How can we construct professional development and supervision models that best serve the needs of adult learners? Building on the groundbreaking model outlined in the bestselling first edition of "Blended Coaching," authors Bloom and Wilson outline a powerful set of strategies that can serve as a foundation for effective supervision.…

The Region 5 Comprehensive Center worked in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Education to develop a professional learning framework and toolkit. Although they were developed to meet the needs of education staff in Tennessee, the guidance can benefit other state education stakeholders in their efforts to ensure all professional learning…

A quality improvement system (QIS) is an intentional effort to raise the quality of afterschool programming in an ongoing, organized fashion. There are a number of reasons the QIS is gaining popularity. The main reasons community leaders are drawn to improving quality is that they know that 1) higher quality programs will mean better experiences…

In January 2011, a Joint Committee of representatives from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) began work to establish cross-agency guidelines for improving the quality, coherence, and pace of knowledge development in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. Although the…

To stem the tide of students dropping out, many schools and districts are turning to early warning systems (EWS) that signal whether a student is at risk of not graduating from high school. While some research exists about establishing these systems, there is little information about the actual implementation strategies that are being used across…

Regardless of where you are in your school improvement process, here's a book that helps you make sure you have all the right elements working for you in the right way. The authors take you through the core processes that are essential for all school improvement efforts--from establishing your mission to differentiating your supervision based on…

Describes some of the techniques the Institute for Career Development (ICD) uses to establish a learning community among the program leaders, including instructors. Considers how when adult education programs are structured with both centralized and decentralized elements, the organic and ongoing staff development needs can be addressed indirectly…

Presents four ideas to help counselors structure effective programs. Identifies school counseling's major purpose as assisting people in becoming better learners, guardians, and educators. Suggests that counselors accomplish this by being more identifiable, capable, available, and accountable. (ABB)

The "Local Technology Plan Guidelines" serve as the basis for the Department's annual technology data collection. This report takes a look at the data submitted by 344 school districts, examining the progress Massachusetts school districts are making in meeting the recommended guidelines. In doing so, it will gauge the degree to which…

Notes that in teacher study groups (TSG), teachers meet to converse and to study teaching and learning. Discusses key features of TSGs, TSGs in action, and benefits of TSGs. Suggests that it is important that each teacher begin exploring the topic of interest through his or her best learning mode. (SG)

Strategies for making the best use of time at a conference or other professional development activity include suggestions for thorough pretrip planning, travel, attending sessions, getting the most from exhibits, using the conference situation to make contacts or gather information, keeping track of family and personal concerns, and preparing to…

All proposals for education reform include professional development as a significant element in promoting change. Questions have been raised about the effectiveness of professional development and its role in educational reform. Consequently, evaluation of professional development programs is increasing and expanding to include student…

A "Pay for Performance" program in Fairfax County, Virginia, has gained support from teachers, administrators, and community. Teachers progress along a three-step career ladder based on professional growth. Teachers are involved in the plan through their roles as peer observers, consulting teachers, and staff development instructors.…

Emphasizes the importance of effective communication at the outset of the instructional technologist/training client relationship. Discusses using the basic taxonomy of client types and entry strategies for the following different types of clients: theorist, expert, novice, practitioner, and generalist. Includes a sample self-assessment form. (AEF)

This booklet synthesises the research on teacher professional learning and development that has been demonstrated to have a positive impact on valued student outcomes. Its findings relate to teachers who have received at least some initial teacher education and who are in the process of deepening their knowledge and refining their skills. The…