...ongoing teacher professional development. It intends to qualitatively and quantitatively extend an educators’ skill set so that they are continually effective in the classroom. Like any other profession teachers must keep their skills sharp and updated as the educational system is only as good as its players. The key to this quality education for all students is the classroom teacher, but not just any classroom teacher (Killion & Harrison, 2006). Students must have skillful, highly effective teachers who have consistent access to ongoing professional development (Sparks & Hirsch, 2000; Guskey, 1997; Guskey, 1998; Maldonado, 2002). NCLB offers broad guidelines for effective professional development acknowledging the integral nature of ongoing professional development that seeks to insure teachers continually possess the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully perform their duties (Lauer & Dean 2004). NCLB requires all 50 states to provide “high-quality” professional development that will ensure every teacher is both highly qualified and highly effective. The federal government’s definition of high-quality professional development includes activities that improve and increase teachers’ academic knowledge, are part of school and district improvement plans, provide teachers the knowledge to meet state content standards, are sustained, intensive and classroom focused, support the recruiting, hiring and training of high quality teachers, expand teachers’ understandings...
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...Three Major Sins of Professional Development How Can We Make It Better? .Authors:VARELA, ALEJANDRA M..Source:Education Digest, Dec2012, Vol. 78 Issue 4, p17-20, 4p.Document Type:Article.Subject Terms:TEACHERS -- In-service training -- United States TEACHER development -- Methodology PROFESSIONAL education -- United States CAREER development TEACHERS -- Training of -- United States CLASSROOM management -- Study & teaching TEACHER participation in curriculum planning.Geographic Terms:UNITED States.Abstract:The article addresses flaws with teachers' professional development and in-service training programs in the U.S., particularly noting the lack of teacher input in professional development and curricula planning. It discusses the lack of practical demonstrations of concepts taught in professional development courses. It comments on the issues with treating all teachers and subjects the same, isolating in-service training from daily classroom practices, and ignoring follow-up. It notes the benefits of utilizing research-driven practices in classroom management and teacher training..Lexile:1240.ISSN:0013127X.Accession Number:83883062.Database: MasterFILE Premier.... Translate Full Text:. Choose Languageالإنجليزية/العربيةанглийски език/български英语/简体中文英語/繁體中文angličtina/češtinaEngelsk/danskEngels/DuitsAnglais/FrançaisEnglisch/DeutschΑγγλικά/ΕλληνικάEnglish/Hausaאנגלית/עבריתअंग्रेज़ी/हिंदीangol/magyarInggris/bahasa IndonesiaInglesi/Italiano英語/日本語영어/한국어Engelsk/Norskانگل...
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...Education— Making Professional Development Effective ADD Name ADD Course Title Instructors: ADD Name ADD SCHOOL ALL IN CAPITAL LETTERS March 13, 2014 Introduction As individuals invested with the competencies, resources, and responsibilities to transform future generations through education, instructors require to be consistently updated with the latest pedagogical techniques. Professional development programs enable teachers to better their style, interact with a diverse spectrum of colleagues, and gain awareness and understanding of best practices, educational supplements, and technological tools that can increase learning outcomes for students. The possibilities tendered by educational styles that showcase technological progress are exemplary. In the prevalent computer and information technology era, traditional pedagogical methods that confine themselves to two-dimensional and strictly verbal/written teacher-student interactions are redundant when compared to technology-integrated educational styles. Additionally, such simplistic teaching styles are incapable of engaging students who live in times of constant and abundant exposure to instant information access and overload in multiple formats. Enabling teachers to participate in professional development programs that allow for the integration of technology in the educational systems yields myriad benefits. Therefore, instructional technology training is indispensable in order...
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...programs that would address these issues. The Education Policy Paper (1993 – 2003) states, “Every child has an inherent right to an education that will enhance the development of maximum capability regardless of gender, ethnic, economic, social or religious background.” One project that has been agreed upon is Education for All. Education for All has as one of its goals ‘improving all aspects of the quality of education and ensuring excellence of all so that recognized and measurable learning outcomes are achieved by all, especially in literacy, numeracy and essential life skills.” This goal can only be achieved through the ‘delivery of a systemof quality education to students at all levels of the education system.’ In order to provide quality education to students it is important that all stakeholders play an active role in the education process. Therefore it is important that teachers continually upgrade and develop their skills to be able to identify and properly meet the needs of students. The ministry and by extension administrators need to assist by providing teachers with opportunities to participate in ongoing professional development programs. No Name Primary School is a school of inclusion with an open door policy which seeks to meet the goals of Education for All. Parents are welcomed to visit and teachers are free to voice their opinions and concern. The mission of the school...
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...no. 4 GIFTED CHILD TODAY Features Avenues to Professional Learning Online Technology Tips and Tools for Professional Development in Gifted Education Catherine A. Little1 and Brian C. Housand2 Abstract: The use of online methods for professional development activities is on the rise, with more schools exploring creative ways of providing teacher learning opportunities. Online professional development offers a promising direction for providing increased learning opportunities, promoting professional collaboration, and supporting teacher facility with technology resources. In gifted education, online activities may present effective ways of connecting gifted education professionals across multiple schools and districts and providing professional learning experiences in gifted education for colleagues in general education. In this article, the authors discuss key features of professional development and considerations for applying them in an online learning context. The authors emphasize the importance of coherence with the curriculum, active engagement, sustained attention, and administrative support. They then discuss five avenues or approaches for implementing online professional development, representing a range of interactive elements and opportunities for blending live and online components. Within each avenue presented, the authors share specific resources that would support implementation in the professional learning context. “ Online activities may present...
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...Mentor coached and counseled Telemachus, Odysseus' son, guiding him in his development from infancy to early-adulthood. A significant number of organizations, such as commercial ones, are adopting mentoring programs as a vital part of their professional development plans. Mentoring is an effective tool to foster professional development to both the mentor and mentee. The practice of mentoring beginning teachers emerged in the 1980s as a professional development strategy for achieving a variety of goals. Teacher mentoring programs are now perceived as an effective staff development approach for beginning teachers. Cooper and Miller (1998) state that the benefits of mentoring include :faster, more effective integration of new teachers, retention of quality professionals, increased transfer of skills from one generation to another; gains in productivity and performance; increased learning from professional development activities; enhanced communication, commitment, and motivation; and a stabilizing factor in times of change. Zimbabwe introduced the attachment model for the first time in 1995. Shumbayawonda (2001) says “In 1995 Zimbabwe introduced the attachment model where student teachers were placed under the charge of experienced qualified teachers”. Definition of terms Mentor Furlong and Maynard (1995) in Shumbayawonda (2011) defines a mentor as one who acts as a coach, helping the student teacher to gain skills, to reflect on their practical teaching experiences. Zey (1984...
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...nature” (p. 204). Action Research is a method of reflective practice that is encouraging and involves systematic change in teaching that allows the teacher to take the right direction to enhance student learning. According to Bevins et al. (2011) “action research develops through a self-reflective spiral of cycles, which include planning, implementing, observing, reflecting and re-implementing” (p.401). Action Research provides new learning techniques for teaching and provides knowledge for the rest of your life. In action research many believe that the term reflection can be misleading. According to Casey (2012) “insider action research is shown as a tool for positioning the practitioner in the ‘betweenness’ of theory and practice” (p.221). It is suggest that teaching is being altered and deemed to be more accurate. Engaging in action research can improve teaching practice and theory. Action Research involves the physical act of being involved and becoming hands-on. After steeping back and viewing the problem, action research provides insights on the problem and what causes it. According to Bevins et al. (2011) “reflection then can be seen as both intellectual and affective interventions with which teachers are able to evaluate their experiences in an attempt to develop new understandings” (p.401). Reflection allows the teacher to explore in greater detail interpreting events...
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...There are numerous interpretations of the term ‘professional’ in education, and its affect on those affiliated with it as it can have many ramifications in the contexts of ‘professional’ being linked with quality teaching.This critical essay written by Jenny Johnston discusses differing ideas of professionalism in educational discourse, summarises and critically analyses a doctoral research project which highlights the complexities of educational change, along with bringing to light the pure lack of evidence of the link between professionalism and quality education, while discussing the impact upon teachers. There is no one definition for the term ‘professional’, nor one idea about the professionalism in education. Johnston uses the differing ideas of multiple authors to highlight this, along with the differing levels of ideas about how easily teacher quality can be improved through professionalisation. To begin, Johnston explains Sachs’ (2011) view that professionalism and its definition has been a struggle between union leaders, bureaucrats, and academics. However, Johnston notes that teacher’s voices have been invalidated as Sachs omitted teacher involvement in this process. Continuing from this, the perspective that professional...
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...Decision Making for Instructional Leadership Saint Leo University Standards and Instruction Workshop Teachers in Florida are required to complete professional development in order to renew their teaching certificates. School districts have developed professional development systems that provide teachers with opportunities to complete these recertification requirements through inservice trainings, also called continued education (Council, 2008). A principal on the other hand not only has to keep up with their professional development, but is also required to provide continuing education opportunities for the teachers on the staff at their school. At the start of the 2014 school year Florida is required to fully implement the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), a state-led effort to establish a common set of expectations across states for what K-12 students are expected to know and be able to do in English language arts and math (Anderson, Harrison, & Lewis, 2012). School leaders can facilitate a smooth CCSS transition through professional development opportunities. When exploring professional development options a principal should focus on three important areas. These areas are a knowledgeable presenter, student achievement outcomes, as well as best practices (Educational Training Specialists, 2010). Knowledgeable Presenter Quality professional development that leads to school improvement is one of the most important influences on student achievement that occurs...
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...Characteristics of professional development linked to enhanced pedagogy and children’s learning in early childhood settings: Best Evidence Synthesis July 2003 Characteristics of professional development linked to enhanced pedagogy and children’s learning in early childhood settings: Best Evidence Synthesis October 2003 This report is one of a series of best evidence syntheses commissioned by the Ministry of Education. It is part of a commitment to strengthen the evidence base that informs education policy and practice in New Zealand. It aims to contribute to an ongoing evidence-based discourse amongst policy makers, educators and researchers. The best evidence synthesis approach is being developed in collaboration with researchers. It draws together in a systematic way the available evidence about what works to improve education outcomes, and what can make a bigger difference for the education of all our children and young people. Prepared for the Ministry of Education Authors Linda Mitchell and Pam Cubey Copyright © Ministry of Education PO Box 1666 Wellington ISBN 0-478-18773-4 Web ISBN ISBN 0-478-18774-2 www.minedu.govt.nz Characteristics of professional development linked to enhanced pedagogy and children’s learning in early childhood settings Best Evidence Synthesis Report prepared for the New Zealand Ministry of Education Linda Mitchell and Pam Cubey July 2003 New Zealand Council for Educational Research P O Box 3237 ...
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...A strong Professional Development Plan is an essential asset to succeeding in any career, especially one as an educator. Such a plan not only improves initial employability but also works as a guide for motivation, direction, and self-improvement throughout one’s career. A well-designed plan includes specific career and education goals as well as an action plan for achieving those goals. For a Professional Development Plan to be effective, continual evaluation needs to be conducted to monitor personally growth and to ensure that the intended goals are met. Ultimately, failing to plan is the same as planning to fail. This paper is written from the viewpoint of a beginning teacher on her ideal vision for the future. Of course such a teacher will need to modify her goals as the circumstances and experiences demand, but the essay will present what her projected plan of action for her upcoming career will be. Setting goals is a critical aspect of creating a professional development plan. The writer of this paper has set many educational and professional long-term and short-term goals for herself. In the next five years, the writer aims to complete both her Associate’s degree and Bachelor’s degree in the field of Elementary Education. More long-term goals, which may take 10 years or more, include continuing education all the way up to a Doctorate’s degree, teaching a variety of grades from kindergarten to 12th grade, and eventually becoming a school principle, or possibly even a superintendent...
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...Teacher Development Cutback Paper Teresa Atuatasi Argosy University-Hawaii Models of Professional Development E7452 Dr. Carole Freehan March 08, 2014 The cuts in professional development (ProD) will affect the educational system, especially teachers and students. Professional development keeps teachers abreast with the skills, pedagogies, and research-based practices needed for effective teaching and to improve student performance. Valuable learning opportunities that teachers attain through (ProD) are essential for educators to grow professionally. This learner has participated in numerous professional development activities, courses, and workshops where opportunities of action research, training, study groups, conferences, and coaching just to name a few were provided. Learning definitely occurred and assisted in professional learning and educational needs to be more effective in teaching students, helping teachers, developing plans, and practice professional skills. Cutback in professional development will have a great impact on the education of students. Teachers will lack skills critical for effective instruction, “actions that will harm the quality of teaching and learning” (Wasley & Hirsh, 2010). The infusion of professional learning during the school day that has been practice by some schools was quite interesting to read about. Collaboration amongst leaders and peers establishes trust vital for...
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...list of eleven outlined in the unit Reader. Students are asked to: Explore a theme (in the light of the unit) e) Briefly describe the main aspects of the theme; f) Justify why you chose this theme; g) Provide a brief one paragraph outline for each of 6 readings or articles that are relevant to this theme (articles in the reader can be used); h) In the light of the theme develop either a booklet, or a policy relevant to your role as a leader The nurturing and development of teachers in Catholic Schools is a constant consideration for all educational leaders. A successful Catholic education facility needs to demonstrate consistent commitment to the ongoing development of the whole child. This development needs to reflect the Gospel teachings, while offering current theories and practices embedded in student learning opportunities. Professional development and mentoring of staff is a vital component in order for all staff to stay abreast of the latest pedagogy. Professional development should be purposeful, ongoing and reflective and it takes many forms depending on the individual needs and the needs that are influenced by the context of the school. Individual, target groups, whole staff, pedagogy and practice, content...
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...last ten years have witnessed major challenges, reforms and developments in all aspects of life in Turkey. Education, inevitably, has been reconstructed and reshaped in line with the European Union. Having a history of more than 150 years, teacher education was included in the series of reforms. The structure, the training periods and the institutions were the central concern of these of these reforms. Although most of these reforms have been implemented the In-Service Education and Training (INSET), INSET is still experiencing some shortcomings that need to be addressed. This paper is aimed at analyzing the needs of the INSET in both Turkey and the European Union, their similarities and differences and recommendations. Introduction Theories, curricula, methods, strategies and technologies change every now and then. Teachers require INSET in order to adapt to the new systems. Contemporary researches and reports have indicated that the quality education depends on the capability of teachers to develop professionally. The studies continue to explain that the success in the education system will be low if teachers are not placed in the center of these reforms. It is for this reason that the involved policy makers have continually insisted on the need to develop the INSET system as to bridge the gap between the traditional systems and the emerging demands. Teachers therefore need to follow continuous professional development by enrolling in the INSET program. In the recent years there...
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...PRINCIPALS 2 ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS 2 LEADING TEACHERS 4 CLASSROOM TEACHERS 5 PARAPROFESSIONALS 7 EDUCATION SUPPORT CLASS 7 Roles and Responsibilities – Teaching Service Page 1 OVERVIEW The roles and responsibilities that can be expected of employees at the various classification levels, including the principal class, is set out below and incorporates Schedule 2 of the Victorian Government Schools Agreement 2013. PRINCIPALS The role of the principal is to lead and manage the planning, delivery, evaluation and improvement of the education of all students in a community through the strategic deployment of resources provided by the Department and the school community. A key component of this role is to increase the knowledge base of teachers within their school about student learning and quality teacher practice. At the same time, the principal, as executive officer of the school council, must ensure that adequate and appropriate advice is provided to the council on educational and other matters; that the decisions of the council are implemented; and that adequate support and resources are provided for the conduct of council meetings. Principals have a clear set of accountabilities, which distinguish their work from other employees in the Teaching Service and the education community and are set out in detail in the contract of employment. The principal is accountable for the overall leadership, management and development of the school within state-wide guidelines and...
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