Action research

I learned that through action research administrators seek out change and contemplate on their practices by posing questions and collecting data to gain insight. Action research allows administrators to understand people, contexts and circumstances of life in education. The administrators are empowering educators and giving voice to teachers, students and other administrators. Action research is exposing that which is present but hidden. Most administrators utilize action research as a tool to improve their schools and themselves. One of the goals of action research is to improve TAKS scores. As a result of this goal schools are deeply invested in action research. We ask the questions “how can we improve students score?” Then we investigate our strengths and weaknesses, devise and implement a plan to address the weaknesses and thereby improve scores. During this process the teacher, by means of assessment tools sees if the students are improving. Next teacher and administrator review the results and modify their plan. The process repeats itself until the ultimate assessment, the TAKS test. Then at the end of the school teachers and administrator get together to review the strengths and weaknesses of the plan and see what they can improve on it. Dana puts it best with quote “Thus, an inquiry stance is synonymous with professional growth and provides a nontraditional approach to administrator development that can lead to meaningful change for schools and all the people who inhabit them- principals, teacher and students.”



Blogging can help administrators collaborate with other administrators in nearby districts. Blogging also allows the administrator to reach out to the local community and obtain input of the people there. Plus students can voice some concerns and thoughts that could help the school grow in a positive manner.


Dana, N. F. (2009). Leading With Passion and Knowledge: The Principal as Action Researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.