| Title: |
A Comparative Case Analysis of Rural Science Teachers' Experiences with Professional Learning |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Loraine Glidewell; Jennifer Jacobs; Anna-Ruth Allen; William Penuel; Abraham S. Lo |
| Source: |
Rural Educator. 2025 46(3):43-59. |
| Availability: |
National Rural Education Association. e-mail: theruraleducator@gmail.com; Web site: https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/ruraleducator/ |
| Peer Reviewed: |
Y |
| Page Count: |
19 |
| Publication Date: |
2025 |
| Sponsoring Agency: |
National Science Foundation (NSF), Division of Research on Learning in Formal and Informal Settings (DRL) |
| Contract Number: |
2010086 |
| Document Type: |
Journal Articles; Reports - Research |
| Education Level: |
Early Childhood Education; Elementary Education; Kindergarten; Primary Education; Elementary Secondary Education; Junior High Schools; Middle Schools; Secondary Education; High Schools |
| Descriptors: |
Rural Schools; Science Teachers; Science Education; Comparative Analysis; Teacher Attitudes; Standards; Teacher Surveys; Online Courses; Faculty Development; Prior Learning; Educational Change; Educational Practices; Educational Needs; Alignment (Education); Middle School Students; High School Students; Social Networks |
| ISSN: |
0273-446X |
| Abstract: |
This article presents a comparative case analysis of three U.S. rural science teachers who participated in an online course focused on designing assessments aligned with the Framework for K-12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Data from surveys, designed assessments, classroom observations, and interviews were used to investigate and compare these rural teachers' experiences before, during, and after the course. This article describes the variations among rural science teachers in their local teaching contexts, relevant prior experiences, and how they engaged in and learned from professional development. The case study teachers entered the course with differences in their knowledge and professional learning opportunities related to the NGSS as well as in the degree to which they were connected with other science educators in their community or state. However, findings showed that all these teachers drew resourcefully on social and material supports provided by the course and made large shifts in their designed assessments. In some cases, teachers' beliefs and practices changed as well. This study highlights the unique backgrounds of each teacher and the variation in their growth trajectories, as they entered and exited the course in different places along their journey toward gaining expertise in science assessment. We argue that professional learning opportunities for rural science teachers should be designed to leverage and support the breadth of assets and needs that vary between distinct rural communities. |
| Abstractor: |
As Provided |
| Entry Date: |
2025 |
| Accession Number: |
EJ1481220 |
| Database: |
ERIC |