As an instructional leader who hopes to create a strong school culture where everyone is focused on one goal- student achievement, there are important considerations. Before action research can be effective, teachers and other stakeholders who may be involved in the research must be taught to critically analyze data and research. They must be aware of qualitative and quantitative research techniques and continually keep the focus of their research project.
It seems to me that the professional development of how to begin initiate and hold effective learning communities would be advantageous, too. These action research communities then would become support and mentoring opportunities for teacher leaders to test the practicality of the research they find in solving whatever issue they need to solve to improve student achievement.
It is also important to make sure that everyone respects confidentiality and follows district policy when permission is needed for testing, and that all data is kept secure.
Taking the time to help build this foundation could help move a school toward the collaboration and problem solving, action team that is needed in today's high stakes environment.
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Lynda, great explanation of this week's learning. I too agree that by taking time for proper professional development as well as creating effective learning communities, such foundations can help move a school toward effective collaboration and learning. Without such key aspects, school learning would not be effective.
ReplyDeleteI hope we all get an opportunity to put these learnings to use and that we make more effort to take the time to do professional development right. I also believe that we are in an era in education where we must become action researchers and utilize data to make positive changes.
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