| This study examines possibilities for improving student achievement in the Faith Works Schools in Zambia, Africa. Faith Works is a system of community schools providing basic education to students in grade one to grade seven in three of the poorest communities in Lusaka. The study is comprised of two parts, a conceptual piece and a sample training manual. The conceptual part is divided into three sections: An examination of the problem of practice in context including a review of Zambian history, politics and the educational system, a review of the literature around professional development and comparative education, and a summary of how the project was put together. Hence, the training manual is founded on this knowledge base. The manual will serve as an addendum to the Zambian SPRINT manual. For purposes of this capstone a draft version of the manual is included providing background knowledge and directions for implementing three sample sessions of Teacher Group Meeting. These sessions provide an example of ways the Teacher Group Meetings can provide significant ways to inform, hone, and practice the Faith Works teachers' craft with one another. It is hoped that this manual can have practical application for all schools in Zambia. |
