Lessons Learned

One purpose for conducting action research is to find ways to intervene and help students to become successful.  It also provides an opportunity for teachers who are doing things that work to share with others.  At times, teachers are more likely to listen to and apply what they have heard from peers rather than supervisors.  Teachers can also share information that cannot be found in numbers.  The data may show that a child scores well on tests, but his former teacher may have specific information about adjustments or accommodations she made to address any behavior or work habit inconsistencies. Furthermore, you can save a lot of time by researching how others dealt with a problem similar to yours.  When you see how they were able to solve things, their methods may work for you on your campus as well.

Dr. Johnny Briseno has shown how research and data should be used along with information provided by teachers.  Teacher input is just as valid and can be combined with professional literature to find solutions to problems.  I learned that effective leaders show genuine concern about their staff and students.

 Action research eliminates passivity in teachers and creates an atmosphere of collaboration and responsibility.  When conducting action research, teachers can be proactive leaders in discovering new ways to improve student performance.

Dr. Johnny Briseno encourages teachers to never stop growing.  “If you’re green, you’re growing. If you’re brown, you’re dying.”  It is an attitude that all 21^st century teachers need to embrace. Teachers must be continuously educated and informed about best classroom practices.  Learning never stops.  

            Productivity and positive change is unlikely to take place in a school with a negative climate. Administrators must lead by example and instill values that propel the faculty toward oneness, advancement, and good habits.  School culture could be viewed as the foundation upon which all other change can be built.  A weak foundation cannot support the weight of growth, change, and expansion.  A cohesive school community can withstand the weight of opposition and obstacles and work collectively to achieve the highest standard of education.

          If school culture is the foundation upon which schools cultivate exceptional professional educators who consistently use effective instructional practices, leadership is the framework.  When principals engage in the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership, they are building a frame around which everything else is constructed.  A human body without a skeleton is just a pile of flesh.  Muscles must have the structure of a skeletal system for support.  Studying, learning, and employing efficient ways to develop leadership skills will enable a school to successfully tackle and triumph over any obstacle that dares stand in its way of achieving excellence.

Our mission is clear: Become eternal, reflective learners.