Despite the fact that publishers and policymakers have had increasing influence over classrooms it is the teacher who must make decisions on a minutebyminute basis about what will help specific students learn. Similarly local administrators must make key decisions at the school and district level that will best serve particular communities of teachers students and parents. Action research offers educators and other stakeholders a systematic way to research and reflect on specific students classrooms schools and communities in order to solve local problems and improve local conditions. This book offers an overview of various definitions and perspectives on action research without prescribing any single approach. Instead key questions are explored Who conducts action research Why How Possible answers sketch the many types of possible projects ranging from an individual teacher trying to improve the experience of a particular student to a group of educators and community members striving to improve local socioeconomic conditions. The Action Research Primer presents an accessible but comprehensive introduction to the field providing a basic compass and map for the interested practitioner. Chapters include a brief historical overview an introduction to competing research paradigms discussion of key issues that inform project design a serviceable guide to process and an extensive list of resources pointing to more detail on the many categories communities and publication outlets of action research.