Changing Teaching Behaviors: The Road to Student Achievement Powell et al: Technology as a potentially cost-effective alternative to on-site coaching Research Aim: Examine effects of two methods of providing coaching to teachers to improve literacy instructional practices. Outcomes: Both treatment groups had greater gains than control on ELLCO and child measures. Type of feedback differed between remote and on-site conditions. Implications: Technology may not be an effective alternative to on site coaching, but both may provide complementary contributions to improving teacher quality.

Changing Teaching Behaviors: The Roads to Student Achievement Connor et al: New way of implementing current reading programs focused on child by instruction interactions and not different methods of professional development Research Aim: Determine if individualized reading instruction (as guided by A2i algorithms) results in improved student outcomes. Outcomes: Significant treatment effects for students passage comprehension and improved teacher knowledge. Implications: Variations in fidelity of implementation impact outcomes. The more time teachers spent using A2i, the stronger their student’s reading skills by the end of the year.

Considerations for Research on Teacher Professional Development Methodological Considerations Statistical power Realities of recruitment for RFT Potential for replication Same studies, same measures Different sites, samples, and content areas Practical Considerations Program quality Fidelity of implementation Classroom management with small group instruction

Research Directions… Revisiting foundational research with newer technologies and stronger research designs Effective Instructional Approaches (e.g., Rosenshine & Berliner 1978) Components Analysis Examining the immutable role of teacher preparation programs How much variability is accounted for by the content and nature of teacher preparation programs? Potential of longitudinal studies of teacher education programs and student outcomes? Psychology What is role of social support for teachers? Teacher personality and temperament

Training and coaching: What do teachers and trainers want? Teachers Training before and during implementation Coach teaches the students – teacher watches Coaches Ability of teacher to be diagnostic while teaching e.g., did the students get it? Power of repeated practice