Week 2 Action Research Reflections

One area of this week’s learning was focused on the interviews with three scholars, Dr. Johnny Briseno, Principal, Rancho Isabella Elementary in Angleton ISD; Dr. Timothy Chargois, Director of Research, Planning and Development in Beaumont ISD; and Dr. Kirk Lewis, Superintendent, Pasadena ISD. Each presented action research projects they have participated in but ended the interviews with advice for future leaders. While the interviews provided a wealth of ideas for possible research, the advice given was practical and of great value. Dr. Briseno’s recommendations were to stay abreast through reading on areas of interest as much as possible. As issues and problems arise on your campus see what other districts are doing to address those issues and problems. Additional recommendations were not to make any decisions without looking at the data first. Data is the key for helping administrators determine the problem is and possible sources of these problems. Through the disaggregation of quantitative data it is possible to determine what interventions are necessary to achieve student success.




Dr. Chargois concluded his interview with the following advice. In terms of becoming a better teacher in today’s world of education, never stop learning. The days of teaching teachers just pedagogy and content is a thing of the past, we have to teach teachers how to utilize action research and how to use data to best impact student achievement. Through the use of action research, teachers will be better able to determine what changes need to be made that will best benefit student achievement and success. Student accountability and increased performance will benefit from the use of this educational tool.



Dr. Lewis’ advice for action research was to do what is practical for you. Look at what you need to know and apply it directly to student learning in that particular environment, be it the classroom, campus or throughout the district. As we move from theoretical to practical research, how students benefit from the research needs to be an area of concern. If by focusing on what look good doesn’t lead to answering the question, “Is this practical for my campus and how will my students benefit from this?” then a different area should be looked at, an area that is of more interest, focused, and important to you.



The interviews provided a wealth of information and new understanding of action research. Action research, while initially an overwhelming prospect, is now not as daunting an undertaking as was once believed. Action research is a tool that will help answer questions that continue to surface, questions aimed at what is best for the student, how can I help my teachers be more effective and efficient in the classroom, and in what areas does my campus need to focus on that will bring about the greatest change in student achievement and success. Action research provides the skills and tools needed to address these questions.