Hilda Borko’s (2004) research on the primary components defining effective schoolbased
professional development programs was utilized as a conceptual framework. These
highly interrelated components, which include program goals, the teachers within the school,
the professional development coordinator, and the program’s context, helped to focus attention
on the types of data to collect. First, the various processes guiding the functional and
philosophical direction of Rolling Meadow’s professional development program were
identified and examined. Second, at the core of these processes are the lives of teachers.
Listening to those [teachers] "who are learners in the system" not only serves as valuable
insight into their core beliefs about professional development, but also provides information
about their role in deciding the types of professional development experiences that are most
beneficial (Borko, 2004, p. 4). To do this, the researcher surveyed teachers and attended faculty
meetings to find out more about how these individuals understood professional development
at Rolling Meadows. Third, the researchers set out to understand the role of the professional
development coordinator who was recently hired to oversee the program's development,
implementation, and growth. Fourth, both the schools’ Board of Trustees and its Head of the
school have decided the Rolling Meadows professional development program will focus
supporting teachers create 21st century learning contexts. Hence, data on the extent to which
these competencies were reflected in the program's philosophy, stated goals, and context was
analyzed.