This course focused on the aspects of action research and what entails being the action researcher. I learned the importance of action research and all the benefits it has to offer. We were encouraged to think of an administrative inquiry and create our plan of action. Nancy Fichtman Dana defines administrative inquiry as the “process of the principal engaging in systematic, intentional study of his/her own administrative practice and taking action for change…” (Dana 2009) The administrator researches and collects data, assesses their findings, which allows them to acquire an understanding of the problem or curiosity. Then, they act and make changes in their own practice and development and allocate the information and findings to other members of the staff and teachers. Administrative inquiry is a tool that may lead to opportunities for learning and development of a school. Administrative inquiry offers the opportunity to reflect and change on current practices and strives for progression and improvement based on what is learned through the research. Action research can be applied to any situation consisting of problems or general curiosity. Conducting action research plays a vital and important in an administrator’s role as a leader. Action research allows for an opportunity to get to the source or root of a problem, by researching and gathering specific data. This allows for a methodical and efficient way for solutions be presented and then implement, thus solving the problem. Action research may also lead to self and group reflection furthering the development and professional improvement of the individual person or group. Action research allows for the opportunity for continuing and sustaining improvement; this is not just a one-time project. Another area I would like to highlight is the area of reflection and its importance. Reflection allows time to review what solutions and procedures was effective solving a problem or addressing an area in need of improvement. Scheduling an amount of time to reflect will allow review for specific thoughts and actions to gain a better insight and understanding. It allows for the opportunity to review what worked and what can be enhanced or improved. Dana states in her text in regards to reflection, “you’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish and how you will feel a greater sense of control.” (Dana 2009) Reflection in reference to action research allows time to consider the action applied and review the effectiveness and areas for improvement. It allows for one to see their impact and review the results of taking action. I also want to high light the sustaining improvement methods that were focused upon in the Harris text. I really believe the Delphi method and the Nominal Group Technique will benefit me, especially when it comes to communicating in a proficient and structured manner. Both of these methods will aid the researcher in creating and sustaining future school improvement. The Nominal Group Technique especially will benefit my action research project. Since there will be many opportunities for discussion in the duration of my action research, this will be a great way to maintain appropriate discussions and obtain clarification of the needs of the group. This allows for input, discussion and synthesis of the ideas and needs. Overall, I really found this course to be beneficial in my learning. I know understand how important it as a future educator to continually wonder, research, act, and reflect to cause the continuation of the development and improvement of myself and my school.

Identify Concerns:

1.)  Lack of support from experienced teachers.

2.)  Lack of motivation to try and implement something new.

3.)  Lack of communication amongst members of the department.

Identify Affirmations:

1.)  High level of motivation amongst the majority of the department.

2.)  High level of knowledge and teaching skills for subject area.

3.)  High level of support from administration.

SMART

1.)  Implement instructional coaching to provide individual and group support.

2.)  Provide positive feedback and encourage the members of the department.

3.)  Provide a specific group e-mail/IM to allow quick access to members. Create calendar for set meeting dates.

EVALUATE:

1.)  Provide questionnaires to provide an opportunity for feedback, review and reflection.

2.)  Administrators attend meetings and provide observations and feedback.

3.)  Instructional coaching session reviews and reflection.

Action Planning Template
Goal: Improving collaboration within the reading department
Action Steps(s):	Person(s) Responsible:	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
Select topic, discuss plan with principal	Kerry Palmquist	March-April	Research Action Plan outline and timeline	Notes
Select the specific teachers of the language arts department who will be participating, i.e., the 7th and 8th grade reading teachers	Kerry Palmquist	April-May	N/A	Personal notes
Hold a meeting with 7th and 8th grade reading teachers to discuss my plans of action and their involvement, discuss their participation	Kerry Palmquist 7th and 8th grade Reading Teachers	May-August	Action research notes, plans and templates	Meeting notes Survey
Provide a time for additional discussion and clarify and questions or concerns the teachers may have. Discuss meeting with principal.	Kerry Palmquist 7th and 8th grade Reading Teachers Lisa Cox	Mid-End of August	Notes from additional meeting, action research plan and template	Meeting Notes, Notes of questions and answers. Discussion notes from principal
Implement IC strategies w/ participation from other teachers	Kerry Palmquist 7th and 8th grade Reading Teachers Lisa Cox	September	Research Data, Strategies	Notes over implementation
Observe and Review Implementation Discuss observations with principal	Kerry Palmquist 7th and 8th grade Reading Teachers Lisa Cox	September	Progress Report, Participant evaluation	Personal notes of observation, discussion with principal, review participant evaluation
Department attends staff development and team building training	Kerry Palmquist 7th and 8th grade Reading Teachers	Mid-September	Region 7 services and training information	Notes over training
Meet with teachers to discuss progress of strategies, allow time for input and feedback, allow for new strategies if needed, Continue to observe progress	Kerry Palmquist 7th and 8th grade Reading Teachers	End of September	Timeline, progress report	Personal notes, meeting notes of discussion
Continue to implement strategies and do post-implementation survey and meet to discuss progress	Kerry Palmquist 7th and 8th grade Reading Teachers Lisa Cox	October	Surveys	Meeting and observation notes, survey evaluations

Reflection for week 2:

After completing the assigned videos, readings and assignments, I realized data is a common thread in the aspect of action research. Using qualitative and quantitative data can lead to success for all kinds of inquiries. Data helps to articulate the vision and allows for specific areas to be addressed. I know now how imperative it is to have sufficient and adequate data before taking any type of action. Action research leads to positive improvement and positive solutions. I really like how action research requires acquiring data before making any type action and this leads to logical and reasonable solutions. I also learned this week the research action must have a specific focus, purpose and must be working towards positive improvement.

I learned conducting action research plays a vital and important in an administrator’s role as a leader. Action research allows for an opportunity to get to the source or root of a problem, by researching and gathering specific data. This allows for a methodical and efficient way for solutions to be presented and then implement, thus solving the problem or areas in need of improvement. One can obtain demographics, percentages and input from others to find a solution which accurately targets a problematic area or an area of curiosity. I learned the more action research involved, leads to the further betterment of a person or school. It aids in developing the necessary skills to meet the student’s needs and maximize their success. Action research allows teachers to take a logical perspective through obtaining knowledge thus allowing them to be motivated and basically take action to make a positive and productive change. Action research may lead to workable solutions to create a positive learning environment dedicated to continuous improvement.   Action research may also lead to self and group reflection furthering the development and professional improvement of the individual person or group. As stated by Ringler, “it is ‘good teaching’ in action.”(Ringler 2007) This basically means it allows for the validation for efficient and effective practices within the classroom and the school.