An exploration, using a SENCo questionnaire and a senior management semi-structured interview schedule, of the continuing professional development (CPD) arrangements in place in primary schools in one local authority cluster

Smith, David Peter (2011). An exploration, using a SENCo questionnaire and a senior management semi-structured interview schedule, of the continuing professional development (CPD) arrangements in place in primary schools in one local authority cluster. University of Birmingham. Ed.Psych.D.

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Abstract

This thesis describes a practitioner led exploration carried out in two phases:

Phase 1. A scoping (Delphi) study that explored the school-based provision in place to meet the needs of pupils experiencing special educational needs, the outcome of which guided the choice of focus of the second phase. The scoping (Delphi) study findings highlighted the importance of continuing professional development (CPD) suggesting that it will have an increasingly significant role to play in preparing schools for a future in which they will become increasingly responsible for identifying, assessing, meeting, monitoring and reviewing the needs of their pupils.

Phase 2. An exploration (using a SENCo questionnaire and a senior management semi-structured interview schedule) of the CPD arrangements in place in primary schools in one local authority cluster.

The thesis describes, in as much detail as the available resources and goodwill allowed, the CPD practices that existed within one local authority cluster and compares these with best CPD practices as described in the literature
In addition to presenting a summary of best CPD practices, conclusions are drawn, and recommendations made, regarding: actions that schools in the sample cluster might wish to take to improve the efficacy of their CPD practices, actions that I can take to improve the efficacy of my own CPD practices, and actions that I can take to inform the CPD practices of those organisations, agencies and professionals with or for whom I work.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ed.Psych.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ed.Psych.D.

Supervisor(s):