IV.  School-Centered Programs

The California Subject Matter Projects (CSMPs)
The CSMPs provide professional development to K-12 teachers throughout California. An evaluation study by Inverness Research Associates reports that in 1993-94, over 67,000 teachers participated in the institutes and other events sponsored by the CSMPs.  During this same year the CSMPs offered more than five hours of professional development, on average, for every teacher in California.  These professional development activities were provided at 93 sites by the eight discipline-based projects that comprise the overall program. 

Extensive evaluation studies have examined the quantity, quality, and cost-effectiveness of professional development provided by the CSMPs.  Findings support the conclusion that participation in the CSMPs enhances teachers discipline-specific pedagogical skills.  One study showed evidence of improvements in classroom teaching attributable to participation in the CSMPs. 

Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment (BTSA)
BTSA is a support and professional development program for beginning teachers.  BTSA serves 1000 beginning teachers each year.  The program provides mentoring, group support and problem-solving, and standards to assist beginning teachers in classroom practices.  Evaluation studies have shown dramatic reductions in the attrition rates of teachers in BTSA.

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