Race to the Top: States Tout Plans for Collaborative PD
As we look through the many Race to the Top applications submitted by states from around the country, we’re encouraged by the multitude of plans for collaborative professional development. As stated in our Legislative Agenda, ASCD sees "professional development activities—such as study groups, action research, and data analysis—that promote both collaborative and self-directed continuous learning and focus on student needs, results, and best practice" as a key component of supporting highly effective educators.
Examples span from teachers to administrators and from traditional in-person meetings to innovative online gathering places. In Idaho, leaders are planning to expand an existing Superintendents Network; currently, 30 superintendents "meet four times a year to discuss improving student achievement and share challenges and success stories." In California, the state plans to develop a professional learning community that brings together state and local education stakeholders:
" . . . teachers and leaders who have common goals, examine data, and share effective practices, particularly in strategic areas such as use of data to inform instruction, early literacy and