Week 5 Reflection

According to Leading with Passion and Knowledge  (Dana, 2009), “administrator inquiry refers to the process of a principal engaging in systematic, intentional study of his/her own administrative practice and taking action for change based on what he/she learns as a result of the inquiry.”  Action Research is a way for administrators to actively be involved in developing the changes that may or may not need to take place at their campus.   

Overall, one of the most important things that I will take from this course is that action inquiry is an on-going, continuous process that needs to flexible.  There are always areas in school systems that have room for improvement.  Just in engaging in my inquiry that I have started on my campus, it has led me to several other questions or wonderings that I am looking forward to following up on.  Beginning my journey, my original research plan underwent many changes as I started to look further into my question.  It is important to be flexible and go with some of the changes.  “…Allow your wondering to change and evolve over time as you engage in inquiry. It is not unusual as practitioner-inquirers collect data, for them to gain insights into their initial wondering that leads them in a new direction midway through the inquiry.”  (Dana, pg. 68)

I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to learn about the process of action research.  I hope if I get the privilege of leading a school, I will be a leader that involves my campus in different areas of action inquiry.  I would want my staff to see my enthusiasm for future learning and seeing the sustained improvements that is already in action.  To sum up, “it is important to keep in mind that meaningful administrator inquiry should not “depart from” the daily work of administrators but become “a part of” their daily practice.” (Dana, pg. 71)

Works Cited

Dana, N. F. (2009). Leading with Passion and Knowledge. Thousand Oaks, California: Corwin Press.

Harris, S., Edmonson, S., & Combs, J. (2010). Examining What We Do To Improve Our Schools. Larchmont, New York: Eye on Education.