Missed Opportunities: Common Planning Time in Three Oregon Middle Schools

• In Event: The Impact of Middle-Level Classroom Instructional Strategies

Abstract

The purpose of this quantitative study was to explore the phenomenon of common planning time (CPT) in three Oregon middle schools. Researchers have reported the positive effects of CPT for interdisciplinary teams (Rice, 2003; Warren & Muth, 1995; Warren & Payne, 1997). This study examined teachers’ perceptions of the perceived benefits and barriers of CPT, structures and functions of CPT meetings, and how CPT affects interdisciplinary team practices. Forty-seven teachers at three middle schools (grades 6-8) completed the National Middle Grades Research CPT Teacher Survey, an online survey. Results indicated that though the majority of teaching teams met infrequently—one or two times a week—the teachers identified specific benefits from engaging in CPT.

Authors

• Jan Marie Carpenter, George Fox University

• P. Maureen Musser, Consultant

• Micki M. Caskey, Portland State University

• Linda L. Samek, George Fox University

• William L. Greene, Southern Oregon University

• Younghee M. Kim, Southern Oregon University