In this sequential mixed methods study, teachers at three middle schools in a large urban school district were surveyed to determine the extent to which they applied learning strategies gathered from their professional reading to their classroom practice. Additionally, teachers were presented with examples of High Quality Professional Development, also known as Job-Embedded Professional Learning, indicating in which of those activities they had participated and in which activities they participated resulted in making changes to their classroom practice. Although teachers reported participating in activities that were descriptive of High Quality Professional Development and implementing changes in their classrooms, teachers were not familiar with the term High Quality Professional Development. Participants in follow up group interviews revealed that the professional development they received did not match the definition of High Quality Professional Development. Group interview responses supported survey findings that teachers were reading professional materials fewer minutes than found in earlier studies, but that more of their reading choices were about research in education. Teachers in this study applied strategies that they had read about to their classroom practice addressing their student' needs but were not aware of High Quality Professional Development as a result of their professional reading. Future studies could explore if teachers' participation in professional development activities changes when they include professional development in their professional reading choices. Research could also determine if those who plan professional development activities at schools are aware of definitions for High Quality Professional Development and how they ensure that teachers participate in professional development that matches its criteria.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:CHENGCHI/U0003499695 |
| Creators | Rambo, Susan M. |
| Publisher | Capella University. |
| Source Sets | National Chengchi University Libraries |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Rights | Copyright © nccu library on behalf of the copyright holders |
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