Staying curious...

     This week has kept my mind very busy as I try to pin down one idea for an action research plan. After reading the chapter on the various action research topics, I feel like I could pick any of them to study. Action research proves to be the best way to look inside the workings of your campus and pinpoint specific problem areas, or room for growth.


     I feel like there are many times when we try a new system, whether it be aimed  at discipline or safety, just because we heard it worked somewhere else. Why did it not work on our campus then? Because we were lazy! We have a chance to personalize a system by doing research on our campus, improving not only our target area but other areas as well. Though this may seem like more work (something teachers can't seem to get enough of these days), the wealth of information gained during the process is invaluable. From my experience, this makes my job easier! And who doesn't want that??


    Alright, back on topic. I am still eager to do my action research on effective and ineffective staff development. This seems like a broad area to take on, but I am hoping with the help of my site supervisor I can narrow it down to something more specific to my campus needs.

How Educational Leaders Might Use Blogs

              Blogs are a growing form of communication, and are now being integrated into the educational setting. Not only can a blog serve as a form of reflection, it can also be a way to share information, thoughts, and opinions. Educational leaders can use blogs to communicate with their faculty and get feedback. Teachers can pose a question to their students on a blog and encourage collaboration to find the answer. A blog could allow a way to leave a positive comment to a fellow teacher, which creates the campus climate a leader should desire.

Action Research

                 The purpose of this Curious Katy is to follow my action research plan throughout my internship. To prepare for this project, I have learned a lot about action research and the benefits it can bring to a leader. Action research gives the leader a chance to pose a question personal to their campus and collaborate with others in efforts to find the answer. It is also a reflective practice of self-improvement. We use inquiry in our classrooms on a daily basis, but being able to use inquiry to create a more knowledgeable and efficient campus is something unique.
              "Action research usually refers to research intended to bring about change of some kind, usually with a social justice focus...." (Dana 2009). Change can be an uncomfortable feeling, but action research makes the campus apart of the process. This creates a feeling of engagement and investment into the change. Having learned about action research and how to apply it to my everyday work life, I feel prepared and excited to get started on my own inquiries.
              I would like to research the topic of staff development. More specifically, what makes a staff development most successful in the eyes of the audience? How can one create engagement and have faculty walk away with the most out of their staff development time? I will focus on the needs and desires of my campus, taking data during faculty meetings, in-service days, and our three-day conference.