Evaluation of the "Look-Ahead" Professional Development Model: Impact on Teacher Learning and Student Outcomes

• In Event: Roundtable Session 11
  In Roundtable Session: Evaluating Professional Development, Teaching Practices, and Teacher Advancement

Abstract

Professional development is an important part of creating a culture of continuous quality improvement to maximize student learning. Most professional development efforts fall short of substantive evaluation and rarely are evaluations integrated into on-going continuous improvement efforts. This study examined the effect of ongoing professional development for elementary teachers promoting curriculum implementation and instructional strategies of student discourse and reasoning in one Connecticut school district. Data sources included teacher surveys, classroom observations, and student achievement data. Initial data analysis indicates the model was effective in promoting teacher learning and implementation of student discourse and reasoning strategies. Preliminary analysis of student outcomes suggests improved student outcomes in literacy and mathematics.

Authors

• Thomas Baird, Windsor Public Schools

• Linda E Clark, Central Connecticut State University