Professional Development Blog

Learning Forward's PD Watch

Learning Forward is the nation’s largest nonprofit membership association focused solely on ensuring success for all students through effective professional learning and school improvement. It advocates for every educator having access to professional learning that is results-driven, standard-based, and job-embedded. This blog is no longer being updated, but you can continue to explore these issues on edweek.org by visiting our related topic pages: professional development.

Professional Development Opinion Beware of Fragmentation in Educator Effectiveness and Common Core Implementation
A recent report calls for deeper integration of educator effectiveness, Common Core standards, and professional learning. Joellen Killion explores how to weave these three components together.
Learning Forward, November 25, 2013
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3 min read
Professional Development Opinion Blended Learning Helps Conference Align with Learning Designs Standard
See how Carol François is planning rigorous and relevant learning at Learning Forward conferences through a new project that aligns conference sessions to the Learning Designs standard.
Learning Forward, November 21, 2013
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2 min read
Professional Development Opinion Lessons from the Back of an ATV
On Stephanie Hirsh's last vacation, she went beyond her comfort zone by several miles. While it left her shaking, it was a valuable reminder about both the difficulties and benefits of stretching in a new direction.
Learning Forward, November 15, 2013
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2 min read
Professional Development Opinion Standards Adoption vs. Adaptation: Consider the Costs and Benefits
As educators at the state level consider whether to adopt the existing Standards for Professional Learning or adapt them, Stephanie Hirsh offers these questions to avoid delaying the important work of changing practice so that student results improve.
Learning Forward, November 7, 2013
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2 min read
School & District Management Opinion New Workbook Offers Step-by-Step Guidance for Planning Transformational Professional Learning
In this era of major reforms in education, professional learning often falls short in transforming educator practice due to insufficient planning for professional learning.
Learning Forward, October 29, 2013
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4 min read
School & District Management Opinion The Missing Link in Teacher Evaluation
New forms of teacher evaluation are taking root throughout the country, but a new report from the Southern Regional Education Board unintentionally reveals the initiatives' serious limitations when it comes to transitioning teachers from objects of evaluation to engaged learners.
Learning Forward, October 25, 2013
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3 min read
Professional Development Opinion The Big Aha: Conditions for Effective Professional Learning
A recent discussion with the Standards Board Committee in Ohio led to a big "aha" moment linking the seven Standards for Professional Learning with the conditions necessary for effective professional learning.
Learning Forward, October 22, 2013
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3 min read
Professional Development Opinion Choosing Your Next Professional Learning Experience: 8 Essential Questions
When it comes to finding professional development opportunities that claim to be aligned with the Common Core standards, these eight considerations will help you make the best decisions possible.
Learning Forward, October 17, 2013
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3 min read
School & District Management Opinion All Educators Have a Role to Play in Emphasizing Impact
Practitioners have varying degrees of power or responsibility in determining the big picture for professional learning, but regardless of where they sit, all educators have a role to play in emphasizing impact. Here are some examples of how you can emphasize impact in your role.
Learning Forward, October 11, 2013
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2 min read
Professional Development Opinion What Professional Learning Story Will You Tell at the End of the School Year?
Stephanie Hirsh invites you to detail your professional learning journey and its impact on school improvement and student learning through our new Tell Your Story initiative.
Learning Forward, October 7, 2013
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3 min read
Professional Development Opinion Move Theories 'of' Action to Theories 'in' Action
Jeff Ronneberg explores the importance of identifying expectations for implementation, getting out of the office, and talking with those who are implementing their learning.
Learning Forward, October 3, 2013
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2 min read
Education Opinion 2 Professional Learning Elements Essential for Teacher Evaluation
In the rush to support new evaluation systems for teachers, let's not underestimate two professional learning designs that are critical to the process.
Learning Forward, September 25, 2013
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2 min read
Education Opinion Summer Learning Loss Doesn't Have to Be an Achievement Gap!
A new report by the Wallace Foundation offers guidance to school district leaders interested in launching or improving summer learning programs.
Learning Forward, September 23, 2013
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3 min read
Education Opinion New Education Initiatives Demand a New Engine to Drive them Forward
Initiatives such as Common Core State Standards, new student assessments, and measuring educator effectiveness, have created an imperative for a new engine to drive teaching for deeper learning.
Learning Forward, September 17, 2013
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3 min read
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