A qualitative study of the aspects influencing the implementation of invitational education

Professional development (PD) for the improvement of educational practice has attracted a great deal of attention in recent years. Although experts acknowledge the importance of PD, many PD programmes have little effect on educational practice. This article identifies influences on the effective implementation of Invitational Education (IE) within the framework of professional development that were identified during a qualitative study in schools in two states. Specific categories affecting the effective implementation of professional development in IE include the role of leadership, the role of teachers, in-school and out-of-school conditions and requirements of PD programmes for IE