During the first week assignment of my 5301 Research class I have studied about using action research.  Action research is a process that uses self reflection as a tool to improve, adjust or change your actions.  What makes action research different that other forms of professional development is that it does not use outside sources to bring in the ideas of change.  The teacher or campus leadership leads a reflection time to look at how you do things and to gain a better understanding of yourself as a professional.  The action research process has four steps or phases.  Phase 1:  Define an issue to study, Phase 2:  Review of professional literature, Phase 3:  Take Action, Phase 4:  Use and Share results.   

Action research is an important part of the professional growth of an administrator.   However, a principal’s daily schedule can make it hard to find time to engage in the process.  It becomes important to make it a part of our daily schedule or a part of your normal administrative practice.

Some areas that principals can use action research are:  university classes, district meetings, public learning communities or leadership teams.  The benefits of conducting an action research centers around improving student achievement.  Through using the process, teachers can adjust instruction, have professional growth and have increased accountability.