Innovation Configurations
Teacher effectiveness, equitable distribution, and teacher preparation are inextricably linked. Recognizing that evidence-based practices account for at least part of the effects of teachers on achievement and the critical role of teacher preparation, the TQ Center offers the following innovation configurations to promote the implementation of evidence-based instructional practices in teacher preparation activities, which is an allowable funding expenditure within ARRA. Innovation configurations are designed to evaluate current teacher preparation and professional development by determining the extent to which evidence-based practices are taught, observed, and applied within teacher preparation and professional development programs. Use of innovation configurations advances collaborative practices and encourages an examination of the similarities, differences, and gaps among programs.
Innovation configurations are designed to improve teacher education, which, in turn, can lead to improved student achievement. Use of innovation configurations to evaluate teacher education programs and professional development activities provides an overview of the competencies taught and practiced within general and special education teacher preparation programs. Innovation configuration results provide credible information about current practices and can be used as the basis or rationale for policy and program changes in teacher preparation and professional development programs at the district, state, and university levels.
Scientifically Based Reading Instruction Innovation Configuration 
This innovation configuration is based on the established scientifically based reading research and can be used to evaluate general and special education teacher preparation and professional development programs for improving the teaching of reading.
Classroom Organization and Behavior Management Innovation Configuration
This innovation configuration outlines effective classroom management strategies, highlighting the specific content and level of training that should be addressed in preservice teacher preparation and professional development efforts.
Inclusive Services Innovation Configuration
This innovation configuration identifies the components of inclusive services that should be incorporated in teacher preparation at the preservice and inservice levels. These components can be used to evaluate general and special education teacher preparation and professional development programs.
Learning Strategy Instruction Innovation Configuration
This innovation configuration identifies the kinds of knowledge and skills teachers need to be competent learning strategy instructors.
Response to Intervention Innovation Configuration
This innovation configuration emphasizes and illustrates the response to intervention (RTI) concepts and principles at the secondary level that are key teacher competencies. In addition, domains of preparation that hold promise for successful application of RTI are described.
Linking Assessment and Instruction Innovation Configuration
This innovation configuration identifies the skills and competencies teachers need to make sound decisions about using assessment information to improve instruction and establishes a framework and justification for effective ways that teachers can collect and use assessment data to make instructional decisions.
Evidence-Based Mathematics Instruction Innovation Configuration
This innovation configuration is offered as a means of evaluating and aligning teacher preparation and professional development activities to promote stronger learning in mathematics in accordance with recent recommendations of the National Mathematics Advisory Panel.
Innovations Configurations: Guidelines for Use in Institutions of Higher Education and Professional Development Evaluation
This document describes the content and purpose of innovation configurations, outlines their intended use as syllabus evaluation tools, and provides scoring guidelines and examples for clarification.
