In 1998, Rhode Island passed legislation known as Article 31. This legislation mandates that all communities in our state implement new high standards tests that measure actual student performance, that school districts publicly report school performance on these tests, and that each school set explicit annual goals for how it will close achievement gaps for the students it serves. While Article 31 confronts schools with enormous new challenges, it also provides some new resources, allowing teachers opportunities to develop new teaching approaches and to sharpen their skills to bolster student achievement. Article 31 puts the focus of professional development on the school as the place where a real difference can be made for students. The primary purpose of professional development is school improvement as measured by the success of every student.
All educators share the responsibility for both individual and organizational growth.
Effective professional development is based on theory, research and proven practice. Credit for school-based professional development will be included as part of the new certification standards. School districts, schools, and other professional development providers use these standards to reflect upon professional development experiences in an effort to improve effectiveness. These standards address the process of planning, designing, implementing, and evaluating professional development. The calendar provides a description of each training session and includes contact information.