Action Research

I have learned that action research involves principals and/or teachers deciding what is needed on their campus, and then making a plan to put into action. Instead of using a source that is outside the campus, teachers and principals take the research into their own hands. They seek out the needed changes, collect and analyze the data, and take action. The teachers and principal are more involved when they are the ones implementing a plan, rather than just being told what to do.

I can think of several issues my principal and I have discussed. Things that need to be improved or worked on, and I know he will jump right in with me and help be part of the process! For example, we would like to start a Campus Committee that involves the principal, teachers, parent volunteers, and part of our campus community to collaborate on our campus plan. With collaboration we can all voice concerns and needs for our Campus Improvement Plan.

Another action research plan involves improving our RTI meetings. Teachers have not always started off the school year with the correct paperwork to begin the RTI process. We will have a new "head" RTI person this year, and as a teacher on the campus I want to start the year off right and have needed papers in my hand. Also, it has been discussed that parents should be invited even to the first meeting when a teacher has a concern for a student. In the past, parents have been invited to the meeting when a child is on Tier 3 (or highest concern level). We want to improve this! Last, there should be more follow through with the teacher after meetings instead of wishing them luck and meeting again in two or three months!

Educational leaders can use blogs to collaborate on ideas or action research that is already started. Maybe someone on another campus similar to mine has a great program they have already used and found success! It seems teachers are always looking for new ideas, and a blog is a good place to read up on success stories.