The Prinicpal Blogger

I had never thought about a principal using a blog before, but now I could see some interesting application for its use.  A principal could post questions, situations, wonderings on a blog to which staffers have access.  They could then read the blog post and provide comments.  This would be a different way for principals to get feedback on issues.  By modeling this, it might encourage teachers to use this same thing in the classroom with students. 

Where to Start!

   I have recently done some reading about Action Research!  I have decided that in the education world, Action Research is what good teachers already do on their own.  Using Action Research on the campus level, as opposed to the classroom level, is just an extension of that good teaching, taken to a higher level and used for the greater good.

   The steps to action research are to first define a problem, then review professional literature that offers solutions to your problem, put the best solution(s) into action and see what happens.  Finally, you will compile the results, use them to improve your solution, and share your findings with others. 

   I think Action Research It is so simplistic, but so beneficial.  Every school is looking for academic improvement for their students.  Whether it is a struggling school, unable to make AYP, or a very successful school wanting more students to be Commended (or now with STAAR, Advanced Level III), both groups want to improve student achievement.  Action Research involves the people most vested in the situation, teachers and administrators on the campus.  It allows them to research possible solutions to the problems they feel are holding them and their students back.  Then, they are given the opportunity to try it out, provide feedback and examine the data.  All of this information can then help them to alter the original solution into something that really works, for THEM.  It is a more personalized approach to problem solving.