Kelly's Curriculum Corner

The February issue of Educational Leadership provides a summary of research on professional learning entitled, Teacher Learning: What Matters? by Linda Darling-Hammond & Nikole Richardson. The article is filled with great suggestions for effective professional development. The one that struck me the most was the following: "Professional development lasting 14 or fewer hours showed no effects on learning. The largest effects were for programs offering 30-100 hours spread out over 6-12 months." In other words the basis of effective staff development is ideally 30 or more hours of training on a single topic spread out over 6 to 12 month period. Reflection: How does your school or district compare to this research-based best practice?   Darling-Hammond, L. & N. Richardson. (February 2009). Teacher learning: What matters? Educational Leadership , Vol. 66(5), p. 46-53. Photo courtesy of CIU 20 Summer Administrative Workshop August 2006.

Today we had a discussion at with some representatives at the state regarding Act 48. Concerns are being raised by the legislature regarding the efficacy of the current Act 48 system. The current Act 48 guidelines require programs of at least 3.5 hours and yet the PERMS system allows for uploading of single hour events. Administrators should anticipate that the Department will be updating the PERMS system and that participation in single hour or two hour events will be a thing of the past. In addition, anticipate that the Department will be conducting random audits to review Act 48 activities. These may be personal visits or phone calls. Items such as sign in sheets will likely be requested. Recommendations : According to the literature the purpose of professional development is to increase student achievement. Therefore, these changes could enhance the work already going on to support best practices. I wouldn't panic about the changes. It will take time for the Department to chang...