Action Research

Action research is described by Dana as: "the process of a principal
engaging in systematic, intentional study of his/her own administrative
practice and taking action for change based on what he/she learns as a
result of the inquiry". This process can have a great and immediate impact on how a principal is able to run his or her campus on a daily basis and also for future decision making. Action research reflects on experiences of the principal or even a colleague's experience to help better serve their campus in a positive way.

My research project will look into why my campus' reading scores have fallen on recent TAKS tests. I want to be able to reflect on the past and use these reflections to help determine the cause of the falling scores. Our campus has very successful teachers in the area of reading and they have been a part of our school system for several years. This trend of falling grades has our principal and our teachers very concerned and they have spent the majority of the summer trying to work out a plan to help these students become successful. Using action research will help me better understand an important area of concern with my campus and I hope to be able to reflect on this experience and use it in the future when I become and administrator.