Action research is a research process of a reflective nature and typically conducted in a school setting. These types of research allow education professionals to collaborate on the components of a study and allows them to seek solutions to common everyday challenges that educators experience in schools (Ferrance, 2000). Educators can use the process of reflection through action research to better understand their work and develop professional knowledge as they strive to continually improve (Brown, 2002). Although action research has received some attention from school review boards regarding the ethical concerns associated with policies and procedures when conducting these studies, these types of research allow teachers, school specialists, and administrators to explore ways to enhance or improve academic instruction in an effort to improve students. achievement (Nolen & Putten, 2007). Unlike analyzing theories, action research allows school professionals to address areas of interest that are important to them and allows them to see how their influence can bring about change (Ferrance, 2000). Nowadays, school educators and administrators are now asked to make numerous decisions regarding student achievement and school operation. Teachers, school specialists, and administrators are held much more accountable for how schools are run and for students' academic performance. Action research helps teachers, school specialists, and administrators assess student needs, document research steps, analyze data, and make informed divisions that can direct them toward an intended outcome. Action research is not about finding information about a particular topic, but rather a sea... middle of paper... wn, Beth Lynne (2002). Improving teaching practices through action research. Doctoral thesis, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, United States - Virginia. Retrieved August 1, 2010, from Dissertations & Theses: Full Text. (Publication No. AAT 3047967). Donato, R. (2003, December). Action research. Retrieved July 29, 2010, from Eric DigestClearinghours on Languages ​​and Linguistics: www.cal.org/resources/digest/digest_pdfs/0308donato.pdfFerrance, E. (2000). Action research. Retrieved July 31, 2010, from Themes in EducationBrown universty: http://www.alliance.brown.edu/pubs/themes_ed/act_research.pdfNolen, AL, & Putten, J.V. (2007). Action research in education: Addressing gaps in ethical principles and practices. Educational Researcher, 36(7), 401-207. Retrieved July 1, 2010, from the Education Research Complete database.