Includes numerous tables, charts, handouts, forms, and worksheets to demystify and simplify the action research process. This title shows how teacher teams can work collaboratively to identify and research problems related to the school's goals.

This book is organized around Richard Sagor's four-stage process developed from his many years of experience training hundreds of educators. The four stages are: clarifying visions/targets; articulating theory; implementing action and collecting data; and, reflecting on data and planning informed action. The book includes numerous tables, charts, handouts, forms, and worksheets to demystify and simplify the action research process. Short examples drawn from the author's experience working on-one-on with teachers on their action research projects are also included, from raising reading proficiency to increasing the problem solving capacity of faculty members. The author shows how teacher teams can work collaboratively to identify and research problems related to the school's goals.This title is appropriate for use by individual teachers and teacher teams, as well as by pre-service teachers in teacher education courses. Headteachers, counsellors, and other educators will also find the action research process useful for school improvement.

Preface About the Author 1. Introduction to Action Research 2. Finding a Focus 3. Refining the Focus 4. Articulating a Theory in Action 5. Drawing a Theory in Action 6. Determining the Research Questions 7. Building a Data-Collection Plan 8. Analyzing the Data 9. Turning Findings Into Action Plans 10. Reporting and Sharing Action Research 11. Conclusion: The School as a Learning Organization Resource A: How to Use the Feedback Forms and Summary Reports Resource B: Five Characteristics of a Quality Action Research Project Glossary References Index