At the district level, we use feedback from schools to refine the design and focus of our professional development efforts. One-shot workshops will not do the job, no matter how good the workshops are. People need to focus their efforts over time until new behaviors become internalized. While it is interesting to learn new information, it if is not directed toward improving student performance, we don't have the time or resources for unfocused professional development. For teachers, this also means using the classroom as a learning lab for building professional knowledge.
Team work is very important.
Our efforts are doubled when we work together to bring about improvements in student learning. Individual teacher growth can improve student learning, but whole school professional development holds promise for raising the achievement levels of all students. Deborah Walker, executive director of the JCPS Gheens Academy.