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Abstract Only a few studies have questioned teachers' perceptions of collaborative professional development work at the elementary level; however there is considerable literature on collaborative teams as a means for professional development. Professional development programs are often diverse in philosophy, each with their own advantages and disadvantages, however the research on high quality professional development seems to support collaboration. The purpose of this study was to examine elementary teachers' perceptions of collaborative professional development teams. Capturing teachers' perspectives on collaborative practices could potentially provide insight to administrators when creating professional development opportunities for teachers. Are collaborative teams seen (1) as a mechanism for promoting teacher growth, (2) a way to improve their own practice, and (3) a way to improve the practice of their team? In addition, does the principals' control of these collaborative teams (4) have any influence on the teachers' perceived value of these teams, and (5) are the perceptions of the teachers and principals comparable in regards to collaborative professional development teams? The study included five elementary schools in a large urban district where there was a strong commitment to professional development. Two of the five schools participated in face-to- face interviews for in-depth conversations and data collection. Teachers and principals were a part of this case study. Through data analysis, the participants reported that collaborative teams were a positive means for professional development as they perceived it. The professional development teams were perceived by teachers as being more successful when: 1) there were opportunities to share in vertical teams, 2) there were structures and adequate time was provided, 3) there was a safe environment, 4) there was trust in colleagues, 5) the work was connected to the goals of the school, and 6) they saw student work improving as a result of their collaborative efforts. In addition, the data revealed that the amount of control that the principal has in creating the collaborative teams does not appear to negatively impact teachers' perceptions of the positive benefits of practice. When teachers felt that their work was purposeful and focused on school goals they were more willing to work in any team configuration that they were assigned to, as this helped them to grow professionally.
The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand teachers' perceptions of the collaborative process and how it affected their classroom practices. The research question was "What are the perceptions held by experienced public elementary-school teachers in a large urban school district in the southeastern United States regarding the collaborative process in their school settings?" The research design used semi-structured, in-depth interviews with a specific group of public elementary-school teachers who had extensive professional development and experience with the collaborative process, either in co-teaching settings or in frequent collaboration with colleagues. Using the process of educational criticism (Eisner, 1998) and Hatch's (2002) typological analysis, interview data were analyzed. Eisner's description and interpretation using educational criticism involved six typologies: (a) multiple views of collaboration, (b) the roles of principals in teacher collaboration, (c) elements necessary for successful collaboration, (d) benefits of collaboration, (e) challenges of collaboration, and (f) the role of collaboration in the development of teachers' personal and professional identity. The evaluation dimension of Eisner's educational criticism focused on three categories based on data from the present study: how teacher collaboration promoted teacher leadership; how teacher collaboration developed teacher identity, and how teacher collaboration influenced student learning. Growth in teacher leadership, and development of teacher identity and student learning were characteristics associated with a strong educational and collaborative environment. Analysis of the data in the present study led to the development of five themes: (a) Teacher collaboration is a complicated process that must be learned; (b) Teacher buy-in leads to successful collaboration with colleagues; (c) Teacher collaboration thrives in a collaborative culture and contributes to the development of such a culture; (d) Teachers need to have certain characteristics to collaborate successfully; and, (e) Collaboration can develop and strengthen teacher identity, improve teaching practices, and increase student learning.
Special education is now an established part of public education in the United States—by law and by custom. However, it is still widely misunderstood and continues to be dogged by controversies related to such things as categorization, grouping, assessment, placement, funding, instruction, and a variety of legal issues. The purpose of this 13-part, 57-chapter handbook is to help profile and bring greater clarity to this sprawling and growing field. To ensure consistency across the volume, chapter authors review and integrate existing research, identify strengths and weaknesses, note gaps in the literature, and discuss implications for practice and future research. Key features include: Comprehensive Coverage—Fifty-seven chapters cover all aspects of special education in the United States including cultural and international comparisons. Issues & Trends—In addition to synthesizing empirical findings and providing a critical analysis of the status and direction of current research, chapter authors discuss issues related to practice and reflect on trends in thinking. Categorical Chapters—In order to provide a comprehensive and comparative treatment of the twelve categorical chapters in section IV, chapter authors were asked to follow a consistent outline: Definition, Causal Factors, Identification, Behavioral Characteristics, Assessment, Educational Programming, and Trends and Issues. Expertise—Edited by two of the most accomplished scholars in special education, chapter authors include a carefully chosen mixture of established and rising young stars in the field. This book is an appropriate reference volume for anyone (researchers, scholars, graduate students, practitioners, policy makers, and parents) interested in the state of special education today: its research base, current issues and practices, and future trends. It is also appropriate as a textbook for graduate level courses in special education.