Project ECHO: Professional Development Support for Oklahoma Rural Administrators

• In Event: 45.078 - Toward Inclusive Practices in Professional Development Schools

Abstract

Professional learning opportunities for educational leaders are rare, especially in rural or isolated districts. Since Fall 2017, a partnership between Oklahoma State University’s Center for Health Sciences and Educational Leadership faculty in the College of Education, Health and Aviation has utilized the ECHO® framework to provide professional development/networking for Oklahoma rural leaders. This qualitative case study examines participant perspectives of the influence of this PD platform, Tele-ED, on their professional growth. Findings suggest that participation has enhanced leader knowledge and efficacy to address problems they experience by providing a “safe space” to discuss challenging issues and has provided an “opportunity for transparency” that did not formerly exist. Participation has enhanced leader understanding of social, contextual, and environmental influences on decision-making.

Authors

• Katherine A. Curry, Oklahoma State University

• Ed Harris, Oklahoma State University

• Jackie Mania-Singer, University of Oklahoma