Despite progress being made, OER use in K-12 education continues to be limited and inconsistent. Even in districts which are utilizing OER, it can be limited to a teacher or department. In order to better understand the rate and degree of OER adoption in K-12 education, a phenomenological study which included 10 of Missouri's 13 #GoOpen districts was completed. School districts in the study included rural, suburban, and urban districts with student enrollments ranging from less than 1000 to over 20,000.
Of the 10 districts which initially explored OER and signed on with #GoOpen, 5 currently have active initiatives, 1 is reengaging, 2 are halted, and 2 never started. Following the study of the adoption process in each district, several themes emerged including -- the need for time and ongoing PD, a focus on reallocation of resources rather than on saving money, and the development of local OER policies and procedures rather than relying on a local OER advocate. During this session, the themes will be further explained and discussed. Specific examples from districts in different stages of OER adoption will be examined. By understanding and addressing challenges and common themes, schools and districts will be better prepared to advance OER implementation and make OER part of the accepted culture.
After participating in this session, attendees will be able to:
- Identify barriers which impact the rate and degree of OER adoption in K-12 education
- Identify strategies which can be used to advance and sustain OER adoption in K-12 education
- Understand how district-level systems and policies can advance and sustain OER use
