Chapter 14: Common Planning Time in Oregon Middle Schools: An Endangered Model

This quantitative study used the CPT Teacher Survey, an online survey, developed for the National Middle Grades Research Project on Common Planning Time–Phase II (Flowers, Mertens, Anfara, & Caskey, 2009) to explore teachers’ perceptions of common planning time (CPT) in 3 Oregon middle schools. Purposes of the study included examining: (a) teachers’ self-reported use of CPT, (b) preparation to use CPT, and (c) barriers and benefits associated with CPT. Responses from 43 teachers were eligible for inclusion in the study. Results revealed teachers’ use of CPT centered on students’ learning and behavior. Data evidenced scarce attention to CPT during preservice preparation programs or professional development workshops. Teachers identified barriers to CPT as: (a) lack of time in team meetings to make progress toward goals and (b) lack of a meeting agenda or plan of action. Teachers also noted the benefits of CPT including (a) work with students and (b) high expectations for student achievement.