Date Approved

4-10-2003

Embargo Period

5-10-2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A. in School Administration

Department

Educational Services and Leadership

College

College of Education

Advisor

Johnson, Theodore

Subject(s)

Middle school (Pleasantville, N.J.); Teachers--In-service training

Disciplines

Elementary and Middle and Secondary Education Administration

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of school reform on teaching practices at the Middle School of Pleasantville. The district, a special needs (Abbott district), receives 85% of its funding from the state, therefore must provide all children with a "Thorough and Efficient" education.

The overall approach of this study was to use a survey to investigate the effects of school reform on teaching practices. Thirty teachers of grades 5-8, representing a variety of subject areas, completed a survey. The survey was used to determine if professional development provided teachers with effective support throughout the change process.

It was evident in the data that teachers were motivated to make changes in their practices. The results also indicate that a professional development program that provides on-going support, feedback, and opportunities to collaborate with colleagues is essential as a school develops a staff that can assist students in meeting the challenges of the Core Curriculum Content Standards.

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