First Advisor

Vogel, Linda R.

Document Type

Dissertation

Date Created

12-1-2016

Department

College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, Leadership Policy and Development: Higher Education and P-12 Education, LPD Student Work

Abstract

School leaders use professional learning practices as a strategy to improve teaching and therefore student learning. As student populations become more ethnically and socioeconomically diverse, teachers need ongoing training to meet the needs of today’s students. One successful elementary school in Colorado was the focus of this case study designed to identify the professional learning practices of a school with a record of closing the achievement gap with a high Latino population and a high percentage of students living in poverty. It was found that professional learning is strongly rooted in the culture and structures of Owl Crest Elementary School (pseudonym), is guided by strong leadership, and the content is aligned to meet the needs of the teachers and students of the school. Implications of the research include: Professional learning programs require strong and supportive leadership, schools benefit from the flexibility to design a program to meet the needs of teachers and students, and there must be an investment in resources to maintain effective programs.

Keywords

Colorado, Elementary Education, Latino Students, Professional Development, Professional Learning, Teachers

Extent

146 pages

Local Identifiers

Winnen_unco_0161D_10525

Rights Statement

Copyright is held by the author.

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