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What Is Action Research? According to Cathy Caro-Bruce, author of The Action Research Facilitator's Handbook, action research is a "process where participants- who might be teachers, principals, support staff- examine their own practice, systematically and carefully, using the techniques of research." Basically it consists of developing a question that you would like more information on, collecting and analyzing data, and planning your next step after you have completed the study. Caro-Bruce maintains that the process can be as valuable or "critical" as the results. As educators today we all want to be thought of and treated as professionals. Eric Jensen (Teaching With the Brain in Mind)says we should, "...start acting like curious, passionate learners who really want to know about the best ways for our students to learn. He also agrees that as professionals, we must become engaged in systematic, action research. Below I have included some links to websites that should help you as you prepare an action research plan. I am interested in hearing about some of your ideas. Action Research is a fancy way of saying let's study what's happening at our school and decide how to make it a better place. Action Research in education is study conducted by colleagues in a school setting of the results of their activities to improve instruction. An Action Research Project for Teachers at North Elementary 1. Identify area of research (something related to brain compatible classrooms) 2. Identifying question(s) to guide the research 3. Collecting information to answer the questions 4. Analyzing the information that has been collected 5. Sharing results with others. TIME LINE: 1 AND 2 SHOULD BE COMPLETED SOMETIME BETWEEN THE END OF SEPTEMBER THROUGH THE FIRST WEEK OF OCTOBER: We will discuss your ideas at your annual goals meeting in early October. 3 WILL BE COMPLETED DURING OCTOBER THROUGH JANUARY 4 WILL BE COMPLETED DURING THE MONTHS OF FEBRUARY AND MARCH 5 WE WILL SHARE RESULTS WITH OTHER STAFF MEMBERS DURING THE MONTH OF APRIL

Action Research is the process by which practitioners attempt to study their problems scientifically in order to guide, correct, and evaluate their decisions and actions. Action Research Links University of Colorado OAR McREL Teacher Research Early Childhood Networks Wiscnet School Service Center Other Sites Meridian Technology AR Action Research Network Framework For School Improvement Action Planning for Education Change Action Research projects at Comstock North Elementary this year included: Journal Writing in Kindergarten Effort and Achievement Using the Bridges Program Students' Names as a Springboard to Phonics Four-Block System and Reading Achievement of Low readers The Effects of Multiage Classrooms Does Reading Renaissance Significantly Increase Reading? Do Students Perform Better to Constructed Response vs. Multiple Choice? Music and Movement in the Classroom