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Article
A Study of the Effect of Sustained, Whole-School Professional Development on Student Achievement in Science
Journal of Research in Science Teaching
  • Carla C. Johnson, University of Toledo
  • Jane B. Kahle, Miami University - Oxford
  • Jamison D. Fargo, Utah State University
Document Type
Article
Publisher
Wiley-Blackwell
Publication Date
1-1-2007
Abstract

This longitudinal study of middle school science teachers explored the relationship, if any, between teacher participation in whole-school, sustained, collaborative professional development and student achievement in science. Eleven teachers from Glendale Middle School participated in the Discovery Model Schools Initiative 2-week summer institute, followed by monthly release day professional development sessions focused on implementing instruction outlined in the National Science Education Standards. Student achievement was assessed using the Discovery Inquiry Test in Science. The same students completed the test in grades 6–8. Students of teachers at Glendale Middle School significantly outperformed students at the control school. Findings in this study revealed the positive impact that whole-school, sustained, collaborative professional development programs have on student achievement, indicating that programs of this nature could be a means to narrowing or eliminating achievement gaps in science.

Citation Information
Johnson CC, Kahle JB, Fargo JD. A study of the effect of sustained, whole school, professional development on student achievement in science. Journal of Research in Science Teaching. 2007;44:775-786.