“…The open-ended responses are analyzed using qualitative research methods to code, summarize, and describe common themes (Patton, 1990;Strauss, 1993). Qualitative tools are the primary method for evaluating the effectiveness of the group, because they are designed to reveal the ways in which people make meaning and to offer depth and insight into the more subjective aspects of professional development (P. V. Murray, Levitov, Castenell, & Joubert, 1987;Wehmeyer, 1983). Consistent with qualitative research principles, evaluation questions may change yearly as the content and needs of the group evolve (Patton, 1990;Strauss, 1993).…”