Race to the Top Program and District Professional Development Policy: Lesson Study in Florida

• In Event: Poster Session 8
  In Poster Session: Race to the Top Program and District Professional Development Policy: Lesson Study in Florida

Abstract

Districts play an important role for guiding and supporting teacher professional development, yet few empirical studies have examined a statewide variation of district policies on professional development. We analyzed district policy documents from 54 districts in Florida that were developed in response to the state initiative on Lesson Study funded by the Race to the Top program. We found that a majority of districts mandated Lesson Study implementation without providing sufficient incentives and resources for building school and teacher capacities to practice Lesson Study. Challenges of developing and sustaining a teacher-driven professional learning system that builds and advances shared professional knowledge on effective teaching and learning are discussed.

Authors

• Motoko Akiba, Florida State University

• Laura K Ramp, Florida State University

• Gareth Bryan Wilkinson, Florida State University