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Impact of PD Showcase


Impact of Math and Science Partnership (MSP) Professional Development on the Quality of Instruction in Middle-School Mathematics Classrooms

Description

The American Institutes for Research (AIR) and Eastern Michigan University are conducting a multi-site study focusing on the crucial link between professional development (PD) and instructional practice in mathematics and science. The study addresses the following research questions:

1. To what extent do PD activities supported by MSP exhibit features of high-quality professional development as identified in prior research? Do teachers in MSP districts receive higher-quality PD than comparable teachers in non-MSP districts?

2. What are the effects of professional development activities supported by MSP on the quality of instruction in secondary mathematics and science classrooms?

3. To what extent are features of high-quality professional development identified in prior research related to the quality of instruction in secondary mathematics and science classrooms?

Data come from three sources: teacher surveys (Professional Development and Instructional Practice Survey), online teacher logs (Professional Development Activity Log), and assignments given to students by their teachers. Using a quasi-experimental design with matched comparison groups, we answer the three research questions in turn, using: (1) descriptive analyses of data from teacher surveys and logs; (2) multilevel analyses assessing the effects of MSP-supported PD on the quality of classroom instruction as measured by the rigor and relevance of teacher assignments; and (3) multiple regression analyses assessing the effects of PD on instructional practice measures.

The poster shares innovative measurement instruments while providing valuable information and resources for researchers interested in program evaluations and PD impact studies, and for MSP partnerships both within and beyond the study.