Evaluation of MCPS In-Service Training.

A large scale evaluation of the Montgomery County, Maryland, Public Schools in-service training program for teachers was conducted in 1981. Approximately 1300 teachers were surveyed and over 30 school principals were interviewed. Overall, the data show considerable interest in continued training among teachers of all ages and experience levels. Ninety-seven percent of the sample said that additional training would be beneficial in one or more areas and 95 percent expressed an active interest in receiving training in the next two years. Interviews with the principals revealed some interesting similarities and differences in teachers' and principals' assessments of potentially beneficial areas of training. Generally, the respondents felt that the school district courses were useful, although a number of suggestions for improvement were offered. The data show that approximately 59 percent of all teachers responding attended at least one in-service training course during the last three years and 63 percent indicated that they expected to take courses in the next three years. The study shows that despite the fact that the teaching force is becoming increasingly older and more experienced, a substantial demand for continued in-service training exists. (BW)