Week One Assignment: Part 3

What I have learned about action research and how I might be able to use it...
Action research (also called administrative inquiry) is a process a principal uses to study an issue and use their findings to change practices accordingly on their campus. There are significant benefits to this method of thoughtful approach to change with the goal of improved student achievement. Because the inquiry of study is chosen by the principal, it is customized to their campus, population, stakeholders and needs. The issue is purposefully studied among professional learning communities. Data is gathered and analyzed. From the conclusions, strategies are put into place and practices are improved to provide meaningful change. The strategy/practice is continually measured for effectiveness which makes the process cyclic. Because the process is done in-house, rather than through outside “experts”, you have greater chance of effective implementation and stakeholder buy-in. Administrative inquiry is an excellent source of professional growth because it engages the principal in meaningful study of their own practices and reflection upon the benefits of changing those practices. This requires precious time from the already tight schedule of a principal. It takes time to meet, study, discuss and reflect. But this is a necessary and worthy use of time. Bringing together your professional learning communities gives the principal much needed opportunity to connect with peers and exchange with other professionals. Additionally, it provides the opportunity for principals to role model continual learning. Action research is done for the purpose of bringing about change and done in the environment where the change will take place.

I can use action research in my current position as Special Education Coordinator of two elementary campuses. I would like to do a professional inquiry about RtI in hopes of getting more appropriate special education evaluation referrals. Another wondering is how to improve the relationship between parents of students served in special education and the school's special education team. We are initiating a program in the fall that deserves action research. The principal and I are meeting with each grade level team once per 6-weeks to discuss appropriate implementation of IEP's.

How educational leaders might use blogs...
Blogs are formidable force these days. With ease, anyone can share their views with the world. A feat unfathomable for a regular joe with little tech skills just a few years ago. Blogs in the classroom provide a portal to each other and peers across the world. The beauty of blogs is being able to connect intimately with someone (a class in your school, your neighboring schools' principals, etc.) on your time... and they connect with your on their time. Blogs can be an easy way to communicate with school stakeholders. A Professional Leaning Community may use a blog for a book study. Use a school blog to communicate information to parent about school happenings. A simple post can relay information in a timely fashion without the cost of using paper and remove the possibility of the paper not making it home.