As a tool for strengthening current professional development efforts we are using the National Staff Development Council (NSDC) Standards for Staff Development to guide our planning.
What are the National Staff Development Standards? (Link)
The standards provide direction for designing a professional development experience that ensures educators acquire the necessary knowledge and skills.
| Context |
Learning Communities |
Leadership |
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| Process |
Data-Driven |
Evaluation |
Research-Based |
| Design |
Learning |
Collaboration |
| Content |
Equity |
Quality Teaching |
Family Involvement |
What does professional development REALLY mean?
For many educators staff development, staff development has traditionally been synonymous with workshops, courses, and presentations by "experts".
However, today we know that a professional learning can take many forms. Therefore, the National Staff Development Council (NSDC) asserts that professional development is, "the means by which educators acquire or enhance the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and beliefs necessary to create high levels of learning for all students."
What has changed?
To improve student learning, we have to improve teacher learning. Improving teacher learning requires an unwavering commitment to purposeful professional development.
Who is impacted?
The NSDC's Standards for Professlonal Learning recognizes that sustained, intellectually rigorous professional development is essential for everyone who affects students learning; teachers, principals, district administrators and support staff.
How can I start learning more about professional development?
- Read a book specifically about professional development. (Click on Links)
- Visit a professional organization's website and browse for current articles..
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