What is Action Research?

According to the Dana text, "Leading with Passion and Knowledge", action research is a systematic process in which one evaluates his/her own practice and takes action for change based on the results of the inquiry. While evaluating the action or change, the administrator should pose questions or “wonderings”, and then analyze data and research relevant literature to seek new understandings before making any changes in practice. After implementation, the administrator should evaluate the effectiveness of the new strategies and set aside a time for reflection that may lead to new problems or areas for improvement. This process offers administrators the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with colleagues, become role models for teachers and students, and encourages the use of best practices to help improve the school. I intend to use action research to improve the tardy policy at my own school. Many strategies have been implemented, but seem to all be ineffective with high school students. Excessive tardies leads to increased discipline problems and decreased learning in the classroom. Small problems begin to escalate into major issues if not addressed appropriately. It is my hope to find a solution that can motivate students to be prompt to class while not consuming all of the administrators' time.