Week 2: ReflectionssnoitcelfeR

 Dr. Elvis Arterbury and Dr. Steve Jenkins

The first of four videos began with Dr. Arterbury introducing Dr. Jenkins who provided two important aspects of undertaking action research, purpose and significance. The first is purpose or objective or what will be the main focus of the action research. Dr. Steve Jenkins defined these two important parts of action research:

    Purpose

• Purpose or objective is the main focus of what you will be looking at or studying
• Purpose must be focused -  Do no delineate from the topic you are researching.
• Purpose must be reasonable and feasible - Do not reinvent the wheel. Don't go off on a tangent
• Purpose must be ethical - The action research must not be harmful to students. FERPA laws must be followed. If unsure, then consult school or district leaders if unsure if your action research might cause harm to stakeholders.

   Significance

• Action research should focus on the future
• Once completed, what will you learn from the action research
• Stakeholders: students, parents, teachers, administrators, school staff, board members
• How will they be better off from the study
• What impact will the study have on the future
• Is it practical - can it be applied practically
  

   Interview Video ReflectionssnoitcelfeR

One common factor each of the three interviewees stated is the importance of data. Data drives any action research. Action research must be measurable. Data in the past was slow to obtain and once the data was received, it was no longer valid or unusable. Today, because of advanced technology, data can be obtained quickly enough to allow principals, teachers and other leaders to aggregate and disaggregate the data and make timely adjustments to improve student achievement.

Exploring Inquiry Through Blogging

Many blogs begin as a way for connecting with others in similar positions. There are many types of bloggers and the interests and purposes vary. 

An important aspect of blogging as a principal is that it allows you to be reflective and focus on issues that you many have not otherwise made time to focus on.

As I read about how important blogging has become to many principals, the following analogy came to mind:

Blog:Journal::Inquiry:Research

In the past, people used journals as a foundation for reflection or personal growth. It was private, but now with the use of technology, blogs have become the journals of yesteryear with a new twist, everyone (if given permission), can view and comment on them. 

In retrospect, research in the past was a form asking a question, gathering the data or information to answer a question whereas, in inquiry, you ask a question, analyze data, and work towards resolving that particular question.  Inquiry is more focus-driven of a problem within a school.

Thoughts of Administrator Inquiry and PLC's

Administrator Inquiry vs. Traditional Inquiry

As I was reading the first article, it made me stop and think how much the study requirements have changed for those seeking to become administrators.  In the mid-80's all you needed to become an administrator was a mid-management certificate. The profile and preparation of the instructional leader has dramatically changed. 

In the traditional fashion, schools would seek outsiders to help with issues affecting the school. Many of these outsiders really didn't understand the culture, let alone the influences of the community that surrounded the school.  Yet, recommendations were made for changes and many times they were never heard from again. 

Using administrator inquiry serves a purposeful direction to take with issues the principal may be facing.  It places the responsibility of professional growth on the principal. Principals are able to build capacity in their school. Form trusting relationships and improve student performance.

Professional Learning Communities

PLC's are an important part of building capacity in schools.  Many times, unfortunately, PLC's are not used appropriately and teachers become discouraged.  PLC's should be a time for teachers to come together and conduct data analysis of test scores and other assessments. Teachers should be given ample time to do this analysis.