Where do I find my wonderings and questions?

During week 2 we further discussed action research and its importance in developing your inquiry as a principal.  In the Dana Text Leading with Passion and Knowledge the author points out nine passions for inquiry: Staff Development, Curriculum Development, Individual Teacher, Individual Student, School culture/climate, Leadership, Management, School Performance, Social Justice.  One area that is of particular interest to me is Staff Develoment.  I think that this is one of the most important tools that a principal can use to gain the repect and support of the staff.  I am interested in researching ideas and comparing practices from schools that percieve their prinical as an effective administrator.  I have sat in many staff developments that were clearly just to fill up time. 

How blogs can benefit educational leaders.

Since a blog is an online posting of your professional thoughts you can collaborate and support educators outside the walls of your school.  Blogs give us the chance to share our insights, issues, and ideas in a forum that we and other educators can read and contribute to.  Blogging also gives us a chance to relect upon our practices so we can become better at the things we do on a daily basis. 

Action Research

Action research is 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 usually refers to research intended to bring about change of some kind, usually with social justice focus.  It is a continual set of reflection and action.  The steps to successful action research are as follows: Identify the problem that needs to be solved, formulate action strategies for improving the situation or solving the problem, implement the action strategy and evaluate there effectiveness, clarify the situation, resulting in new problems being identified which starts the process over.  It is a continual refining of situations to keep up with today’s ever changing educational environment.   Through action research administrators gain a better understanding of why they act and make decisions.  Understanding this decision making process allows them to improve the overall school environment.  Another reason to use action research as an administrator is to establish effective staff professional development that focuses on student achievement, supports the reflective process, and provides opportunities to work, discuss, and solve problems with peers.