This article outlined several issues. 1. High powered politicians coming together to make decisions on federal policy that directly effect their financial profits. 2. The use of insufficient evidence from studies, the lack of scientific correlation and the improper transcription of results from studies being used to make "the best" decisions in standardized tests and phonics instruction on reading skills. 3. The emphasis and funding for schools being put toward standardized tests and phonics instruction along with materials/products needed for them instead of other places that may be in more need.

This article talks about when it may or may not be appropriate to use action learning. Action learning is an approach you take on with a group to gain a better knowledge of a particular objective that can be achieved through shared reflection and action. Through this process individuals willingly participate to deal with a problem as a group and create innovative ideas that can be carried out and evaluated to continue revisionism. (Our action research class in a nutshell) The example chapters at the beginning outline a clear picture of a kind of problem that needs continued learning and revision to meet a better goal after reflection and reassessment occur.

This article describes a brief history of Action research within education, ethical issues around informed consent, confidentiality, discipline standards, conflicts and recommendations are included. By: Amanda Nolen and Jim Vander Putten

This 8 minute video was helpful in breaking down the pieces that go into action research. It also help further define why we do all of the necessary steps while keeping a positive and encouraging attitude throughout the process. By: Jackie Gerstein

This is another look at some stages of action research that overlap with PT, Calhoun and Shmuck. He further describes some current types of action research including traditional, contextual, radical and educational. He also includes some project examples that might be helpful when constructing our own plans and organization.

By: Rory O'Brien

This web source provides a multitude of professional growth opportunities for educators. Resources include teaching skills, articles, lesson plans, behavior management strategies and resources from notable publishers and experts in the field.

By: Pearson Education Inc. 2000-2010

This article has helped further define the principles of action research that we have visited throughout the semester. It provides several visual aids that overlap with our cycles and epicycles design. Information here provide important key aspects of the research process with relevance to an area of interest, in this case education. Many valuable works cited throughout help gain a better understanding of the bones of action research as well as its evolution.

By: Dr. Stephen Waters-Adams 2006

This web site talks about the personal reactions to change in a variety of professional positions and how resistance can effect it. Clear outlines are provided on why people resist change, understanding the process a person might naturally take and how to foster appropriate attitudes toward resistance to changes. Professionals may often resist change initially until they are able to recognize the benefits of the change will outweigh the costs of keeping things the same. This is an important barrier to consider when proposing an action plan.

By: Garrison Wynn Other sources within the site include other relevant articles, change management techniques, definitions etc.