An Evaluation of a Virtual Professional Development Program for Teachers of English Learners and Economically Challenged Students in Different Regions of the United States

• In Event: Division K Section 7: Bilingual/Multilingual Roundtable

Abstract

This study was part of a large federally funded project called A-PLUS (Accelerated Preparation of Leaders for Underserved School) aiming to prepare 1,800 in-service teachers for building instructional capacity at the campus level in the education of ELs and EC students in high needs schools across the United States. In this study, conducted during the onset of COVID-19, we examined the effects of the Massive Open Online Professional Independent Learning (MOOPIL) on the professional development of 117 teachers working with ELs and ECs in high needs schools. The results confirmed a significant effect of MOOPIL on participants’ knowledge gains and preparedness to teach more effectively with this vulnerable population.

Author

• Sharon de Marín, Texas A&M University - College Station