Chapter 13: The Reported Use of Common Planning Time in High-Performing Middle Level Schools

Interdisciplinary teams are a common organizational structure found in middle level schools. Researchers suggest that the use of common planning time (CPT) enhances the effectiveness of interdisciplinary teams. As part of Phase II of the National Middle Grades Research Project on Common Planning Time, this study examined the specific functions and activities in which teachers are engaged during CPT and how often these activities occur. Further, the study explored the differences between high-performing middle schools, defined in this study as earning a Schools to Watch (STW) designation, with nondesignated schools. Results of the CPT Teacher Survey from 10 middle schools (5 STW and 5 nondesignated schools) indicated that, on average, STW had higher levels of implementation of CPT than nondesignated schools. Specifically, STW schools engaged in parent contact and team business activities on the most frequent basis (e.g., discussing student learning problems and issues, behavior problems and issues, special team activities), with developing and coordinating assessments and highlighting curriculum and instruction issues occurring at a moderate level.