The goal of all professional development is to improve student learning. To achieve this goal, the Dorchester County Schools support and encourage active participation in professional learning activities that meet the following four standards. Professional development is explicitly linked to high and challenging standards in content and performance for all students in Dorchester County. Procedures are in place to routinely review the alignment of professional development content with Maryland Content Standards, Learning Outcomes and Indicators, Core Learning Goals and Indicators, and other sets of state required standards.
Professional development focuses on effective teaching and instructional leadership.
Professional development features sound, research-based theories and practices in curriculum, instruction, and. assessment for all students. Professional development is aligned with the standards for teaching reflected in Dorchester County Schools teacher performance appraisal system. Professional development features sound research-based theories and practices in school organization and management. Ongoing evaluation of professional development gauges the impact on classroom practices and school organization. Evaluation results are used to plan and design future professional development activities, programs, and policies.