The Effect of Policy Churn on the Microlevel Implementation of a Statewide Professional Development Program

• In Event: Instructional Practice Amid Reform

Abstract

In this study we examine the effect of policy churn on the micro-level implementation of a statewide professional development (PD) program targeting formative-assessment practices. While the PD is designed at the state-level, implementation is at the district and school level through the use of learning teams. Through examination of video of six learning teams over the course of two years, we examine the extent to which the PD program is implemented as envisioned. Our findings suggest that this PD has different status than other policies that have attached sanctions or rewards. Implications for embedding non-sanctioned policies with sanctioned policies for more successful implementation are discussed.

Authors

• Amanda Marie Slaten Frasier, Michigan State University

• Steve Bennett, Michigan State University

• Dante Cisterna, Michigan State University

• Amelia Wenk Gotwals, Michigan State University