All too often, professional development is conceived as "sit-and-get" training based on "this year's new thing." Information gets presented to teachers in hopes that they will become motivated to change their classroom practice. However, the National Staff Development Council notes that professional development should include ongoing learning experiences and other processes such as training, study groups, book talks, action research, collaborative planning, examination of student work, and peer coaching.

Time and money for quality professional development for all staff members are huge issues for school leaders nationwide. But the biggest challenge for school leaders may be to change perceptions about professional development and establish new structures and cultures in schools to use staff development time well. Another challenge is learning how to link staff development with student learning results.

Here are some resources to help school leaders meet these challenges.

Resources

National Staff Development Council Standards for Staff Development

Learning from the Best / A Toolkit for Schools and Districts Based on Model Professional Development Award Winners

Teachers Who Learn, Kids Who Achieve: A Look at Schools with Model Professional Development

Revolutionizing America's Schools: Democracy, Powerful Learning and the Professional Imperative, by Carl D. Glickman

Leadership Folio Series: Professional Development