What I've Learned...

Administrative inquiry or action research is a systematic, reflective process in which professionals, in this case a school principal, engages in intentional study focused on learning and school improvement.  This process empowers the principal or “head learner” to model a powerful tool impacting student success, making changes for the school, solving problems, and leads to a rich professional development and self-improvement.  Administrative inquiry is as systematic as logical deduction with a process similar to that of the scientific method.  By sharing the findings gained from this reflective and insightful practice, it demonstrates a commitment to the profession and empowers the “head leaner” to connect with the campus in a collaborative leadership effort.  A natural component of action research is collaboration with staff and valuing time for improvement.  This will significantly impact having a shared vision, taking action for change, and sustaining improvement.  The synergy generated by this collaboration removes the frequent isolation sometimes suffered by administrators.  The secret to success in action research is reflection. The act of inquiry and reflection must be a commitment rather than a task. Reflection is meant to become a habit not an added agenda item on a continually demanding “To-Do” list.  It is the practice of seeking the best.  Our “wonderings” become our passion and our quest for change.  Research or administrative inquiry should be viewed as a healthy, essential component of success.