Using this approach,
we demonstrated significant knowledge gains on weather content with each program run
(i.e. Songer, 1998; Songer et al., 2001) as we realized increased numbers of students
and schools each year. With each run of the program, we gathered data from teachers
allowing us to formulate the following general characteristics of our maverick
teachers:
• The teacher is an early adopter of other reform programs and is therefore experienced
and comfortable with risk-taking and overcoming small or large obstacles common
in new innovations.
• The teacher enjoys a great deal of flexibility and autonomy in decisions over pedagogy
and curricular implementation, including less pressure from standardized tests or
curriculum objectives than is present in most urban schools and/or schools at risk for
school failure.
• The teacher has key support structures in their building, including strong administrative
and technological supports.