Teacher Perceptions of the Use of Common Planning Time in Middle Grade Schools

• In Event: Middle-Level Education Research SIG National Project on Middle-Level Common Planning Time

Abstract

Interdisciplinary teams are a common organizational structure found in middle grades. Research suggests that the use of common planning time (CPT) enhances the effectiveness of interdisciplinary teams. As part of Phase II of the National Middle Grades Research Project, this study examines the functions and activities in which teachers are engaged during common planning time and their frequency of occurrence. Preliminary results from 10 middle grade schools (five designated as Schools to Watch) show that on average, common planning time was most frequently used for Parent Contact, Regular Business Activities and Coordination activities. Respondents identified as Schools to Watch reported higher mean frequencies than respondents from non-designated schools on all sub-scales, suggesting stronger implementation of common planning time components.

Authors

• Chris Cook, Northern Kentucky University

• Lenore Kinne, Northern Kentucky University

• Shawn A. Faulkner, Northern Kentucky University