Research for Better Schools

Recent Evaluation Projects

Title: Science Professional Development Program and Student Achievement in Delaware

Sponsor/Funder: Delaware Foundation for Science and Mathematics Education (DFSME)

Target Audience: DFSME, Delaware Science Coalition, and Delaware Department of Education

Collaborating Agencies: DFSME, Delaware Science Coalition, and Delaware Department of Education

Dates: 2003 - 2004

Description: RBS analyzed student science achievement data with particular attention to achievement gaps between African American, Hispanic/Latino, Caucasian, and Asian students. Schools were ranked by the magnitude of group performance differences on the science section of the Delaware state achievement test. Semi-structured interviews with teachers and students and classroom observations were performed in outlier schools with the greatest and least gap in science scores. RBS gathered previously collected professional development intervention data, integrated it into the student achievement data, and examined the relationship between professional development and student science achievement. Specifically, RBS:

  • Designed surveys and qualitative protocols.
  • Designed SPSS databases.
  • Collaborated with the DE State Assessment Office.
  • Created research design and method.
  • Created and supported an organizational structure that ensured the smooth collection of data.
  • Integrated two separate, previously existing bodies of data.
  • Performed descriptive and inferential statistical analyses.
  • Wrote evaluation reports.
  • Made programmatic recommendations.
  • Worked with staff to better understand data to support formative improvement decisions.

Outcomes: Stakeholders made data-driven programming decisions about achievement gap reduction as a product of the information presented.

Products and/or Web Links:

  • Bradley, M. (2003 June). Examining the Relationship Between a Science Professional Development Program and Student Achievement in Delaware Public Schools . Philadelphia, PA: Research for Better Schools.

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