UCLA

This paper presents the results of a study that explored the effects of an action research team approach to examine the perceptions of experienced principals on current models of professional development to make recommendations for change. This study also explored the perceptions of principal participants as they worked within professional learning communities to determine what benefits could come from teams of principals working together. Data were collected through the documentation of the action research process, interviews, and written reflections of participants. Findings suggest that current models of professional development for principals are not meeting their needs for personal growth and leadership development. Findings also suggest that principals prefer to participate in professional learning communities where their needs as participants are actively taken into consideration, and in which they work actively to solve problems related to their daily work.