Importance of Action Research and Collaboration

I have found it quite interesting that the role of the principal has evolved into the place of being an educator again and not just adminstrator.  As a teacher of 18 years, I welcome this change.  I have always felt that administration was "removed" from the real issues that teachers experience in the classroom.  Teachers, until recently, have been isolated in their classrooms fumbling through the day without assistance or encouragement.  Now that administrators are held to accountability for test scores as well and the culture of their schools, I see education in America turning around and am hopeful of great things coming to fruition inside and outside the classroom.  I teach my students to be life-long learners and now that same gauntlet I have thrown down for myself. I will not be an administrator looking from the outside in. Action research is essential for administrators who strive for a better understanding on how to improve the culture and academic performance of their schools. I will be active in bettering my tools of the trade by pursuing higher levels of knowledge through action research that apply to my job. Part of this active research will include seeking collaborative efforts from my faculty, staff, and students.  This spiraling process of reflection and action will help me to zero in on what changes are needed and how to go about those changes.

I see educators using blogging as a collaborative effort to increase their knowledge about their jobs and for sharing their trials and tribulations as well as successes at their schools. It takes a community to teach a child.