EDLD 5301 - Research, Week 1 Assignment, Part 3 - "What I Have Learned About Action Research"

Administrative inquiry, or action research, as it pertains to this course, is the systematic, intentional study and analysis of a campus principal’s personal administrative practice and implementing change based on what is learned as a result of the inquiry/research. Action research works best in a team format where groups can find a synergy of thought that will lead to a best practice outcome. This is not a short-term approach to find a knee jerk reaction to problems. By taking a long-term approach to this analysis helps to provide a long-term solution rather than a quick "band aid" approach to problem solving. Veteran administrator-inquirer Mark Bracewell sums up the need for action research: "If your kids are going to excel,...you've got to look at what they're doing. Where are they, where do they need to be, how do we get them there? That's essentially what inquiry is." (Dana, 2009, pp. 14-15)

As a student of education focused on campus principalship my first question was, "Where does this initiative take place?" Currently there are four prime areas ripe for cultivation of inquiry: University Coursework, Superintendent/District Meetings, Leadership Teams, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). The need for intensive and collaborative study of the workings of our schools is one of the greater callings of a principal. Gathering students, teachers, stakeholders, and community members to "roll up their sleeves" and immerse themselves into the meat of a problem will provide administrative answers to lingering questions. Another benefit of inquiry is that the principal is able to work alongside the research team as a head-learner. No longer is the principal aligned behind the door of a front office, chasing after multiple daily problems with no real take on the pulse of the campus. As a head learner the principal can model a best practice for staff and students alike. There is no limit to the usefulness of this approach. "Never a day goes by without at least one problem, issue, tension, or dilemma arising for a principal that beckons for the deep exploration and insights that the process of inquiry can bring!" (Dana, 2009, p. 19). The only limiting factor is the "wondering" that you wish to study.

The principal's chair is a busy place. There is no end to the daily milieu of problems, tardies, fights, needs, etc. The question of where to begin can be crippling. By utilizing action research initiatives the principal can slow down their world and take an active role in the day-to-day problem solving necessary to achieve student success.