This blog post was written by WestEd’s Aleata Hubbard, Rebecah Busselle, and Kirsten Daehler.

WestEd is excited to be working with 100Kin10* and ExxonMobil to conduct an environmental scan and gap analysis of methods used to evaluate professional learning opportunities for K–8 science teachers.

You’re probably already aware that there is a severe shortage of science teachers around the country. Teacher professional learning plays a big role in the improvement and retention of science teachers, but there are many unknowns about its effectiveness and impact.

Through a process that includes a literature review, interviews with experts in professional learning, a survey, and an “unconference” attended by professional learning providers and funders, we will explore:

  • What tools and processes are providers using to evaluate their professional learning programs?
  • How can we improve the evaluation of professional learning opportunities for science teachers?

Our findings and recommendations will be summarized in a white paper available to the field next spring. Stay tuned to this blog for updates on our activities over the coming year!

*100Kin10 is a national network committed to solving one of the nation’s pressing challenges — giving students a great STEM education — by adding 100,000 more, excellent STEM teachers to America’s classrooms by 2021.