Be the Change You Want to See in the World ~ Gandhi

Action research, or administrator inquiry, is defined by Dana in Leading with Passion and Knowledge: The Principal as Action Researcher, as “the process of a principal engaging in a 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” (2009). This practice allows those on campus, those that are working most closely with and are responsible for student achievement, to be actively involved in studying the effects of campus improvement efforts. By extending the definition of researcher to the practitioners, the research that is often left to the university experts becomes grounded in practice and becomes more meaningful as the effects are measured within the very real dynamics of a campus and its culture. Including action research into an administrator’s routine encourages the principal to study campus data, identify areas of concern, conduct a study of possible solutions, and create a plan for a course of action, including defining the systems for implementation, evaluation, and revision. For this system to work, the principal must engage in regular reflection and analysis with regard to the action research plan. Because the principal focuses on improving his/her current practices and how they relate to student success, engaging in the process provides meaningful professional development.