Purpose of a Study Team
As The Primary Program: Growing and Learning in the Heartland is being considered or implemented in schools, the development of study teams serves as a useful strategy for creating a network of information, communication, and commitment to support best classroom practices. The study team concept presents a way for staff to work in cooperative groups to identify issues and goals, to research professional literature, to share experiences, and to problem-solve real situations.

Organizing a Study Team
A study team consists of a small group (e.g., two to eight persons) guided by a common purpose or goal. Teachers, administrators, support staff, parents, and other community representatives may be considered for inclusion in the team to build partnerships in the education process. For optimum use of The Primary Program: Growing and Learning in the Heartland, it is beneficial for teams to meet regularly (e.g., weekly, biweekly, or monthly) for designated periods of time (30-60 minutes.) During this time, team members discuss readings related to various components of The Primary Program and strategies for implementation in the classrooms.

Preparing for Study Team Meetings
For a study team to be effective, its members need to understand the study team process and the ongoing commitment it requires. A study team is more than a group of individuals who get together periodically to talk about what is happening; rather, it is a group of individuals who come together and are guided by a common goal or purpose. Members of the study team develop an interdependence that not only allows for information to be shared, but also creates a support system for individuals and the team. Interaction and support among colleagues is important in the professional growth process.

Preparing for study team meetings is important for the team-building process and the overall success of the study team. Study team members rotate roles and responsibilities at the meetings and each member contributes to the decision-making process. Ground rules established when the study team is formed help to clarify the process and build a sense of trust within the team. A consistent structure for the meetings helps the team to accomplish its goals and complete its assignments within the time frame established. Using a meeting log to record the role and activities at each study team meeting helps to keep the team focused in achieving its goals. Maintaining a notebook or file of the meeting logs serves as an ongoing reference, a system of accountability, and documentation of team accomplishments.

Description of the Study Team Collections
The study team materials in the three collections include articles and documents which provide rationale and information to support the concepts and practices in The Primary Program: Growing and Learning in the Heartland. The information is intended to serve as a resource to educators as they study curriculum practices and make decisions about what is most appropriate and effective for the children in their classrooms. Permission to photocopy any of the articles for use within a planned building or district staff development program in Iowa or Nebraska has been obtained by the Nebraska Department of Education.

Volume I	(General articles and documents)
Volume II	(General articles)
Volume III	(Articles of Special Interest to Administrators)

For more information about creating or supporting study teams, please contact the early childhood consultant/specialist at your local AEA.