Epistemological and pedagogical teacher conceptions,
paired with professional practical knowledge, are core factors
of teacher learning experiences that enable the transformation
of research into practice (Rivero et al. 2011).
With the vast array of content-based professional opportunities,
a low level of practice-based engagement in professional
development for STEM educators persists. Teacher
classroom practices, reflecting pedagogical content knowledge
and knowledge of learners, are very important. Even
short-term professional development can significantly impact
educators’ attitudes, preparedness, and responsiveness
to students with disabilities (Rule et al. 2011). Exemplary
teacher learning and professional development models have
been identified to promote notable successes with students
with disabilities or LEP (Burgstahler and Doe 2004; Lee et
al. 2004). However, many professional development opportunities
operate without identifiable evidence-based
frameworks (Schumm and Vaughn 1995; Avalos 2011).
As classrooms become more inclusive, many teachers
will need to provide additional accommodations for students
with disabilities and LEP. Professional development
can influence teacher’s perspectives and practices
in STEM teaching and narrow the achievement gaps between
the two concerned student groups and the
remaining student population (Lee et al. 2008; Hart and
Lee 2003; Gándara 2006). On the other hand, teachers’
perceptions of professional development could mediate
teaching practice and inform on-going and future professional
development offerings (Lee et al. 2008). In
addition, the focus of the STEM educational shift for
students with disabilities and LEP is in a gradual transition
from an exclusive subject content knowledge focus to the
development of associated reasoning and problem-solving
skills (Crippen and Archambault 2012), providing a direction
and charge for a new classroom context. Provided the
emerging trajectory of STEM education professional development
based on new learner needs and societal demands,
further targeted offerings are necessary. However,
levels and perceptions of meaningful STEM educator participation
in professional development specific to students
with disabilities and LEP are currently unclear from a
national perspective. To explore the professional development
status issue, an investigation was designed, coordinated,
and implemented.