The Ah Ha! Moment

Well this week I found the Dana text highly useful. It definitely clarified my understanding on wording an action plan. When I started with developing an action plan at the beginning of the week, I found myself looking for solutions that I was already aware of. I found myself falling back into that comfort zone that is so inviting. After reading the Leading with Passion and Knowledge, I found myself brainstorming on ideas that I had been aware of but never considered strategies for action research. I had an “a ha!’ moment.

As a campus leader, one of my biggest concerns is how to keep up with the current trends to meet the needs of all students. It seems that every three to five years, especially after the initial start of NCLB, new research and trends emerge as the best way to reach students by differentiated instruction. After reading about action research my concerns were somewhat settled. I realized that I do not need to try every new trend that is proposed. As a leader I need to reflect upon how my policies and philosophies effect the campus. I also need to set up a team of campus leaders who may have a better understanding of the problems or situations the campus is facing. As a team, we can collaboratively analyze data to see what specific areas need to be addressed. We will also analyze how our actions will indirectly effect other areas of campus culture. Using data analysis and evaluation, the team will assess the results of its actions. Action research allows me to narrow my field so that my research is directed at a specific goal, though the means of achieving the goal may differ from one situation to the next.
Action research also teaches me that it is okay to try different means and solutions. There is no one correct solution for any situation. Therefore, it is okay to try multiple solutions and see which work. It is important however to reflect on your actions and results to learn from your successes and failures.
The key to successful action is collaborative teamwork. Blogs can be an essential component to that teamwork. leaders are able to place problems and situations that they have had a chance to address as practitioners. By posting the scenario, actions and reflections, the keep a journal that other leaders and educators may read for assistance or ideas. This expands the idea of collaborative team network past the immediate campus site while assisting those who look for solutions.