Action Research

I have learned a lot about action research in my studies so far.  It was not something I had really considered when first beginning my masters studies in administration.  Action research is an invaluable tool that can be utilized in many areas of education from teachers, to principals, to stakeholders. It is a method in which areas in need of improvement on a campus or in a district can be identified and a plan is made to improve that area after research of literature and data. It is beneficial because it empowers educators to reflect on their practice and constantly work to improve themselves and their campus.  It is not a mandate from the upper levels of the district, but a personalized fix to an educator’s “wondering”.  I am planning on using this technique to research methods to increase parent involvement on my discipline alternative campus.  This has proven to be a challenge as the students are placed on campus for only a short period of time and the program is not designed for them to be there for an entire school year.  This is a wondering that I have had for the past few years and now I am ready to pursue some ideas and solutions to this campus challenge.