What I have learned so far about Action Research.

I am grateful for the knowledge and experience the Research class from Lamar University will bring to my learning. I can already gather from the texts, (Examining What we Do To Improve Our Schools 8 Steps From Analysis by Sandra Harris, Stacey Edmonson, and Julie Combs and Leading with Passion and Knowledge: The Principals as Action Research by Nancy Fichtman Dana) that we have been required to read, how valuable and vital Action Research is to leadership. I guess that I viewed research in the traditional way, as an outsider investigating and reporting a plan for a change. I now understand the difference and recognize the superior benefits when leaders conduct their own research based on reflection of their practices and promotion of a shared vision. Action Research or Inquiry is a necessary tool for the growth and continued growth of a school and a leader. Without it, I believe schools will rapidly fall behind on their mission to provide the best learning environment for their students. Action research is systematic involving the analysis of data and making changes to procedures or policy based on those findings. I like how it states in the Dana text that Inquiry or Action Research promotes growth from the inside out not from the outside in.I plan to use action research as a leader to promote personal growth and aid in the growth of education.