Implementation of "turning points 2000" recommendations: a survey of mid-western pennsylvania middle level teachers' beliefs and practice

Implementation of "turning points 2000" recommendations: a survey of mid-western pennsylvania middle level teachers' beliefs and practice. (2011). Implementation of "turning points 2000" recommendations: a survey of mid-western pennsylvania middle level teachers' beliefs and practice.

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Title	Implementation of "turning points 2000" recommendations: a survey of mid-western pennsylvania middle level teachers' beliefs and practice
Abstract	This study investigated middle school teacher perceptions toward, and practices in the implementation of, a comprehensive school reform called the Turning Points 2000. The second purpose of this study was to examine possible factors that influence middle school teachers' attitudes and practices toward implementation of the Turning Points 2000 Recommendations. The third intent was to measure if middle school teachers are using effective instructional methods that are directly related to the Turning Points 2000 Recommendations. Lastly, another area of research that was explored is whether Comprehensive School Reform models have been inadequately implemented. Middle level teachers were surveyed in Midwestern IU 4 Pennsylvania public schools in grades 5-8. A 39% return rate was reached so the IU 4 middle level teachers became the target audience for this study with 121 teachers responding. Data were collected through the use of a modified survey entitled the Middle Level Awareness and Practice Questionnaire (MLAPQ). Cronbach's alpha was computed for 39 specific items in areas of both awareness and practice questions. The study found five major findings from the analysis of the data. First, based on the years of experience of teachers it was apparent that staffing of schools with experts of the middle level was a concern. Second, the data points out the lack of middle level course work being taken by a majority of the teachers surveyed. On-going professional development for teachers entering the middle level needs to occur to improve the subject area expertise and the pedagogical skills. Third, through the review of mean scores it became evident that teachers were aware and practiced Turning Points Recommendations to an average level. Individual and institutional factors influenced teachers from fully implementing all recommendations to the highest level possible. Fourth, teachers have changed to develop a good climate for the school through core recommendations but are not at the level for a cultural change to institute non-traditional reform strategies. Lastly, the data from this study points out the lack of on-going training in middle school philosophy and strategies which impedes the implementation of the Turning Points 2000 recommendations.
Date	2011

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Title: Implementation of "turning points 2000" recommendations: a survey of mid-western pennsylvania middle level teachers' beliefs and practice
Personal Name(s): Pendred, Michael J., II
Marcoline, Joseph F.
Corporate Name(s): Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Professional Studies in Education.
Note: Publisher info.: Dissertation/Thesis.
Advisors: Marcoline, Joseph F. Committee members: Cathy Kaufman; Robert Millward.
Topical Subject(s): Middle School education
Education history
Teacher education
Education reform
Teacher attitudes
Teaching methods