Issue: 2017 Volume 55

(2) Effects of a Multiyear Curricular and Professional Development Intervention on Elementary Teachers’ Science Content Knowledge

Brandon S. Diamond
University of Miami

Jaime Maerten-Rivera
University of Miami

Okhee Lee
New York University

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of a fifth grade science curriculum and professional development intervention at increasing teachers’ science content knowledge (SCK) over the period of 3 years. The intervention included an inquiry-based science curriculum and ongoing professional development opportunities concentrating on both science content and pedagogy. SCK was measured using a science knowledge test written at the fifth grade content level and a questionnaire scale asking teachers how knowledgeable they felt teaching science at the fifth grade level. Longitudinal multilevel modeling was used to examine change in the treatment group and the control group. The treatment group demonstrated an increase in both measures of SCK after the first year, with continued improvement in self-report throughout the 3-year period. The control group demonstrated smaller consistent growth in test scores, reaching a level comparable to the treatment group at the end of 3 years, but there was no significant change in self-report over the 3-year period. These results led to the conclusion that the intervention increased the rate at which teachers learned science content, as well as increasing their confidence in their SCK.

Citation

Diamond, B. S., Maerten-Rivera, J., & Lee, O. (2017). Effects of a multiyear curricular and professional development intervention on elementary teachers’ science content knowledge. Florida Journal of Educational Research55(2), 1-24.

Download File: Diamond.552.pdf (4817 downloads )

(1) An Empirical Investigation of Item-Pool and Year-to-Year Equating Plans: Using Large-Scale Assessment Data

Xinya Liang
University of Arkansas

Fayetteville Jin Koo
The Enrollment Management Association

Hülya Yürekli
Turkish Ministry of National Education

Insu Paek
Florida State University

Betsy Jane Becker
Florida State University

Salih Binici
Florida Department of Education

Hirotaka Fukuhara
Pearson

Citation

Liang, X., Koo, J., Yürekli, H., Paek, I., Becker, B. J., Binici, S., & Fukuhara, H. (2017). An empirical investigation of item-pool and year-to-year equating plans: Using large-scale assessment data. Florida Journal of Educational Research55(1), 1-18.

Download File: Liang.551.pdf (5097 downloads )