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 This blog is no longer being updated, but you can continue to explore these issues on edweek.org by visiting our related topic pages: professional development.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 Aspire Expands Learning Options for Noninstructional Staff
Aspire Public Schools creates professional learning to help noninstructional staff learn strategies to support students outside the classroom.
Learning Forward, Linda Jacobson & Michelle Bowman King, July 6, 2017
4 min read
Professional Development Opinion Learning Leadership Requires a Supportive Culture—and a Focus on Students
A supportive culture energizes participants in Learning Leaders for Learning Schools, an intensive professional learning cohort for a group of Phoenix-area principals and district office personnel.
Learning Forward, June 29, 2017
3 min read
School & District Management Opinion Galveston Middle School Principals Put the Cycle of Continuous Improvement to Work
The greatest motivation for principals and teachers is for leaders to embrace and implement an authentic learning system.
Learning Forward, Debra Owens, Cathy Vanness, Jean Fullen, Annette Dailey & Keri Launius, June 22, 2017
4 min read
Professional Development Opinion Syracuse District Focuses on Personalized Learning and Classroom Support
A new approach to professional learning in New York's Syracuse City School District aims to ensure teacher practices are helping students meet district performance goals.
Learning Forward, June 15, 2017
6 min read
Families & the Community Opinion Join the Title II Day of Action
Speak up for educators tomorrow -- Wednesday, June 14 -- by writing members of Congress, using social media, and picking up the phone to request full funding for Title IIA.
Learning Forward, June 13, 2017
3 min read
Professional Development Opinion Bridgeport District Team Applies Principles of Intentional Learning Design With Promising Results
The Bridgeport redesign team seeks ways to build coherent and relevant professional learning within and across district improvement efforts.
Learning Forward, Teresa Carroll & Melissa Jenkins, June 1, 2017
5 min read
Education Opinion Reimagining Professional Learning in Delaware
Stephanie Hirsh recently visited several schools in Delaware to see first-hand the impact of the state's redesigned professional learning system.
Learning Forward, May 25, 2017
3 min read
IT Infrastructure & Management Opinion Look for Signs of an Aligned Learning System
School systems that prioritize coherence are more likely to achieve their goals for students.
Learning Forward, Stephanie Hirsh & Tracy Crow, May 18, 2017
2 min read
Teaching Profession Opinion Bring Stakeholders on Board by Gathering Multiple Measures of Success
It's important that professional learning leaders continue to find ways to document success and tie it to teacher excellence and student achievement.
Learning Forward & Scott Laurence, May 11, 2017
3 min read
Professional Development Opinion Let's Focus on Quality of Instruction Rather Than Quantity
When teams of teachers are given time to research best practices, observe other teachers, and reflect on what they've learned, they grow professionally.
Learning Forward & Michael McNeff, May 4, 2017
8 min read
IT Infrastructure & Management Opinion Look at the Bigger Picture for Long-Term Improvement
A comprehensive learning system is essential to supporting the kinds of professional learning that change practices and improve results. A new report from ERS helps make the case.
Learning Forward, April 27, 2017
4 min read
School & District Management Opinion True Confession From Former School Principals
Reflecting on their time as school principals, two district leaders realize how little they understood about leading change.
Learning Forward, Susan Silva & Stephanie McBride, April 20, 2017
3 min read
Education Opinion Bring Your Best Evidence Forward to Show Professional Learning's Worth
Let stakeholders and policymakers know how Title II funds have made a positive difference for students.
Learning Forward, April 13, 2017
3 min read
Professional Development Opinion As Long Beach Teachers Learn, So Do Those Who Design the Learning
The California district is learning lessons that can be useful to other districts working to make professional learning more responsive to teachers' needs.
Learning Forward, April 6, 2017
7 min read