Examining the Impact of Teachers’ Domain on Teacher Knowledge and Student Achievement in Biology

CCT is examining how Teachers’ Domain online professional development in high school biology affects teachers’ content and pedagogical knowledge as well as their students’ achievement. During the last six years, Teachers’ Domain has brought together quality science materials and multimedia resources (videos, animations, and interactive Web-based activities for teachers and students) into online professional development courses. The courses invite teachers to move beyond surface familiarity with basic concepts and textbook presentations and expand the depth and richness of their content knowledge and teaching practice. Working in partnership with PBS’s TeacherLine and the Buffalo PBS affiliate WNED, CCT will conduct a experimental design study within New York State school districts to test the courses’ efficacy with high school biology teachers. The study will determine whether participating in the professional development courses on genetics and evolution expand teachers’ knowledge and pedagogical strategies as well as impact student achievement in these topics.