I have not settled on a final topic for my action research project as the more I read the more I keep thinking! I guess that is the point. I am in a unique position at my school in that we have a new principal on our campus, and our AP has moved so they are currently interviewing for a new person to fill this position. I will be finalizing my research project this week with my new principal and have an appointment to do so.

After further reading and learning more about action research, I did find two topics that appeal to me for further inquiry. The first has been a wondering of mine for some years, especially as a parent. We are always working on behavior problems, low achieving students, but there is very little that is ever done for the average to above average student who does not achieve at the level of a gifted and talented student. The benefits of researching this topic would help us to identify those ways in which an "average" student could be encouraged and motivated to go that extra mile to become a higher achiever, or identify other talents/gifts they may have. These are the students that often get lost in the shuffle and they are the ones teachers do not focus on because they are just there - not demanding of your attention and time as are the others.

The second is differentiation for staff development based on not what you teach only, but on the years of service. The needs of new teachers versus ten year veterans versus 20 year veterans are distinctly different and I know that most districts do not even factor this into their staff development planning. In addition to the area of teaching staff development, more attention should be paid to motivational strategies for veteran versus new teachers, as well as even some well-being/stress management considerations.

A third possible wondering of mine is if an implementation of a national elementary level honor society will influence performance outcomes on nine week grades and eventually be reflected on standardized tests?  This will indicate how having recognition as incentive and motivation can affect a student’s mindset and if does, what direction can we take action in to set forth more motivational factors to increase performance?

Action research was a new term to me prior to reading the first week's assignments. The steps which comprise the process are ones which result in a reflective, well measured outcome which must be sustained. It begins with a foundation which involves identifying the problem at hand and being honest about the issue, regardless of your own feelings of who is responsible, etc.  Next steps involve analyzing data to develop a deeper understanding so that self-reflection can follow. At that point it is important to look for patterns and determine a direction for the action or solution.  Taking action is next and this is only after reflection has taken place at every step and a plan for sustained improvement can be implemented. If improvement is temporary, it will not achieve the goals of the institution. The benefits of action research over traditional research are that it considers interpersonal relationships whereas traditional research values the opinions of professionals in the field who do not have a vested interest in the organization.  It is a hands off and non-reflective approach which often does not result in productive action. The goals of the organization will be better served with action research and an effective, experienced leader who is willing to commit the time and resources to this process.

A leader can use this process for a variety of issues including parent involvement, administrative changes, curriculum issues, staffing issues and almost any issue that involves a need for change.