Related Experiment Videos
The science of professional development
1School of Education, University of Colorado at Boulder 80309-0249, USA. janette.klingner@colorado.edu
Journal of Learning Disabilities
|October 22, 2004
Summary
Effective professional development for teachers requires close collaboration with school districts and clear administrative support. Sustained use of evidence-based practices is enhanced by data, long-term support, and teacher ownership.
Area of Science:
- Educational Psychology
- Teacher Professional Development
- Evidence-Based Practices
Background:
- Extensive research exists on effective professional development for teachers.
- Understanding factors that support or hinder the adoption of new teaching practices is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the science of professional development.
- To summarize research on facilitating teachers' learning and sustained use of evidence-based practices.
Main Methods:
- Review and synthesis of existing research on professional development.
- Highlighting findings from the author's own research with colleagues.
Main Results:
- Professional development is most successful when aligned with district curricula and standards.
- Providing student outcome data, administrative support, and long-term teacher support (coaching, demonstrations) is key.
- Teacher ownership and peer mentoring significantly enhance practice implementation.
Conclusions:
- Successful professional development hinges on a collaborative, data-driven, and supportive approach.
- Long-term commitment and teacher agency are vital for the sustained use of evidence-based practices.