In this article we explore the concept of quality in teacher action research by re-examining our participation with science teachers in several different collaborative action research projects. We conducted second-order action research and generated a series reflexive conditions for promoting and ensuring quality action research. We assert that a collaborative action research group must function as both a community of practice and an epistemic community if both practice is to be improved and knowledge and understanding is to be generated. In addition, teacher researchers must have a thorough grounding of the nature of action research and knowledge of appropriate research methods. The framework we have outlined only goes as far as suggesting a possible set of guidelines or conditions, and is not intended to be prescriptive. For others researchers, teacher educators and practitioners, this framework may serve as a starting point to draw from when establishing and facilitating their own action research projects.