West Irondequoit Central School District

                Principles of Exemplary Professional Development

PRINCIPLES OF EXEMPLARY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

A review of research and literature reveals a number of characteristics of exemplary professional development.  These principles focus attention on professional development strategies for improving student learning and achievement.  In addition, there are a variety of conditions that are salient in nurturing effective professional development.

Ø      The organization stresses the commitment to continuous improvement and is based on analyses of the difference between actual student performance and goals and standards for student learning.

Ø      The content of professional development focuses on what students need to know and is explicitly linked to the effect on student learning.

Ø      The content of professional development should provide opportunities to gain an understanding of the theory underlying the knowledge (context) and skills being learned.

Ø      Professional development should provide both a focus on instructional repertoire and content-specific skills.  Instructional improvement requires that teachers possess a deeper understanding of both their academic disciplines and of specific pedagogical approaches.

Ø      Professional development should be continuous and on-going, involving follow-up and support for further learning, including support from sources external to the school that can provide necessary resources and new perspectives.

Ø      Professional development should involve teachers in the identification of what they need to learn and in the development of the learning experiences in which they will be involved.

Professional Development Goals

WICSD Comprehensive Professional Development Plan

Professional Development Planning Committee