This article outlines an attempt at realizing mutuality between evaluation and action science in feedback within an aspiring principal leadership development programme in New Zealand. The evaluation was specifically designed to overcome the formative-summative divide through ongoing, often immediate, dialogue using an action science approach. The…

Critical action research is contextualized in a low socioeconomic, multicultural urban school in Auckland, New Zealand. The writers are a university lecturer (mentor) and a school principal (critical action researcher). The research was part of a meta project which aimed to raise the achievement of Maori (indigenous) students. Research processes…

This research exercise, employing an action research model for curriculum improvement, explored the factors influencing science program delivery at an elementary school in New Zealand. Using a validated science program delivery evaluation tool, the "Science Curriculum Implementation Questionnaire" (SCIQ), as a foundation for data…

Presents an action-research approach to investigating the diverse goals and dilemmas characterizing staff appraisal activity. Describes an intervention to counter ineffective, defensive reasoning and teach two (New Zealand) principals how to think and act productively to manage dilemmas. Discusses challenges of the complex theoretical and…

This paper presents findings from an action-research study of 12 New Zealand primary school principals working in partnership to develop their professional leadership. Since 1989, New Zealand schools have undergone extensive administrative reforms, resulting in increasing isolation among school leaders and a cult of managerialism. The…