Download or read book High School Administrators Perception of the Effectiveness of Professional Development written by Rodney J. Williams and published by . This book was released on 2012 with total page 114 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Author's abstract: The importance of professional development has been emphasized in recent legislation and accountability acts. As Georgia competes for Race to the Top Funds, high school administrators are being required to attend various professional development activities. These may address the new teacher evaluation system, common core, and techniques on how to close the gap between high-achieving students and students with a learning disability. Therefore, the purpose of this qualitative study was to understand high school administrators' perceptions of the effectiveness of professional development. This qualitative study used a case study design with purposive sampling. Participants included twelve high school administrators currently serving in a rural Georgia school system. The participants completed a survey and participated in face-to face interviews. Surveys were used to collect demographic information and information about professional development activities the participants experienced. Face-to-face interviews were recorded and transcribed by the researcher. The audio-recorded interviews were transcribed and coded for patterns in responses, from which major themes evolved. The goal of this study was to provide district level profession development coordinators, county officials, and administrators with findings regarding administrator's perceptions of professional development activities. This study provided high school administrators an opportunity to reflect on professional development activities in which they have participated and to report on their perceptions of the effectiveness of various professional development activities. By reviewing the data provided from the survey and face-to-face interviews, district level professional development coordinators may consider new ideas on the content and delivery methods of professional development activities that could impact day-to-day activities of high school administrators.

Download or read book Teachers and Administrators Perceptions of Effective Professional Development written by Robert L. Walker and published by . This book was released on 2012 with total page 134 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The need for systemic academic improvements may significantly impact the way professional development is perceived and practiced in high schools today. The purpose of the present qualitative case study was to examine the perceptions of teachers and administrators in five high schools in south central Pennsylvania regarding staff development. This study examined how novice and veteran teachers and administrators perceived the (a) context, (b) process, and (c) content vital to the process of staff development. Furthermore, this study sought to find the interconnectedness between the current body of research and the perceptions of novice and veteran administrators as well as novice and veteran teachers regarding the impact of collaborative professional learning experiences in order to improve professional practice. Finally, this study investigated the perceived change in classroom practice as a result of implementing new practices gained from professional development experiences. These perceptions were gathered through (a) surveys, (b) interviews, and (c) group interviews. This study used five suburban high schools in two counties in South Central Pennsylvania. The most prevalent themes that established a connection to change in teacher behavior as a result of professional development activities identified in this study were (a) collaboration with other teachers, (b) personal value, (c) limited objectives, and (d) connections to evaluation. This study could serve school districts as a resource to evaluate and improve current professional development systems within their schools with intent of improving the efficiency and effectiveness professional development activities.

Download or read book Systemic Stakeholder Driven Sustained written by Anna Theresa Perry and published by . This book was released on 2010 with total page 169 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The value of professional development continues to be emphasized on educational and governmental levels. Even as this study was being conducted, the U.S. Department of Education launched a $4.35 billion dollar grant that includes improving teacher effectiveness as a core component of the grant's purpose. While the importance of the professional development of educators is clear, what is less clear is the type of professional development that transforms teaching practices and positively impacts student outcomes. Evaluations of professional development programs are critical in identifying ways to impact teacher practice and ultimately student outcomes. Guskey (2000) provides a model for evaluating professional development that includes five stages of information collection. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a professional development initiative in one large school system in North Carolina by applying Guskey's model to examining specific elements of the initiative, surveying teacher and administrator perceptions of the initiative, and analyzing trends in student outcomes that occurred during the six year period the initiative was implemented. A mixed methodology approach combining quantitative and qualitative methods was used. Electronic survey responses from 2,309 teachers and administrators were analyzed quantitatively using frequency distribution statistics, as well as the Fisher's exact test to analyze the relationship of responses between teachers and administrators. Additionally, trends in proficiency student outcome data as well as trends in AYP status were examined during the period the professional development initiative was implemented in the school district. For the qualitative data, open-ended survey responses from 77 principals were analyzed using frequency distribution statistics. This study corroborated the finding from other research studies in the professional literature that indicate the difficulty of linking professional development to student outcomes. The results of this study also support the literature suggesting that specific elements must be present in order for the professional development to be translated into teaching practice. This study has many implications for school leaders as they plan professional development initiatives. Recommendations for planning, implementing, and evaluating, professional development initiatives are included.

Download or read book Evaluating Professional Development written by Thomas R. Guskey and published by Corwin Press. This book was released on 2000 with total page 332 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Explains how to better evaluate professional development in order to ensure that it increases student learning, providing questions for accurate measurement of professional development and showing how to demonstrate results and accountability.

Download or read book A Case Study of a School District written by Teresa L. Ohrt and published by . This book was released on 2015 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This study was a qualitative case study with a phenomenological approach that included interviews with two district administrators, three building administrators and nine teachers. The analysis determined the district's professional development system, what administrators' intended, what professional development aspects teachers deemed as most effective, and what teachers perceived as the impact of the professional development on their practice.

Download or read book Teacher Perceptions of Effects of Professional Development on Teaching Practice and Student Learning written by Imelda R. Castaňeda and published by . This book was released on 2002 with total page 266 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This study sought to test whether multidimensional professional development programs are preferable to a traditional one, which, typically, consists of taking a graduate course. It compared teachers' perceptions about the effects of three programs for professional development on their teaching practice and student performance. Two of the programs, the Arts Integration Program and Job Shadowing Institute, were multidimensional models of professional development. The third was Technology Training, a traditional model of professional development. The purpose of the study was to contribute to the body of knowledge about teachers' perceptions of the effect of professional development on their teaching practice and their students' learning. The study included elementary, middle, and high school teachers as participants and survey respondents. It spanned three years. Descriptive data were collected to provide an accurate description of the three programs. Participant observations of professional development sessions, informal and formal interviews of teachers, administrators, and facilitators were among the data collection tools used during the first two years of the study to provide a detailed description of the actual programs. The main focus of the study was a survey of participants' perceptions of the effect of professional development on their teaching and their students' learning. Survey results indicated that teachers perceived that professional development could be most effective for improving their teaching practice and student learning when the professional development programs are intentional, on going, and systemic. The non-traditional, multidimensional professional development was found to be more effective than the traditional model. However, the results of the study also indicated that even a traditional model of professional development was perceived as having an impact on students' learning when applications were made to curricular content and when there was support for further training. Based on these findings, a model or 'scaffold' towards effective professional development was conceptualized using constructs and characteristics that might influence teaching practice and student learning. Results are discussed in the light of the limitations of the study, implications for education, and suggestions for future research.

Download or read book Perceptions of District Leaders School Administrators and Teachers Regarding the Professional Learning Community Model to Support Adult Learning written by Kristi T. Sayers and published by . This book was released on 2013 with total page 167 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This qualitative multiple case study explored what district leaders, high school administrators, and high school teachers in a large southeastern school district in the United States thought about participating in Professional Learning Communities (PLC)s as a form of professional learning for teachers. One common method of professional development over the last decade is the Professional Learning Communities. Learning communities are popular as a way to support student achievement; however, there is limited research to show how teachers learn as a result of participating in professional learning communities. There is also limited research to support this type of professional development as effective professional development in the high school setting. My study helped to fill the gap by looking at whether this method of professional development supports adult learning and creates a change in classroom practice. The study was conducted in one school system that had created a strategic plan for continuous school improvement involving the mandatory use of professional learning communities in its schools. The system had a sustained 7-year effort and provided time and resources for the professional learning communities. The participants included four district leaders, five administrators, and three focus groups consisting of 25 total teachers. Data analysis was conducted at two different levels, within each individual case and across the three cases. Individual case analysis was conducted for three cases: (1) district leaders; (2) high school administrators; and (3) high school teachers. For each case, themes and subthemes emerged. A cross-case analysis of the three cases revealed similarities and differences among the three individual cases. Four themes emerged from the cross-case analysis: (1) administrator responsibility; (2) attitude; (3) collaboration; and (4) authentic learning. The four themes presented a description of how professional learning communities support adult learning. Because of this qualitative study, school districts and administrators may have a better understanding of how to structure their professional learning communities to support adult learning for their teachers.

Download or read book Transforming Professional Development Into Student Results written by Douglas B. Reeves and published by ASCD. This book was released on 2010 with total page 171 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: If you're tired of professional development that takes up too much time and delivers too little, then you'll appreciate this guide to effective and sustainable practices that help educators make a measurable difference for their schools and their students.

Download or read book Why Can t We Get It Right written by Marsha Speck and published by Corwin Press. This book was released on 2005-02-01 with total page 185 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "In Why Can′t We Get It Right? Second Edition, Marsha Speck and Caroll Knipe provide a thorough overview of what is known about the nature of professional development that produces high levels of learning and performance for teachers and their students. They admirably achieve their goal of showing how well-designed professional development with a clear focus on improved student learning can make a difference in teaching and student success." —From the Foreword by Dennis Sparks, Executive Director National Staff Development Council How can we use professional development to provide the best teaching and learning opportunities for all students? To increase student achievement and prepare all students to meet standards, educators must be well prepared. Teachers who know their content and strategies can open a virtual toolbox and take out what they need to help all students become successful. This thoroughly revised and updated edition of Why Can′t We Get It Right? explains how educational leaders can design, deliver, and evaluate collaborative standards-based professional development. In this unique and indispensable guide, Marsha Speck and Caroll Knipe provide professional development designs, challenging teachers to make a difference for students and resulting in dramatically improved schools. This excellent resource contains: Essential questions about high-quality professional development Information on creating the culture for a learning community Conditions and processes for professional development Suggestions on designing your own model Tools for evaluating and rethinking professional development and learning Strategies for deepening a leader′s impact on a standards-based system If we are to improve learning and achievement in our schools, we must also nourish the growth of educators and foster a learner-centered environment!

Download or read book Handbook of Professional Development in Education written by Linda E. Martin and published by Guilford Publications. This book was released on 2015-10-13 with total page 593 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This comprehensive handbook synthesizes the best current knowledge on teacher professional development (PD) and addresses practical issues in implementation. Leading authorities describe innovative practices that are being used in schools, emphasizing the value of PD that is instructive, reflective, active, collaborative, and substantive. Strategies for creating, measuring, and sustaining successful programs are presented. The book explores the relationship of PD to adult learning theory, school leadership, district and state policy, the growth of professional learning communities, and the Common Core State Standards. Each chapter concludes with thought-provoking discussion questions. The appendix provides eight illuminating case studies of PD initiatives in diverse schools.

Download or read book High School Principals and Teachers Perceptions of Peach State University s Professional Development School Model written by Betty Lea Peebles and published by . This book was released on 2004 with total page 172 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Teacher Perception of Professional Development written by Ramina Issac and published by . This book was released on 2017 with total page 86 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Exceptional educators help create outstanding learners. Research suggests that knowledgeable educators are vital factors to the schools and influencing student success. Therefore it is imperative to consider how the educators are trained and support both new and experienced teachers. The purpose of this study was to define the effects of professional development on educators and their perception of staff development in one selected school district, studying the effectiveness of professional development. This study attempted to find the connection between participating in any professional development and teacher effectiveness. Moreover it analyzed whether educators participating in professional development had more knowledge and skills after trainings and retain what they had learned. Furthermore this study measured how teachers perceived the effectiveness of their trainers and their skills to transfer the extended talents to their classroom. A qualitative research method was used in two educational facilities in one school district. Thirty educators representing two schools responded to the survey. The educators were given the opportunity to participate in a survey that asked them a variety of questions pertaining to professional development. The outcomes of this analysis reinforced the research literature and provide multiple recommendations for all educators that participate in staff development. Proposals and suggestions for strategies and practices are incorporated.

Download or read book Professional Development for School Improvement written by Stephen P. Gordon and published by Allyn & Bacon. This book was released on 2004 with total page 322 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book integrates knowledge from professional development and school improvement to describe frameworks that can increase the capacity of individuals, teams, and organizations to grow and develop. The text argues that both professional development and school improvement should have as their primary purpose the improvement of teaching and learning. Eleven frameworks for professional development are presented, along with strategies for integrating multiple frameworks in comprehensive programs. School leader development is addressed as a prerequisite for professional and school development.

Download or read book Why Can t We Get It Right written by Marsha Speck and published by Corwin Press. This book was released on 2005-02-01 with total page 185 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: How can we use professional development to provide the best teaching and learning opportunities for all students? Teachers who know their content and strategies can open a virtual toolbox and take out what they need to help all students become successful. This revised and updated edition explains how educational leaders can design, deliver, and evaluate collaborative standards-based professional development, and contains: Essential questions about high-quality professional development Information on creating the culture for a learning community Conditions and processes for professional development Suggestions on designing your own model Tools for evaluating and rethinking professional development and learning Strategies for deepening a leader’s impact on a standards-based system

Download or read book Effective Professional Development Schools written by Richard W. Clark and published by Jossey-Bass. This book was released on 1999-04-02 with total page 328 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume in the Agenda for Education in a Democracy series explores the expanding popularity of professional development schools and their role in educating teachers and promoting school improvement. Effective Professional Development Schools describes the criteria for establishing quality professional development schools, the policies and financial arrangements needed to sustain them, and ways to evaluate their progress. The book is a practical guide for teacher educators and school administrators who want to develop joint programs on teacher professional development. Beyond this practical advice, Effective Professional Development Schools explores some of the key concepts that need to be considered by school- and university-based educators as they work together in professional development school settings.

Download or read book Professional Development for School Administrators written by Kathleen A. Bruce and published by . This book was released on 2006 with total page 168 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book The Power of Place written by Gwendolen Susanne Jacobs and published by . This book was released on 2022 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Professional development provides opportunities for teachers to acquire the knowledge needed to become experts in their classroom content and to improve their instructional skills to meet the needs of today's student learners. While districts and curriculum leaders work to improve professional development design, teachers' dissatisfaction with current professional development practices are still problematic. Teachers continue to find it ineffective, irrelevant, making them feel undervalued as professionals. This is evident in the rural educational setting. Rural educators need on-going, flexible, and job-embedded effective professional development to meet the specific needs of rural educators and their students. While few studies have examined teacher perception on professional development, even fewer studies focused on the rural place. This study provides educational leaders with a teacher's perspective on what effective professional development looks and feels like for rural educators. Using narrative analysis of five rural educators' interviews and drawing on Gruenewald's Critical Pedagogy of Place, this study sought to understand the experiences of five rural educators as they explored their personal histories, perceptions, and experiences in receiving effective professional development. The study is driven by three research questions to determine if teachers' perceptions of effective professional development is influenced by their own sense of place and how they identify within that place. These questions included the following: 1. How do teachers in a rural setting perceive building and district level professional development? 2. In what ways does sense of place inform teachers' perceptions of effective professional development? 3. In what ways do these perceptions inform teachers' decisions to act on their new learning? The key themes revealed participants acknowledged the challenges districts face when providing effective professional development and that it is most beneficial when connected to their specific needs. Most participants acknowledged the complexity of rural relationships and recognized how their personal histories and experiences helped make and enrich these relationships. The findings relative to the five participants' experiences and their stories also suggest rural teachers do not fully recognize the extent by which their own sense of place and place identity influenced their perceptions on their learning. This can have several implications for district leaders, professional development directors and for current and future rural educators. If district leaders and professional development directors want to see implementation of teacher learning in the classroom, providing purposeful professional development must not only address the specific needs of rural educators and their students but also consider what teachers bring to the rural context in relationship to their professional learning.