Let the Action Research BEGIN!

The only research I have ever formally been a part of is traditional research.  I have to be honest...I was never a fan of this type of research.  Therefore, I understand the decision Dana made about using the word "inquiry" instead of "research" when trying to get other's on board with administrative inquiry (Dana, pg. 6).  I truly can see this inquiry being a valuable part of an administrator's busy life.

I learned that administrative inquiry is more of a personal style of research which includes personal and professional reflection, questioning decisions, and "wondering" about various aspects of daily goings-on that principals are faced with each day.  This inquiry is cyclical once the principal makes it a priority because it deals with real-life issues going on in the principal's life and on his/her campus.  It is different than traditional research and professional development that is brought in and presented by other's who do not know the areas of need for that campus.  Administrative inquiry starts internally and ends internally, dealing with only the areas of need for that specific campus.  Administrative inquiry also leads to intentional research that will impact student and campus improvement.

I look forward to beginning my own action research, so I have experience with this before I enter the administrative role on a campus.  I also hope to remember the value of inquiry and make it part of my weekly calendar that is honored by my secretary and others around me because I believe it drives collaboration and helps keep the leadership team focused on specific issues that need to be addressed.

BLOGS in schools today:
I have wanted to begin a blog with my classroom for the last two years, but I have found a way to push it further and further down on the "To-Do" list.  This is forcing me to dive in and see how it really works.
For classroom teachers, blogs can be used to share best practices and powerful strategies that work with their students.  In contrast, teachers can also ask for advice on beginning a new skill or topic that the teacher feels unsure teaching.  This can be done on specific campuses or open it up to teachers around the country.  What a great resource...teachers teaching teachers!  Educators can also set up classroom blogs for their students.  Post assignments and ask each student to respond by a certain date.  
For administrators, blogs can be a tool used for collaborating with other administrators.  Lives get incredibly busy and we tend to pull away from others when we get overwhelmed because picking up a phone or planning an after school dinner meeting is just one more thing to add to the calendar.  However, blogs provide convenient collaboration.  It doesn't take much time to log-in and reflect thoughts and ideas from the day and check back later for blogger responses.  Administrators could also use this as a tool for reaching out to the community.  Share lessons from their campuses, seek advice on future fundraisers, provide dates for upcoming events, etc.  Parents can respond as desired.
I can see blogs being a great 21st century educational tool, and I can't wait to get started.