Blogging for Leaders

The importance of educational leaders modeling the use of technology is only one example of how blogs could be utilized by leaders. A blog is also a beneficial tool in allowing principals to collaborate without having to take time away from their campuses. Through a blog, principals can share ideas and suggestions with other administrators from within their own district or on campuses that are states away.  It is this form of sharing that can spark a new idea or give the support needed to attempt a change in policy that a principal may have had reservations in trying.

Action Research Understanding

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         The whole concept of action research is new to me. After reading more about it, I feel that our district has conducted research in this manner, but with no training or discussion about the actual research model.  I have learned that for me, action research makes much more sense than traditional research models. By empowering teachers and/or administrators to determine their own needs and design a plan to move toward change, you give a form of ownership that encourages self-improvement. Through the reflection of your own practice, you can determine what change needs to be made and how to make it. My understanding of the basic process of action research begins with determining an issue or problem, researching the topic and possible strategies, analyzing your data, and finally determining the need for change or improvement.

I would like to use action research to help me determine best practices in reading tutoring. I would like to see if after school tutoring has a positive impact on student achievement in reading. Many of my lower performing students have parents that are unable to give them the academic support or assistance they need, and I feel that tutoring could fill in that gap. I would like to conduct action research to see how reading tutoring impacts the students’ reading behaviors, attitude, and performance.