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371. [Article] Explaining Health Technology Adoption: Past, Present, Future
One of the most pressing challenges of healthcare innovation today is the lack of technology adoption. Research that improves our ability to understand, predict, and advance technology adoption in health ...Citation Citation
- Title:
- Explaining Health Technology Adoption: Past, Present, Future
- Author:
- Rahimi, Noshad, Jetter, Antonie J.
- Year:
- 2015
One of the most pressing challenges of healthcare innovation today is the lack of technology adoption. Research that improves our ability to understand, predict, and advance technology adoption in health care needs to be based on well-tested theories. With the interest to conduct high quality research in health technology adoption in future, this study reviews the theories used in this context to either identify the superior theory(ies) and or discover the issues that need resolution for improving future HTA researches. To do that, the most popular [1][2] social cognitive theories conceived over the past four decades are reviewed analytically from the perspective of their capacity to explain, predict and intervene in health technology acceptance, adoption and adherence. While all these theories are instrumental in conducting adoption studies, and some like UTAUT (Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology) are better than others at it, there is no perfect theory to study HTA. Literature repeatedly suggests that while utilizing general theories that have successfully passed the test of time could serve as a strong foundation, there is a compelling need for new and more empirical theories. There is a need for health researchers to expedite theoretical evolution by conducting comprehensive observation and rigorous evaluation to 1) manipulate and expand existing theories and or 2) create new theories that better address the specific needs and challenges of health technology application to enhance the utility and better reflect empirical findings. The structure of this paper is as follows. After summarizing the specifics of health technology innovations, the primary challenges in its acceptance are categorized. From there the body of this paper is dedicated to the review of most popular social cognitive theories, as depicted in Figure 1, from: 1) general human behavior repeatedly applied in healthcare studies and rooted HTA researches, and 2) theories dedicated - o the study of technology acceptance behavior and applied as the prominent theories in studying HTA. Each theory is reviewed, followed by examples of its applications especially in modeling health technology adoption (HTA) behavior. Each theory is then evaluated based on the salient factors involved in the study of technology innovation in healthcare space in addition to the classical influencing concepts in technology adoption behavior. In the discussion section, these theories are compared and the applications studied are synthesized in the attempt to identify some of the best theories and state of the art practices used in the study of HTA. The conclusion section summarizes the findings of the literature and recommends best approaches for conducting empirical studies and planning effective processes that stimulate theoretical evolution in HTA and facilitate enhancement of acceptance of health technology innovations.
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372. [Article] An Individual-Based Process Model to Simulate Landscape-Scale Forest Ecosystem Dynamics
Forest ecosystem dynamics emerges from nonlinear interactions between adaptive biotic agents (i.e., individual trees) and their relationship with a spatially and temporally heterogeneous abiotic environment. ...Citation Citation
- Title:
- An Individual-Based Process Model to Simulate Landscape-Scale Forest Ecosystem Dynamics
- Author:
- Seidi, Rupert, Rammer, Werner, Scheller, Robert M., Spies, Thomas A.
- Year:
- 2012
Forest ecosystem dynamics emerges from nonlinear interactions between adaptive biotic agents (i.e., individual trees) and their relationship with a spatially and temporally heterogeneous abiotic environment. Understanding and predicting the dynamics resulting from these complex interactions is crucial for the sustainable stewardship of ecosystems, particularly in the context of rapidly changing environmental conditions. Here we present iLand (the individual-based forest landscape and disturbance model), a novel approach to simulating forest dynamics as an emergent property of environmental drivers, ecosystem processes and dynamic interactions across scales. Our specific objectives were (i) to describe the model, in particular its novel approach to simulate spatially explicit individual-tree competition for resources over large scales within a process-based framework of physiological resource use, and (ii) to present a suite of evaluation experiments assessing iLands ability to simulate tree growth and mortality for a wide range of forest ecosystems. Adopting an approach rooted in ecological field theory, iLand calculates a continuous field of light availability over the landscape, with every tree represented by a mechanistically derived, size- and species-dependent pattern of light interference. Within a hierarchical multi-scale framework productivity is derived at stand-level by means of a light-use efficiency approach, and downscaled to individuals via local light availability. Allocation (based on allometric ratios) and mortality (resulting from carbon starvation) are modeled at the individual-tree level, accounting for adaptive behavior of trees in response to their environment. To evaluate the model we conducted simulations over the extended environmental gradient of a longitudinal transect in Oregon, USA, and successfully compared results against independently observed productivity estimates (63.4% of variation explained) and mortality patterns in even-aged stands. This transect experiment was furthermore replicated for a different set of species and ecosystems in the Austrian Alps, documenting the robustness and generality of our approach. Model performance was also successfully evaluated for structurally and compositionally complex old-growth forests in the western Cascades of Oregon. Finally, the ability of our approach to address forest ecosystem dynamics at landscape scales was demonstrated by a computational scaling experiment. In simulating the emergence of ecosystem patterns and dynamics as a result of complex process interactions across scales our approach has the potential to contribute crucial capacities to understanding and fostering forest ecosystem resilience under changing climatic conditions.
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This thesis reports on the perspectives and experiences of policymakers, advocates, agency supervisors, and experts in the field of gerontology, about the development of Aging and Disability Resource Centers ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- The Historical, Political, Social, and Individual Factors That Have Influenced the Development of Aging and Disability Resource Centers and Options Counseling
- Author:
- Elliott, Sheryl DeJoy
- Year:
- 2013
This thesis reports on the perspectives and experiences of policymakers, advocates, agency supervisors, and experts in the field of gerontology, about the development of Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC) programs and Options Counseling (OC). By examining the foundations upon which ADRCs and OC are built, this study sought to inform future research about the effectiveness of existing practice, increase understanding of best practices, and clarify whether these emerging services are accomplishing original goals. ADRCs and OC intend to address long-term care issues and healthcare needs by providing a single entry point to the social service system. ADRCs offer information, assistance, and OC to people of all ages, incomes, and disabilities, and promote long-term care options that honor independence and respect for the needs and preferences of individuals, their families, and caregivers. They are the latest iteration of policymakers' efforts to provide affordable home-and community-based care for older persons and their caregivers. A total of fifteen qualitative interviews were conducted and analyzed using grounded theory methods. Key persons interviewed included experts in the area of aging, aging policy, and aging. Participants were recruited through referrals suggested by Portland State University's (PSU) Institute on Aging (IOA) staff. In addition, several key experts known to the researcher through affiliation with PSU's IOA agreed to be interviewed. Snowball sampling was then used to locate additional key experts. Interview participants were classified as advocates, state decision makers, policy makers, or academicians. Advocates included national and state directors of agencies that promote the development and management of effective services to aging adults. State decision makers included state directors, ADRC directors and supervisors, and program analysts. Policy makers interviewed were national program directors responsible for shaping the future of developing programs to assist older adults. Academicians who participated in the study have been instrumental in developing and researching practices that promote well-being for the aging and the aged. These key experts were selected based on their knowledge and ability to inform the strengths, weakness, and development of ADRCs and Options Counseling. Many have been instrumental in health and aging policy and service development and research, and possess insider knowledge not available to the general public regarding attitudes and interests motivating the actors. Findings indicate that ADRCs and OC are designed to manage within existing social service systems. They can benefit some individuals by providing more options and support in accessing public and private services. It remains to be seen whether they have the capacity to ameliorate some existing system-level problems. Findings highlight program strengths and weaknesses, sustainability issues, and policymakers, state decision makers', and providers' commitment to sustaining ADRCs and OC.
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A sample of two hundred and twenty-five high technology start-up firms located nationwide provided a base for the analysis of characteristics of start-up success. The analysis provides insights into management ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- A Comparative Study of the Characteristics of High Technology Start-Up Firms
- Author:
- Kiehl, Sandra J.
- Year:
- 1988
A sample of two hundred and twenty-five high technology start-up firms located nationwide provided a base for the analysis of characteristics of start-up success. The analysis provides insights into management capabilities which may be generalized to a larger population. For comparison purposes, the sample was divided into two groups: (1) those firms which have not received a venture capital infusion from a formal venture capital company and (2) those firms which have received one or more infusions of venture capital. Aspects of organizational climate, top management team approach, marketing strategy and focus, business planning and the intent to go public as a means of addressing future financing needs were examined. Hypothesis testing was accomplished through the employment of ANOVA and Chi-Square. Based upon the results of the testing of each of the hypotheses, the following conclusions are drawn: 1. Based upon those aspects examined, both the funded and unfunded firms embrace practices which strongly manifest those of an organic organization. The strong propensities toward both open communication channels and participatory decision making are indicative of the lack of formal structure present in these organizations. In addition, creativity is strongly supported, as it should be, by the notion that failure is viewed in a positive context as a necessary component of both being creative and making technological advancements. 2. The team approach to management is practiced by both funded and unfunded firms; although the venture capital funded firms have a higher quality top management team when quality is defined by aggregate primary past functional experience. The funded firm has a larger team which, in turn, brings more years of experience, a higher aggregate level of organizational responsibility, and more diversity of functional capability. This diversity provides balance in terms of complementary functional skills. Additional strength is added to the top management team of the funded firms due to a higher percentage of members whose prior experience is directly related to the functional capacity in which they now serve. Similarly, the funded firm is more likely to have management team members whose previous experience was in a firm whose core technology was the same or very similar to that of the start-up. 3. There do not appear to be significant differences between the venture capital funded and unfunded firms regarding the various marketing oriented characteristics. Both groups tend to be market driven with a solutions orientation. 4. The high technology start-up firm which has received venture capital funding is more likely to go public than the unfunded firm. 5. Business planning is practiced by the majority of all high technology start-up firms, although the funded firms do so to a greater extent. Not only do virtually all funded firms prepare business plans, but the plans themselves appear to be more extensive. Additionally; the primary purpose for which the funded firm prepares the plan is for venture capital acquisition. On the other hand, the unfunded firms perform business plan preparation to a lesser extent, but do so because of operating necessity. The results of this study have implications for the nascent entrepreneur in the high technology arena and researchers alike toward the end of providing a more complete understanding of some of the critical components essential to the success of a start-up.
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The potential harm caused to bees and other pollinators by the widespread use of neonicotinoids has the capacity to pose a real and immediate threat to both the environment and humans. The benefits that ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- BEE CAUSE: Is Legislative Action Protecting Bees from Neonicotinoids Justified?
- Author:
- Squire, Ursula A.
- Year:
- 2016
The potential harm caused to bees and other pollinators by the widespread use of neonicotinoids has the capacity to pose a real and immediate threat to both the environment and humans. The benefits that bees and other pollinators provide, combined with the potential of harm they may face, are important enough to warrant a more comprehensive testing apparatus by which to evaluate threats to their population. Environmentally, bees and other pollinators are an important piece of ecosystemic balance--from pest management to pollination of plants that are a part of many species' diet. Anthropologically speaking, the way of life humans have been accustomed to and even need in order to survive is also largely dependent on a healthy population of bees and other pollinators; up to 70% of plants and vegetables we eat are directly a result of pollinators, and one third of every mouthful humans consume is attributed to pollinators. Without a healthy population of pollinators, the agricultural variety and nutritional availability would drastically decrease. Moreover, these agricultural products pollinators are responsible for also affect billions of dollars on both a national and global level. In many ways, the economic stability of the United States is at an equal risk as the pollinators. For example, an inability to produce many of our own agricultural staples would leave local and regional livelihoods disrupted and change the United States' import/export position. Moreover, this is not just a national problem. Pollinators are responsible for over 150 billion dollars globally in agriculture. Many of the nutrients humans need to be healthy would be in short supply. While scientists continue to study the possible effects of neonicotinoids on pollinators, how should policy makers respond? In this thesis, I argue that the various and drastic ways in which pollinators impact our environment and every day life, combined with the potential of the harsh threats their collapse would entail, warrant a more stringent approach to the evaluation of potential harms like neonicotinoids. An ethical risk assessment, as I define one, would be an appropriate tool to apply to this situation to guide policy makers in drafting regulations even in the absence of scientific certainty. Ethical risk assessments are a tool by which to evaluate the moral and ethical responsibilities in a whole host of different scenarios, one of which is neonics and pollinators. In other words, this ethical risk assessment will be used as an instrument by which to determine whether or not there is a sufficient risk to the population of pollinators, thus determining whether regulation is appropriate. Through application of this risk assessment, I will show that in this particular case regulation is appropriate due to the risks neonics pose to pollinators in light of the evidence that we do have. I develop a set of criteria for an ethical risk assessment. The criteria are a result of a combination of existing literature and some novel connections I draw here. This list, I argue, is what constitutes an ethical risk assessment. Ethical risk assessment, grounded in Utility Theory, is appropriate here because of its calculative apparatus and sociopolitical applicability.
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376. [Article] Production of A thousand clowns
The project chosen for partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Teaching in the field of Theater Arts was the production of Herb Gardner’s comedy, A Thousand Clowns. ...Citation Citation
- Title:
- Production of A thousand clowns
- Author:
- Sowle, Clifford John
- Year:
- 1968
The project chosen for partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Teaching in the field of Theater Arts was the production of Herb Gardner’s comedy, A Thousand Clowns. This particular play was chosen because it met production requirements more closely than any other script considered for the project. The project involved, after selection of the script, casting the characters, a six-week rehearsal period, consulting with the technical staff on matters of lighting, setting, and costumes, four performances at the Portland State College Idea Theater, two performances at the Oregon State Penitentiary, and the compiling of a complete Play Production Book which describes all phases of the production. Existing standards of play direction and projection book composition were observed throughout the production period. Special emphasis was placed on each actor’s development of his character, remembering that an educational theater situation is also a learning situation for all concerned. Character relationships became extremely important to the sense of script, as the play is actually built on a series of character sketches in which we see many contemporary American types. The play’s conflict is seen through character and is obvious from the first few lines of Act I. Murray Burns has made his value judgments on American society and has found the latter to be far below his expectations. He is now attempting to live by his own eccentric rules and, at the same time, retain custody of his nephew, who is in the process of being removed from his home by the Bureau of Child Welfare. Into this theme of individuality versus structure is woven the familiar boy-meets-girl pattern. The entire play, consequently, depends on character and inter-character relationships. The play’s pure entertainment value was stressed, rather than any moral message which might have been present in the script. The play is funny, but there are definite deficiencies in the areas of plot development and the play’s philosophy. The purpose of the production was to present consistently a humorous, enjoyable evening of theater for the audiences and a beneficial learning situation for the actors, director, and production staff. After several casting difficulties and minor technical slow-downs, A Thousand Clowns enjoyed near capacity houses at P.S.C. and an extremely warm reception from the members of Oregon State Prison’s Upward Bound program. The show increased in effectiveness at each performance. Character came through to the audiences. Serious pace problems involving quick timing from beginning to end were solved. The actors did the work themselves. They improved their craft and learned and benefitted from this experience. From the director’s standpoint, the experience was enjoyable and profitable, provoking new ideas and calling upon new methods to work them out.
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The purpose of this study is to optimize a set of distributed energy resources (DERs) on an electric utility distribution level feeder. A DER is a decentralized resource, usually located at end-use electric ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Optimizing Distributed Energy Resources on a Distribution Feeder
- Author:
- Henry, Bill, MacDonald, Stephen, Wehner, Nicole, McBride, Gabe, Groth, Tyler
- Year:
- 2017
The purpose of this study is to optimize a set of distributed energy resources (DERs) on an electric utility distribution level feeder. A DER is a decentralized resource, usually located at end-use electric utility customer sites, that stores or generates electricity – such as batteries and rooftop photovoltaic solar, or in the case of demand response, in which the utility has the ability to manage electricity consumption to the benefit of distribution grid operation. The aggregation and optimization of a set of DERs of disparate operating characteristics, over a period of three years is performed and the methods employed explained. This aggregation of DERs is evaluated to determine if the required performance characteristics are present to meet specific distribution operation needs. In this case, the peak electricity demand experienced on the feeder exceeds its capacity to supply energy from the bulk electricity grid, and a portfolio of seven DER types is evaluated over the course of two peak winter and two peak summer days for a period of three years. The optimization model selects the lowest cost portfolio of DERs based on the fixed and variable costs of these resources, and their operating characteristics. If the portfolio is capable of meeting the load service requirements, utility planners may compare DER costs against alternative means of these requirements such as upgrading substation or distribution line equipment. This study researched the methodology surrounding new planning methods such as distribution resources planning (DRP) form the perspectives of both public and private organizations to understand where the topic currently stands in terms of development, maturity, and need for additional research. The literature review sought to understand the perspectives of stakeholders as well as the supporting methodologies for construction of distribution and DER optimization models. One thing was clear - there were no definitive optimization plans for DERs, and many studies could only make recommendations based on limitations and assumptions outlined in models constructed for specific and often limited purposes. The model presented here furthers the DER optimization research by creating a scalable model that selects a feasible portfolio of incremental DERs to meet a load growth on a hypothetical feeder while simultaneously minimizing the cost of the given portfolio. Our results show that there is a sound business case to be made in certain instances for a utility provider to implement incremental DERs to satisfy load growth as an alternative to proceeding with a traditional asset project such as a transformer or distribution circuit conductor replacement.
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378. [Article] The Braid That Binds Us: The Impact of Neoliberalism, Criminalization, and Professionalization on Domestic Violence Work
The American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare recently released its Grand Challenges for Social Work. ‘‘Ending gender-based violence’’ (also referenced as domestic violence [DV] or intimate partner ...Citation Citation
- Title:
- The Braid That Binds Us: The Impact of Neoliberalism, Criminalization, and Professionalization on Domestic Violence Work
- Author:
- Mehrotra, Gita R., Kimball, Ericka, Wahab, Stéphanie
- Year:
- 2016
The American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare recently released its Grand Challenges for Social Work. ‘‘Ending gender-based violence’’ (also referenced as domestic violence [DV] or intimate partner violence) constitutes one of two streams for the Grand Challenge #3, Stop Family Violence (Edleson, Lindhorst, & Kanuha, 2015). The authors of the white paper for this challenge map some of the history and current landscape of gender-based violence (GBV) in the United States while also providing some insight into social work’s role in research, practice, and policy in addressing this important issue. We agree with the authors that ending GBV requires interdisciplinary and cross-sector collaborations. We also agree that, as a field, ‘‘social work has not gone far enough’’. Although Edleson, Lindhorst, and Kanuha’s (2015) working paper suggests hope that the United States ‘‘has the resources, tools, and knowledge to move more quickly toward not only healthier nonviolent relationships but also families, neighborhoods, and communities that value safety, empowerment and respect for girls and women’’, little attention is paid to the political and economic conditions that create and shape antiviolence work (research, practice, policy) and how these conditions impact efforts that social workers might/ should/could enact to meet this Grand Challenge. We hope to expand this conversation and inspire social work’s engagement and capacity for addressing domestic violence (DV) by calling attention to the ways neoliberalism, criminalization, and professionalization are braided together to shape the kind of work made im/possible when it comes to ending DV. In this editorial, we will argue ‘‘the braid’’ of these three forces significantly influences and constrains DV work and research in the United States as demonstrated by Edleson et al.’s (2015) paper. Although we support the need for social work to take a proactive and thoughtful position in addressing DV across our communities, the dominance of positivist paradigms for research and practice at present fails to address the structural and systemic issues we believe are most critical to ending DV. We would, in fact, argue that the analysis and approach mapped by Edleson et al.’s paper is shaped by and contributes to the braid’s ongoing hold on DV work. To discuss each of these issues—neoliberalism, criminalization, and professionalization—in isolation creates a sense of discreteness and disconnectedness that we believe is inaccurate, as each strand relies on and reinforces the others to constitute the braid. That said, for the purposes of our discussion herein, we briefly highlight some key elements of each ‘‘strand’’ to orient the reader to prominent macro forces shaping the braid. We then move into our discussion, highlighting some of the key impacts of the braid on DV work and implications for future directions. Our reflections here are deeply informed by our diverse social identities, life experiences, and connection to DV research, practice, and activism over many decades. In addition, our ideas rest heavily upon the analyses and work of critical DV scholar Mimi Kim, and INCITE! women, gender nonconforming, and trans people against violence.
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379. [Article] Feral Swine Action Plan for Oregon
Feral swine are defined as free roaming animals of the genus Sus that are not being held under domestic management or confinement. Swine have spread from Europe and Russia to habitats around the world ...Citation Citation
- Title:
- Feral Swine Action Plan for Oregon
- Author:
- Sytsma, Mark, Rouhe, Arick Christopher
- Year:
- 2007
Feral swine are defined as free roaming animals of the genus Sus that are not being held under domestic management or confinement. Swine have spread from Europe and Russia to habitats around the world via human introduction. Currently, feral swine populations are established on every continent except Antarctica. Unlike other large mammal invaders, swine have a high reproductive capacity and are omnivorous, which allows for a quick assimilation into most habitats. Once a breeding population is established in an area, the population can quickly increase and negatively impact the ecosystem. A successful invasion of feral swine is difficult, and sometimes impossible, to reverse. A feral swine pest risk assessment for Oregon, released in 2004, designated feral swine as a very high-risk species due to high potential for establishment, environmental and economic impacts, and disease transmission to wildlife, livestock and humans. Economic impacts on ecosystems and disease transmission to wildlife are difficult to assess, but restoration of ecosystems and losses to agriculture and livestock have been estimated to exceed US$800 million in the United States each year. Environmental impacts include facilitation of noxious weed invasions, shifts in dominant plant species, reduction of forest regeneration, and soil erosion. Facilitation of noxious weeds and erosion due to feral swine rooting are documented in Oregon. Feral swine in Oregon have not been implicated in disease transmission to humans, but the recent E. coli outbreak from spinach grown on a California farm that caused three deaths has been genetically traced to feral swine excrement deposited in spinach fields. The feral swine population in Oregon is currently small and dispersed. Few disturbances have been documented but state and federal biologists report regular occurrence of disturbances due to feral swine. Actions to prevent the effects of an invasion fall into three categories: management, control or eradication. Of the three categories, only eradication efforts have successfully slowed or reversed the effects of swine invasions. Case studies from California, Australia, Hawaii, the Galapagos Islands and the Channel Islands off the coast of California show that management and control efforts, while effective in the short term, have not successfully kept small feral swine populations from increasing to levels that are unmanageable and uncontrollable. A four-year feral swine eradication plan is proposed. The Plan includes recommended legislative changes to facilitate eradication, outreach and education, population assessment, rapid response, and eradication elements. A 0.5 FTE position is required at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to implement the plan. Eradication of feral swine in Oregon is estimated to require a four-year, $1.29 million effort. Follow-up control of new releases and escapes will require a maintenance effort estimated at less than $50,000 per year (excluding contingency funds for emergency response). These costs are small relative to the value of the $3.6 billion Oregon agriculture and livestock industries and the investment Oregon has made in riparian restoration efforts. Sustained control of feral swine in Oregon will require a longterm commitment that will include annual domestic swine marking, education, and monitoring.
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380. [Article] Supporting Implementation of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics: Recommendations for Professional Development
In 2010, the National Governor’s Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers published the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSSM) and to date, 44 states, the District of Columbia, ...Citation Citation
- Title:
- Supporting Implementation of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics: Recommendations for Professional Development
- Author:
- Sztajn, Paola, Marrongelle, Karen A., Smith, Peg, Melton, Bonnie L.
- Year:
- 2012
In 2010, the National Governor’s Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers published the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSSM) and to date, 44 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have adopted the document. These content and practice standards, which specify what students are expected to understand and be able to do in K-12 mathematics, represent a significant departure from what mathematics is currently taught in most classrooms and how it is taught. Developing teachers’ capacity to enact these new standards in ways that support the intended student learning outcomes will require considerable changes in mathematics instruction in our nation’s classrooms. Such changes are likely to occur only through sustained and focused professional development opportunities for those who teach mathematics. The recommendations that follow are intended to support large-scale, system-level implementation of professional development (PD) initiatives aligned with the CCSSM. They emerged from the work done under the auspices of a NSF-funded project, which provided the opportunity for experts from diverse fields to collaboratively address the challenge of providing high-quality mathematics PD at scale to support the implementation of the CCSSM. Over the course of the project, researchers and expert practitioners worked to integrate various perspectives on this challenge into a set of design recommendations for creating, sustaining, and assessing PD systems for practicing mathematics teachers. Generated from the coordination of research-based knowledge in different but related fields, these recommendations build on state-of-the-art research findings from mathematics education, PD, organizational theory, and policy. The recommendations take into account the important role teachers will play in making the standards a reality. A substantive body of research points to teachers as the most important factor in promoting mathematics learning, and the education of teachers has been deemed an essential aspect in promoting educational improvement. Thus, the recommendations proposed here make salient that attending to the PD of practicing mathematics teachers in light of the CCSSM is a requirement for the successful implementation of the new standards. It is important to note that these recommendations are intended to build on, rather than replicate, the features of effective PD identified in prior research (e.g., Desimone, 2009; Elmore, 2002; Guskey & Yoon, 2009; Guskey, 2000). In particular, a recent report from the National Staff Development Council (Darling- Hammond et al., 2009) entitled, “Professional Learning in the Learning Profession: A Status Report on Teacher Development in the United States and Abroad” identified four basic, research-based principles for designing PD that we understand as common professional and research knowledge that serves as the foundation on which the current recommendations are built: 1) PD should be intensive, ongoing, and connected to practice; 2) PD should focus on student learning and address the teaching of specific content; 3) PD should align with school improvement priorities and goals; and 4) PD should build strong working relationships among teachers. We hope that the recommendations that follow, in conjunction with these four basic principles, can help districts and states in creating, sustaining, and assessing PD systems for practicing mathematics teachers that support their implementation of the CCSSM, and ultimately, the learning of all K-12 students.