NESA Sustained PD Themes

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR IMPROVED STUDENT LEARNING
A Guide for Planning NESA Conferences & Institutes
STRANDS
1. Assessment for
and of Learning
2. Curriculum
Design
3. Instruction
SAMPLE AREAS OF FOCUS
Examples:
1. Selecting and using appropriate assessment tools
2. Collecting the “right” data
3. Analyzing data
4. Using data to drive decision-making (Linking data to instruction)
5. Connecting assessment with grades
6. Reporting and communicating evidence of student learning
Examples:
1. Building a standards-based curriculum
2. Mapping the curriculum
3. Designing quality units
4. Incorporating the “meta-curriculum” to address the affective domain
5. Integrating technology across the curriculum
6. Articulating “essential understandings” and “big questions”
Examples:
1. Differentiating instruction
2. Enhancing instruction with technology
3. Utilizing research-based “Best Practices”
4. Teaching to improve critical thinking
5. Planning for interdisciplinary Learning
6. Using developmentally appropriate and ‘brain friendly’ methods
4. Professional
Learning
Examples:
1. Building and sustaining “ Professional Learning Communities”
2. Developing protocols that support professional collaboration
3. Utilizing facilitation skills in professional contexts
4. Insuring that professional development activities are linked to school-wide goals & student learning
5. Fostering various forms of professional collaboration focusing on student learning
6. Promoting the “critical friends” model of professional interaction.
5. Leadership for
Learning
Examples:
1. Providing leadership training at all levels (teacher leaders, board members, administrators, etc.)
2. Using supervision and evaluation as a tool for growth
3. Formally Inducting professionals and board members new to the school
4. Fostering a positive school culture and providing a safe environment for all
5. Understanding and facilitating the change process
6. Providing for sound management of the school in all areas (e.g., security, planning, finance, building, recruiting)
6. Deepening
Understanding
7. Special Topics
and Keynotes
Examples:
1. Humanities (English/language arts, social studies, world languages, fine & performing arts, etc.)
2. Science and mathematics
3. Literacy
4. Middle School
5. Technology, media and information
6. Counseling, special needs, learning support
Examples:
1. The Cutting Edge
2. What’s Coming?
st
3. 21 Century Schools
4. How Kids Think
5. The Latest in Educational R & D
6. Developing World Citizens
Created by the NESA Professional Development Advisory Committee
Updated: October, 2008