Teachers' professional learning can occur in many spaces and assume a multitude of forms. Professional learning communities (PLCs) are anticipated to be effective structures to support teachers' professional learning, and there is increasing pressure to utilize online configurations for structuring PLCs. However, teachers' practices and…

As science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) continue to grow in economic and social importance, it is critical that citizenry are prepared to be STEM literate. Furthermore, the workforce demands on STEM necessitate students seeking STEM degrees and pursuing STEM careers. Primary and secondary (K-12) teachers play an important role…

The anticipated constraints imposed by the accountability process associated with standards-based reform on teachers' practice suggest a tension between teachers' desire for flexibility and the accountability mandates associated with reform initiatives. In particular, we posited that the teachers would negatively perceive the influence of…

Professional learning communities (PLCs) are a widespread phenomenon in K-12 education, as they are perceived as a mechanism for enhancing teacher effectiveness and, therefore, student achievement. However, there is a dearth of empirical research on PLCs--particularly, the primary focus that the communities take, teachers' perceptions and…