Understanding National Standards: An Evaluation of a Professional Development Program for Mathematics Teachers.

"PBS Mathline Middle School Math Project" is a national program offered by the Public Broadcasting System (PBS) to local affiliates to increase middle school teachers' understanding of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Standards, encourage discourse among teachers, and develop classroom applications based on video models of teaching. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Mathline Professional Development Program in a midwestern metropolitan region. This paper presents some of the initial findings and describes some of the issues involved in the evaluation, development, and implementation of such a program. The evaluation sought to detail the impact of the program on participating teachers. In addition, the elements of the program were evaluated to determine their effectiveness. Teachers responded favorably to the lessons they had tried and believed that the video lessons lend themselves to integration in the teacher's classroom. On-line discussions were also part of the program but there were teachers who never participated, usually because of technical difficulties. The Mathline survey filled out by teachers is included. (PVD)