What is Job-Embedded PD?
As districts and schools attempt to build professional development programs of high-quality experiences, the subject of “job-embedded” professional development is central to the discussion. One of the issues related to job-embedded professional development is a definition of “job-embedded.”
In Kentucky’s Kentucky Standards for High Quality Professional Development, Standard 2 states: “Professional Development is a continuous process of learning through consciously constructed relevant job-embedded experiences so that professional development experiences and professional learning are integrated in the day-to day work of teachers, administrators, and others to support improved practices, effectiveness and the application of skills, processes, and content.”
This standard provides a wide-ranging list of professional development experiences that would be considered “job-embedded.” Some include:
· action research
· lesson study groups
· collegial professional learning networks
· peer collaboration and coaching
· instructional demonstrations
· team planning
· analysis of student work
· self-directed learning
The best vehicle to ensure that professional development is job-embedded has proven to be the implementation of professional learning communities (PLC) which will be discussed at the Annual ISN Meeting as part of the required professional development coordinator training.
ISN Annual Meeting
The Annual Instructional Support Network Meeting is scheduled for November 29-30 at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville. The annual required training for professional development coordinators will be included in the meeting. The meeting centers on building high-quality instruction for all students with an emphasis on refocusing secondary education on student success. Presenters include many statewide district personnel along with a keynote address from KDE Deputy Commissioner Elaine Farris.
For additional information or to register for the conference, please contact Judy Littleton .
Fulbright Hays Group Projects Abroad
Northern Kentucky University is looking for nine secondary teachers and two administrators to participate in a Fulbright Hays Group Projects Abroad program in the Arab Emirates, May 30, 2008, to June 29, 2008. Participants will develop an understanding of the Arabic culture and language and help create social studies and arts and humanities units of study. The deadline for application is December 7, 2007. NKU will be notified if the grant is funded in February. Applications for this opportunity of a lifetime can be located on the NKU Web site under the Fulbright Hays Group Project link. For more information, contact Jacque Van Houten.
21st Century RFA Issued
The Office of Leadership and School Improvement has issued a Request for Application (RFA) for local school districts, community and faith-based organizations and other qualifying private and governmental organizations to design and implement effective out-of-school programs that improve student achievement and social development. Application deadline is December 19.
NOTE: Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, the next ISN newsletter will be November 28, 2007.
Quotable Quotes
“The key is to replace a belief in ‘experts’ who ‘deliver’ knowledge of what good teaching is to workshops with communities of teachers who learn through ongoing collaboration and practice.”
Dennis Sparks, National Staff Development Center