I chose this article because it was about successful professional development that was backed with evidence. Since the implementation of the PD at Hartville Elementary, the schools' test scores have improved immensely. I was most interested in the type of PD they were using and also the structure of the PD. The school invested in eMINTS program which stands for Enhancing Missouri's Instructional Networked Teaching Strategies. This article mentioned how because of the success of eMINTS, the program has traveled to many places including Australia to put on professional development. The program has keys to success -- the structure of each PD as well as the layout of the program, the material covered dealing mostly with technology, and follow through with teachers.
The structure of each PD made a lot of sense, as it follows the structure of lessons we teach to students! eMINTS's goal is to turn teachers into learners again rather than letting them think they know it all and need no guidance. The structure of the PD reflects this. Here is the structure:
As you can see, the PD starts with a hook, learning time, collaboration, assessment, and then a wrap up--just like a good lesson we teach our students should be! It makes sense that this is effective. Another thing that I thought was really important that this program promotes is eye contact. We have been talking in class a little about how some teachers come to PD with the attitude that they do not need any help and they are above the opportunity. Some even bring things to grade because they don't see the PD as important. The eMINTS program stresses eye contact during PD. They expect participants to be giving eye contact and showing respect--just what we expect from our students!
The program takes pride in these "essentials": Duration, Coherence, Relevance, and Coaching. They try to schedule the sessions far enough apart so teachers have time to implement and reflect. The sessions are centered around what the school needs. eMINTS makes sure it fits with the school and also what the administration believes the school needs to be successful -- a tailored PD. Teachers are expected to try what they learned right away in the classroom. I would imagine teachers would want to try what they learned because of the relevance. It should make teachers excited! Lastly, the coaching aspect tries to have someone available periodically for teacher questions and concerns.
This seems like a great program! I feel like any school could benefit from something like this. I think the most valuable aspect of this is the structure and the fact that there is follow through. Being a two year program, teachers know what to expect every time and it might be a little easier for some to take seriously. Lincoln Grade School would greatly benefit from something like this! Overall, we have a proactive staff who I know would be onboard with this focused program. Besides the cost of $22,000 for the program, I really don't see any downsides!
Marissa I almost used this article as well! I thought it was very interesting and something that a lot of schools could be doing. I think getting the teachers hooked at the beginning is a great part of a successful professional development along with the follow through at the end. So many professional developments that I have attended do not catch my attention at the beginning. While some have great information there is never any follow through so a lot of times it is just another thing that gets overlooked.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of getting into groups and working out what they used and how they could use it and create a final product. I think what is lacking in many PD sessions is that we are sitting and just listening to the speaker. There is little to no active participation on our part. I think actually taking the information and finding ways to use it right away is very powerful.
ReplyDeleteThat does sound like a fun PD! I like that the shift is going from passive listening, to involvement and collaboration. I also really appreciate the follow-up. It seems like such a waste to have a professional development (even a great one) and never have to show anything for it. I agree that it is important to have teachers experience the type of lessons that they are expected to create for their students. Modeling is important no matter the age! Very cool idea, I'd definitely be interested in something like this.
ReplyDeleteI think I agree with all four of you. I like the idea of teachers being learners. I once had an article written about me in the Peoria Journal Star that state I was an Administrator, an Educator, and a Learner. It was based on the fact that I was a school superintendent, a professor at Bradley, and a doctoral student. I think it was the best article that could have stated that what I believe in, that we need to model what we want our educators to do in their lives.
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