An Innovative Cross-Cultural In-Service Training Model: Findings from a Multi-Year Project

The effectiveness of a unique model of in-service training involving U.S. teacher educators and school teachers from Belize, Central America, is described based upon findings from a consecutive three-year period of the project. An evaluation component was integrated to provide a structure for program improvement, in which formative and summative data assisted in documenting the changes that had occurred. Delivered to three very different teacher populations, the project's effectiveness in providing professional development on nine topics related to special education was found to affect personal dispositions, enhance knowledge, and contribute to the attainment of new skills in profound and significant ways. Pertinent issues that emerged and implications for improving the in-service model are discussed. (Contains 6 tables.)