EDLD 5301 Research Week 2 Learning

Celebrations of success, understanding and shaping the campus climate, and communication are all topics for school culture/community action research (Dana, 2009, p. 50-51). In this area, I have chosen to focus on increasing parental involvement in order to increase student learning for improvement on state assessments.


“Never stop learning,” was Dr. Timothy Chargois’, Director of Research, Planning and Development in Beaumont ISD, advice as he explained the importance of leading teachers to be “action research oriented.” He pointed out that teacher accountability to increase student performance means “accountability for all students.” As I reflected on the interview, I determined that adding the component of action research to our data disaggregation, curriculum alignment and lesson planning activities and training should help us integrate it as part of our school climate and culture.

Dr. Kirk Lewis, Superintendent, Pasadena ISD suggested “reading others’ work and translating to your campus…things that work for similar patterns, demographics…” His advice is to research “what is practical to you.” He describes three reasons research should be “active and practical.” The action researcher will be “more interested…, more focused on the outcome…, and the students will benefit from practical research…instead of theoretical.” Since this suggestion echoes my sentiments regarding action research, I reflected on ways research and data has been used on my campus over the last few years. I believe we do an excellent job of disaggregating data and knowing where our students are performing well and areas needing improvement; however, we have not been focused on “practical” research of proven strategies with consistent results.



Dana, N. F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: The principal as action researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.