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="My principal seems to think PD should be one-size fits all." = = = ="We spent 6 hours in a 'PD' session that was completely useless." = = = ="What does this training have to do with teaching and learning?" = = = ="Ughh- I HATE PD!" = = = =

= = = =Professional Development was a frequent topic in our moodle, on-site, and Blackboard discussions this summer. After reviewing our discussion threads and my notes, I compiled a list of the EXCELLENT PD-related points that we raised: =

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 * ===PD can be implemented on-line in an asynchronous format.* ===
 * ===PD planning should capitalize on teachers and staff who can lead others in their areas of expertise. ===
 * ===PD can be lead using free or inexpensive resources. * ===
 * ===One form of PD would be to visit other schools to observe best practices in action. ===
 * ===Principals should have PD goals. ===
 * ===PD should be aligned with district goals and initiatives, not just "one more thing". * ===
 * ===PD should be available and mandatory for all school personnel, including administrators and parents/guardians. <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">* ===
 * ===<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">PD doesn't always have to be led by an expert, it can also mean giving teachers time to explore new technology and resources. <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">* ===
 * ===<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Teachers should be involved in the selection of PD options. <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">* ===
 * ===<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">PD opportunities should allow teachers to discuss, share, and collaborate with teachers from other districts. <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">* ===
 * ===<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">There should be multiple PD choices and options for staff. <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">* ===
 * ===<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">PD should be planned and scheduled //before//teaches are expected to implement its focus. <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">* ===
 * ===<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Representatives of teams, departments, and/or grades can attend PD and disseminate best practices with others. ===
 * ===<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">An effective PD approach would be one whose focus is revisited through out the year, not introduced once and forgotten about. <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">* ===
 * ===<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Technology-based PD should offer teachers a menu of options. <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">* ===
 * ===<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Teachers can engage in PD individually or in small groups; PD doesn't have to be whole school. <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">* ===
 * ===<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Resources are available, but time needs to be invested to find them.<span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> (That's where I come in! This wiki and the links provided should address the *starred* points that we raised. Have fun perusing the site :) ) ===