CTP STUDY DESCRIPTION

Analysis of Policies & Practices in the QUASAR Project

Principal Investigator:

Edward Silver, University of Michigan

Overview:

Using data drawn from the QUASAR project, this study considers multiple perspectives from which to view the interaction of policies and practice that appear to have influenced the processes and outcomes at project sites. Four themes have been identified as possible research foci: (1) policies and practices associated with quality teaching and learning; (2) the utility of a policy perspective as a lens for viewing effective practice; (3) understanding the interplay between support and accountability; and (4) dealing with teacher turnover in capacity-building efforts. These themes are integrated in an analysis in which the relation between policy and practice is examined in the context of an attempt at educational improvement and innovation that actually "worked". This case study of an urban middle school in which teachers successfully implemented an innovative middle school mathematics curriculum is used to portray the interaction between the notions of excellent teaching embedded in the curriculum and those implied by the surrounding context of policy and administrative practice. This analysis considers the availability of resources to support excellent teaching, the utilization of those resources, and the forms of trouble-shooting that were needed to deal with unanticipated obstacles.

Main Research Questions:

1. How do social and organizational contexts facilitate or hinder attempts to change the core of practice in a school (in this instance, mathematics instruction in urban middle schools)?
2. What professional development policies and practices support ambitious pedagogy in mathematics within urban middle schools?
3. In what ways is a policy perspective a useful lens for viewing effective practice?
4. How do professional support and accountability interact in supporting ambitious pedagogical reform?
5. What policies and practices were associated with the building of a sustainable professional community in QUASAR schools, and with teacher turnover?

Method:

Case study research

Status:

Ongoing

Publications:

None to date.