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The Role of Scientists in the Professional Development of Science Teachers (1996) / Chapter Skim
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2 Characteristics of Effective Professional-Development Programs
Pages 26-29

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From page 26...
... Some were directed to individual teachers, others were systemic. Irrespective of that variety, however, the programs involving scientists that were most effective, as judged by longevity and evaluations by program participants, had many of the following characteristics: · Scientists, teachers, and administrators collaborated in the program's development and implementation.
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From page 27...
... Followup opportunities allowed participants to continue and solidify their connections with their scientific and teaching colleagues and furthered the establishment of collaborations and partnerships. Followup activities included classroom visits by program staff, weekend events for alumni to share new laboratory projects and content, return visits by the participants to the laboratories of their mentors, weekly or monthly sessions for all participants to review progress on new teaching strategies or curriculum materials, establishment of newsletters and computer networks, and reunions for teachers at state and national professional conferences.
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From page 28...
... Successful programs made advocates of their participants, who eagerly spread the word. Professional organizations, such as the National Association of Biology Teachers and the National Science Teachers Association, and state and local organizations, such as a state science-teachers association and a local alliance, provided valuable information about professional development.
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From page 29...
... Followup sessions provided opportunities to practice dissemination strategies, such as workshop presentations, facilitation skills, and practical implementation plans that helped teacherleaders to become more effective in working with their colleagues. Providing financial, material, and networking access was important for effective program dissemination.
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Key Terms

  • program directors
  • school districts
  • school administrators
  • program staff
  • science teachers

  • teaching strategies
  • strong leadership
  • charismatic person
  • dissemination strategies
  • continued involvement

  • provided opportunities
  • laboratory activities
  • program organizers
  • practical knowledge
  • professional development

  • effective publicity
  • provided strong
  • recruitment strategies
  • laboratory exercises
  • local alliance

  • activities appropriate
  • alternative activities
  • helped teacherleaders
  • directors understood
  • monthly sessions

  • intensive course
  • spinoff projects
  • regarding practical
  • providing financial
  • teaching colleagues


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