Date

Fall 2023

ESRP 9000 Professor

Gina L. Peyton, Ed.D.

ESRP 9001 Professor

Gina L. Peyton, Ed.D.

Executive Summary

The Strategic Research Project (SRP) delves deeply into addressing the crucial issue of inadequate professional development (PD) opportunities within the International Baccalaureate (IB) organization, aiming to enhance the quality of education imparted by the program. The primary objective was to align professional development initiatives with the core values of the IB program, fostering globally competent, caring learners. This endeavor aimed to resolve the pivotal problem identified amidst the 40 factors analyzed—the lack of effective and tailored PD for IB educators. The identified problem, among the 40 factors, highlighted the deficiency in quality and tailored PD as a crucial issue. This encompassed gaps in pedagogical training, limited mentorship, and inadequate support for educators' growth. These shortcomings significantly impacted teaching quality and, consequently, the overall educational experience for IB students.

The selected strategy unfolds through a meticulously designed action plan comprising six fundamental steps. These steps, mirroring successful mentorship models outlined by Aspfors and Fransson (2015), include Needs Assessment and Mentor Selection, Program Design and Framework Development, Orientation and Training, Regular Check-Ins and Progress Evaluation, Community Building and Knowledge Sharing, and Continuous Improvement and Adaptation. This structured approach aligns with best practices, emphasizing the importance of regular evaluations, knowledge-sharing platforms, and adaptation to evolving needs.

Moreover, strategic recommendations propose enhancing PD through online platforms, structuring mentorship initiatives, allocating resources for comprehensive support, fostering collaborative partnerships, and embedding a culture of continuous improvement through regular feedback. For instance, Darling-Hammond et al. (2009) study on online mentorship platforms underscores the potential for global connectivity, aligning with the proposal to integrate online platforms for mentorship beyond geographical boundaries within the IB organization.

Document Type

Strategic Research Project-NSU Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

College

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education

Language

English

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