An Overview of Action Research Studies of Two High School Principals

Dr. Nancy Coogan has held a number of educational leadership positions throughout Washington State, including serving more than four years as Superintendent of the Tukwila School District. Prior to receiving her Doctor of Educational Leadership from Washington State University, Dr. Nancy Coogan wrote her dissertation on resiliency in educational settings.

Titled "Resiliency: An Action Research Study with Two High School Principals," the paper compared two principals through the lenses of reliability and resiliency during day-to-day activities and high stakes administrative situations. Furthermore, the dissertation took into account the professional and educational cultures of both schools in an attempt to determine how certain values and structures emphasized or inhibited these important qualities.

The paper determined that both principals demonstrated openness in regards to gathering data about various failings throughout their schools, from inequitable resources to inaccurate student representation, as well as a desire to enhance the professional skills of all teachers. The dissertation also examined how both principals reacted to the complexities of administrative situations and occurrences beyond their control. Most notably, research found that by engaging in mindfulness practices, both administrators enjoyed improved relationships with their supervisors, a positive step toward increased reliability and resiliency.