Chapter 8: A Case Study of Effective Common Planning Time and Its Positive Outcomes

This chapter presents the findings of a qualitative case study that explored common planning time (CPT) across 2 grade levels at 1 suburban middle school. The researcher observed 2 CPT meetings at both the seventh- and eighth-grade levels and conducted interviews with 4 seventh-grade teachers and 2 eighth-grade teachers. The data illustrated the positive impact CPT has on both teachers and students and pointed to key components for implementing effective CPT in the middle school. With professional development and a mandatory and consistent structure with administrative support, CPT can positively affect student behavior and enhances teacher work climate. Additionally, although the data were not conclusive on the impact of CPT on student achievement, the teachers perceived that CPT can positively affect student grades and classroom success.