Week 2 Reflection

EDLD Week Two's assignments referenced to the 8 passions that should drive action research for a principal in the educational setting.  The finding should be based on Passion, Curriculum Development, Individual Teachers, Individual Students, School Culture/Community, Leadership, Management, School Performance and Social Justice.

Each topic provided examples of how principals have researched and addressed these issues.
The overall message of the assignment was the importance of research and adapting your leadership to your needs at the school.

School Leadership and Blogs

Blogs provide an open forum for school leaders to learn from each other.  Principals can share their experiences and ask questions about assistance with issues they have not conquered.

Jim's Action Research Findings

Administrative inquiry and action research is very valuable to the educational experience.  Many times, educators are provided with data that might not apply to their specific campus.  Professors at universities have conducted studies and school districts may have been given suggestions on fixing problems without being allowed to diagnose their own problems.  Action research strategies puts the power in the hands of the stake holders at the campus level and promotes leadership to the the entire campus.  There are various ways to implement action research. 

• Leaders can enroll  in university coursework and learn from other professional educators. 
• Attend District meetings and voicing concerns for your campus.
• Leadership Teams can be developed at the campus to support teachers and students.
• Professional Learning Communities allow all educators to learn from each other.

Reguardless of experience, age, or diplomas all educators can learn form each other.  Principals encounter numerous problems during the course of a day and spend much of their time reacting to a situation.  Through action research and administrative inquiry, school leaders have an opportunity to have a direct impact on their campus and take ACTION on the many issues at thier school. Today's schools require active leadership.