An Action Research Program in Sustained Implementation: Learning From Practice-Based and Graduate School Models

• In Event: Poster Session 13
  In Poster Session: Action Research Posters: Many Ways to Learn About Practice

Abstract

Based on the evaluation of an action research program in a large urban district, we explore questions about the structures, efficacy, and policies of the practice in implementation, examining concerns that emerge from the interaction of action research approaches embedded in school and professional development programs and those delivered in graduate schools, particularly for masters level curriculum. Over four years, 24 fellows participated in the program, with 21 projects at 17 separate schools. In a qualitative evaluation, participant observation, case histories and interviews were triangulated with the perspectives of school administrators and graduate faculty. Integrated analysis identified policy/practice implications to increase and sustain the power of action research in a community of practice and continued professional development.

Author

• William H. Rickards, University of Southern California