Four States Recognized for Supporting PD

A new report from Learning Forward (formerly NSDC) could encourage more states to adopt Learning Forward's recommended professional development standards. The report shows shared characteristics across four states that both posted NAEP gains and had a high level of teacher participation in professional development.

Stephen Sawchuck reports that Colorado, Missouri, New Jersey, and Vermont share common structures for PD, including

• common PD standards integrated into licensure and certification programs
• support for site-based PD
• mentoring and induction requirements for new teachers
• emerging quality-control efforts
• stable resources, despite budget cuts
• partnerships with professional organizations

For more on specific program requirements, like how Colorado implements Response to Intervention and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports across departments or how Vermont mandates professional learning communities for schools that miss AYP four years in a row, read the full report.