Early Learning Standards and Staff Development helps directors and trainers guide early childhood staff to fulfill learning standards, often without compromising best practices. Written by respected consultants Gaye Gronlund and Marlyn James, it is one of few books on staff development in the area of learning standards. The book includes activities for reflecting on issues such as how much teachers should direct each type of classroom activity, and helps staff developers assist teachers in strengthening their observation and documentation skills. The book comes with a DVD featuring video vignettes to accompany the observation exercises, as well as PowerPoint training aids.
Explains how to better evaluate professional development in order to ensure that it increases student learning, providing questions for accurate measurement of professional development and showing how to demonstrate results and accountability.
Essential reading for school leaders! With the Common Core State Standards adopted by the vast majority of U.S. states, educators face the challenge of translating the standards into successful, positive change within schools. Written for school leaders, this practical guide offers a blueprint for implementing and exceeding the new standards using very targeted professional development. Readers will find realistic strategies supported by examples from a diverse range of schools. Topics include Empowering teachers and staff as partners in planning for and implementing the new standards Adapting existing curriculum to meet goals for mathematics and language arts at each grade level Designing assessments that measure mastery of the standards Ensuring that the standards benefit learning for all students, including multicultural learners Lead your school or district in fulfilling the promise of the Common Core State Standards and preparing students for a competitive global economy. "This book looks at the implementation of CCSS within the context of all of the components that face public schools, and, in doing so, puts the CCSS in a proper perspective. This is a book that could actually help make a difference in the improvement of instruction in the public schools." —Martin J. Hudacs, Superintendent Solanco School District, Quarryville, PA "Making the Common Core Standards Work provides a detailed approach to systems thinking and how to manage a real-life paradigm shift." —William Richard Hall, Jr., Principal R. C. Longan Elementary School, Henrico, VA
This comprehensive handbook synthesizes the best current knowledge on teacher professional development (PD) and addresses practical issues in implementation. Leading authorities describe innovative practices that are being used in schools, emphasizing the value of PD that is instructive, reflective, active, collaborative, and substantive. Strategies for creating, measuring, and sustaining successful programs are presented. The book explores the relationship of PD to adult learning theory, school leadership, district and state policy, the growth of professional learning communities, and the Common Core State Standards. Each chapter concludes with thought-provoking discussion questions. The appendix provides eight illuminating case studies of PD initiatives in diverse schools.
