| The purpose of this study was to determine whether the NSDC Standards were reflected in the staff development practices of selected Academically Acceptable and Recognized/Exemplary school districts in Texas and to determine if there was a significant difference in the responses of staff development program directors pertaining to the implementation of the Standards of staff development practices between the selected school districts, after stratifying for district size, percent of economically disadvantaged, and total instructional expenditures per pupil.; A cluster evaluation approach, which is considered a part of descriptive research, utilizing a cross-sectional survey research method, was used in this study. According to Isaac & Michael (1995), descriptive research adds knowledge to the field by describing "the facts and characteristics of a given population or area of interest factually and accurately" (p.18).; The researcher accessed the Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS) section of the Texas Education Agency website. Within PEIMS, the researcher retrieved specific information regarding district accountability rating, district size, percent of economically disadvantaged, and total per pupil expenditures. From this information, the researcher applied a strict stratifying technique. There were 195 Texas school districts that met the criteria. Data was collected through a survey questionnaire entitled, Self-Assessment of Implementation of NSDC Standards, which was mailed to the Staff Development Director at each of the 195 school districts. Of the 195 subjects, 137 responded.; This study found implementation of the NSDC Standards was reflected in the staff development practices of selected Academically Acceptable and Recognized/Exemplary school districts in Texas. In addition, the researcher concluded from the data that no differences exist between Acceptable and Recognized/Exemplary school districts regarding implementation of the Context Standards. However, the researcher found that Recognized/Exemplary school districts have a higher level of implementation of the Process Standards and the Content Standards of staff development.; The researcher determined that implementation of the Process Standards and the Content Standards of staff development are characteristic of successful school districts (school districts rated Recognized/Exemplary). The qualities shared by successful school districts provide evidence that supports the utilization of the National Staff Development Council's Standards for professional development. |
