endless!  I'm taking my first step with my own action research this coming school year; I am looking forward to experiencing the whole process as well as what I find.

Lastly, what resonated with me is that over the past 14 years of teaching,  I can't tell you how many times I've sat through seminars, staff developments, and meetings listening to someone flown in from somewhere out of our state to enlighten us with their research.  The whole time everyone thinks " How is this going to work?"  Action research uses a school's own resources, its staff, to wonder or inquire about a campus' issues or needed adjustments.  The data, input, research, and reflection might then generate real and meaningful change to a campus.


Week 1  Part 2:

I am actually a novice to blogs.  However, I have seen my own children and colleagues employ blogs in a variety of ways.  What I gather is that one can't escape technolgy.  It's all around us, and more and more people have access to it.  People surf the web, check emails, text, and tweet and least once a day if not more.  Educational leaders need to take this to their advantage.  They can use blogs to connect to staff, students, and parents.  It's a way to get involvement and engagement from a school's community.