Abstract
Professional development in science education aims to support teacher learning with the ultimate goal of improving student achievement. A multitude of factors influence teacher change and the effectiveness of professional development. This review of the literature explores these factors and identifies school and district science leaders as a critical factor missing from current professional development models. School and district leaders play a significant role in the planning and implementation of professional development, as well as providing ongoing leadership to support teacher change. Considering this role, school district leaders are not just a contextual factor, but rather an integral part of the process and should be integrated into and considered part of any professional development model in science education.
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Whitworth, B.A., Chiu, J.L. Professional Development and Teacher Change: The Missing Leadership Link. J Sci Teacher Educ 26, 121–137 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10972-014-9411-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10972-014-9411-2