Schoolwide Action Research for Professional Learning Communities

"Clearly shows the success that can occur when a staff learns together. I highly recommend this book to aspiring and beginning principals, as well as those with years of experience."

—Paul Young, Executive Director, West After School Center

Former President, National Association of Elementary School Principals

Foster schoolwide professional learning through a collaborative action research model!

Action research is a popular method for individual educators to examine their practices and grow in their profession. In this how-to guide, readers will learn how Whole-Faculty Study Groups (WFSGs) use action research to involve an entire school in advancing staff learning and school performance.

The WFSG model is a type of professional learning community (PLC) that catalyzes school change with schoolwide action research as a central component. With over 20 years of experience, the authors draw from hundreds of examples and case studies to describe how implementing WFSGs can help students, teachers, administrators, and other staff members work collaboratively to improve teacher practice and student learning. The authors′ empirical data and comprehensive approach help deepen educators′ understanding of how to use meaningful action research to strengthen teamwork and realize school reform. Additionally, readers will learn how:

The WFSG system compares with other approaches to action researchThe schoolwide action research process can be applied in a wide variety of school reform effortsStudy groups can move from discussion to actionPrincipals and district leaders can support schoolwide action researchDiscover the ways WFSGs can enhance student learning and result in real school improvement in this highly relevant, must-have guide.