ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses a study that was unique project in the context of education research in the UK with many exciting challenges. The brief for phase 1 contractors was to apply the disciplines and protocols of the randomised controlled trial (RCT) to a programme for developing interventions, teachers and skills focussed on closing gaps for vulnerable learners collaboratively with leaders in the education sector. In addition to the issues around strategies for 'closing the gap' and controversies about research design, was the whole question of the role of continuing professional development and learning (CPDL) and school improvement strategies. It was the hypothesis of the CUREE and Durham development team that the principal vehicle for school improvement was CPDL. The chapter provides an account of the way the processes of designing the programme delivery model and methodologies and of engaging the users in the programme content, focus and design intersected with and influenced the programme's core aims and the CPDL.
