Journal of Education and Human Development

The Journey to Implementing Best Practices: Lessons Learned
Kristi L. Santi, Ph.D.

Abstract
The author discusses teacher preparation in the context of the increasing diversity in public school settings. A brief review of the literature on teacher preparation and student demographics is provided and highlights the challenges associated with teacher preparation. The author then presents a study of two teachers, at the same school, who are at different stages in their teaching careers. The study is presented as a means to highlight the need for improved teacher training and professional development as well as to highlight the school’s attempt to implement research-based strategies to improve rigor and relevance in daily instruction. The school’s struggle to implement programs with fidelity, along with the turnover in leadership, is indicative of nationwide issues. The article concludes with lessons learned in the attempt to make a system-wide change to improve academic outcomes for all learners.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jehd.v4n3a4