Using Collaborative Action Research as a Tool to Foster Collaboration and Improve Schools

• In Event: Moscone Center North Roundtable Session 10
  In Roundtable Session: Collaborative Improvement and Leadership Practices

Abstract

This paper examines the effectiveness of action research as a productive collaborative effort between community educational organizations and university graduate level programs. Utilizing the framework of Mertler’s (2017) four phase cyclic process, the collaborative relationship between University of Alabama and a local school system through the Future Leaders Academy (FLA) is the focus of the evaluation. Case study methodology is used to elicit FLA participant perceptions to measure the impact of this action research partnership. Preliminary findings are reported and concluding data will be reported at the end of the 2019 fall semester. The implications of this study may be useful for those planning or implementing collaborative action research projects in educational leadership training programs and in the K-12 setting.

Authors

• Brenda Mendiola, University of Alabama

• Yvette Bynum, The University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa

• Melissa Fountain, The University of Alabama

• Richjetta Denise Branch, Tuscaloosa City School