EDL 8004 - Analyzing Teacher/Curriculum Effectiveness for Professional Development Planning

In this high-stakes era of higher standards and teacher evaluations based in part on student achievement, professional development has to have a laser-light focus on one thing— student learning. However, at present, most professional development misses the mark. One-time workshops are the most prevalent model for delivering professional development. Yet, workshops have an abysmal track record for changing teacher practice and student achievement. (Yoon et al, 2007). Districts cannot just do more of the same. They have to develop new approaches to teacher learning on their campuses, approaches that create real changes in teacher practice and improve student achievement. Hence, the real challenge schools face is how to create opportunities for teachers to grow and develop in their practice so that they, in turn, can help students grow and develop their knowledge and ability to think critically. Participants examine the characteristics of professional development in schools; learn how to structure successful learning for the staff; and learn how schools can create a professional learning community. (ISLLC 1,2,3,5)

Hours:
2