The Connected Curriculum: The Connected Curriculum

The Importance of Professional Development

Professional development is not an action that is important for teachers alone. It is essential for all those immersed in education from the support staff clear up to the administrators. Quality educators can be one of the greatest determinants of student achievement. An educator’s education, ability, and experience affect the variation in student achievement more than all other factors. Studies have reported that 40 to 90 percent of the variance in student test scores can be credited to teacher quality course (Why Standardized Tests Don't Measure Educational Quality). What’s more, educators are under more strain than ever to perform, facilitate students to produce high test scores, and validate effectiveness in the classroom. Understanding the subject matter, knowing how students learn, and integrating effective teaching methods convert into greater student achievement. It is fundamentally important that educators be well prepared as they enter the field and that they continue to develop their knowledge and skills all the way through their careers.

Characteristics of Quality Professional Development

Uninterrupted learning, not a one-time seminar

Focused on refining classroom practice and expanding student learning

Rooted in the daily task of teaching, not reduced to special occasions or disconnected from the learning requirements of students

Centered on vital teaching and learning activities— developing lessons, evaluating student effort, and developing curriculum

Cultivated in a tradition of collegiality that includes sharing experience and knowledge on the same student advancement objectives

Reinforced by modeling and coaching that communicates problem solving methods

Based on analysis of practice through case study, investigation, and professional dialogue.

There are multitudes of expert professional learning opportunities that are effective, accessible and available for a great value. These opportunities can be found literally at almost any day or time of the year thanks to the internet. Perfect your skills and be at your finest by taking advantage of these professional learning opportunities. Below are several exceptional websites to investigate so that you can begin to navigate your learning course!

Online Opportunities