"Let's Add Our Own Sauce to It": Teacher Teams' Adaptations to a Summer Literacy Program

• In Event: Poster Session 12
  In Poster Session: Division L Section 9 Poster Session

Abstract

There has been growing interest in the idea that in order for researcher-developed programs to produce deep and lasting change at scale, researchers must work more closely with practitioners to tailor programs to local contexts. There is concern, however, that this could result in less effective programs, as teachers might adapt programs in ways that are antithetical to a program’s research-based principles. This study examines one approach to program implementation where teachers were given some flexibility to make adaptations to a summer literacy program, as well as supports to help them stay true to the program’s “core components.” A multiple case study design is employed to examine three fourth-grade teacher teams’ adaptations and the thinking behind the adaptations.

Authors

• Mary Burkhauser, Harvard University

• James S. Kim, Harvard University