ERIC Number: EJ1094645
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016-Mar
Pages: 22
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1046-560X
EISSN: N/A
The Influence of Contextual Factors on the Sustainability of Professional Development Outcomes
Sandholtz, Judith Haymore; Ringstaff, Cathy
Journal of Science Teacher Education, v27 n2 p205-226 Mar 2016
This study investigated how contextual factors influenced the sustainability of outcomes from a 3-year, state-funded professional development program that provided science assistance for K-2 teachers in small, rural school districts. The research used a case-study approach with a purposive sample of five elementary schools that varied in instructional time in science several years after the funding period. The primary data sources were teacher surveys and interviews conducted 2 and 3 years after the end of the professional development program. The findings highlight variations across schools and the influence of principal support, resources, collegial support, personal commitment, and external factors. The research holds practical implications for enhancing long-term sustainability of professional development outcomes in science education.
Descriptors: Science Teachers, Faculty Development, Longitudinal Studies, Rural Schools, Case Studies, Elementary School Science, Sustainability, Primary Education, Teacher Surveys, Interviews, Program Effectiveness, Principals, Administrator Role, Educational Resources, Collegiality, Teacher Attitudes, Influences, Science Education
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Primary Education; Early Childhood Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A