Outlines what research is, and what action research is. Describes the steps, evolution, and benefits of action research. Argues that action research is a viable and sound research strategy and an invaluable asset to solve real problems and lead to school-wide improvement. (SR)

Examines and criticizes current short-range strategies that teachers use to solve classroom concerns. Describes a form of action research based on experience in teacher education and suggests its use by superintendents, principals, and teachers to yield long-range answers to classroom problems. (SB)

A principal recounts her year-long journey to pull a southern Oregon school community together. She used two problem- solving strategies (Situation-Target-Plan and force-field analysis) to alter cultural norms, guide the community through planned change, and integrate staff development, organization development, and action research. (MLH)

This paper describes a collaborative action research project conducted by a university researcher and a group of elementary school teachers. It examines the role the researcher plays when educational change is initiated by practitioners and the nature of the relationship that develops between researcher and practitioners throughout the change…