Final Thoughts

There are many things that I have learned throughout this research course that I will be able to use in my career especially on the road to becoming an administrator. Thinking about topics and examples for an action research has really opened my eyes to the problems and situations that a school faces each year. “Wonderings materialize at the nexuses of the real-world observations, dilemmas, felt difficulties, and passions that you develop in your work as and administrator” (Dana, 30). These “wonderings” have allowed me to really take inventory of our school’s situations to see what is important and needs immediate change. I really feel that I have learned a lot about the “wonderings” that lead to the planning of an action research as well as the action research process itself. I feel that I now understand the importance of asking questions and defining problems. I realize that an action research can really make changes to help in school improvement.
I feel that I have chosen a topic for my action research that is both beneficial and significant to the school and to myself. I feel that researching common assessments in geometry is both important to me, a math teacher, as well as relevant to school improvement and student learning. This allows my action research plan to be a shared vision. “When there is no shared vision in place, a major barrier is constructed which does not allow for genuine school improvement” (Harris, Edmonson, & Combs, 5). Being a math teacher, I feel that the common assessment will help improve the curriculum and class schedule of the math department. If all goes well and the research shows positive results, then we can implement common assessments in other math classes as well as other core-subjects. I feel that I have outlined a detailed action research project that can be very successful. I feel this way because this class has really prepared me and showed me how to design my own action research plan. Regardless of the outcome, I really think that we will gain significant knowledge into the needs of our department and school. The data that we collect will be useful in determining changes that need to be made to my action research plan. Like Principal Johnny Briseno from Rancho Isabella Elementary said, “We don’t make decisions without looking at data first.” I have really learned how important and useful data can be and how sorting through it can bring great insight to an action research.
I also feel that I learned a lot from my meeting with my site-supervisor, Mrs. Phillips. She is very well informed on action research projects, and I feel that this gives me an advantage because I will be able to go to her for advice while implementing my research project. I am also glad that she approved it and like it. This approval makes me more confident because I know that I have her support and encouragement.
I am excited to begin my action research project, and I feel that I am very prepared for the upcoming events. I believe this class has equipped me with the knowledge of action research, and I know that I will be able to proceed with my action research plan with confidence.

Dana, N. F. (2009). Leading with Passion and Knowledge: The Principal as Action Researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.

Harris, S., Edmonson, S., & Combs, J. (2010). Examining What We Do To Improve Our Schools: 8 Steps from Analysis to Action. Larchmont, NY: Eye on Education.