This paper is a compilation of the work she carried out for the project between January 2002 and March 2003. It outlines the principles behind action research and how it has been implemented in project schools. It analyses the key lessons learned from the introduction of action research into remote rural schools, highlighting the positive impact on teachers, schools, families, communities and, most importantly, on the students who were targeted. Her conclusion is that, if all stakeholders implement a culture of practitioner research in school, student underachievement can be reduced.