The study investigated how schoolteachers and administrators perceive innovative and engaging teaching practices in Southeastern U.S. high schools. Perceptual data was collected from high school teachers to determine whether they believe their professional development adequately prepares them to use innovative and engaging instructional practices in their science courses. The study gathered perceptions of high school science teachers and school administrators regarding the presence and impact of innovative scientific techniques. This study also collected teachers' perceptions of their professional development in preparing them to use innovative teaching strategies. While the participants' schools and school levels were purposefully selected, faculty participants were randomly selected for interviews. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]