Iowa Professional Development Model – TAPP Overview
In 2003, ED awarded $15 million in multi-year, evaluation grants to 9 states, including Arkansas, Iowa, Maine, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The studies conducted scientifically-based research on how technology impacts student achievement in elementary and secondary education. Final reports were published in 2007.
The Iowa Professional Development Model provides teachers with sustainable professional development through face-to-face, video conferencing and online resources. In addition, teachers were provided with technology-based curriculum interventions for math and reading, coupled with assessment tools to track student progress and individualize instruction. The teachers were grouped in regional cohorts via a consortium. Researchers found student achievement gains in both and math and reading.