DALLAS—December 8, 2009—The National Staff Development Council recognized Mistilina Sato, Ruth Chung Wei, and Linda Darling-Hammond with the Best Research Award for their research on “Improving Teachers’ Assessment Practices Through Professional Development: The Case of National Board Certification.”
This three-year study examined the impact of the National Board Certification process on math and science teachers’ classroom assessment practices.

Research showed the Certification process and other similar professional development activities can increase teachers’ abilities to use assessment information in support of student learning.

Sato is an assistant professor of teacher development and science education at the University of Minnesota.

Wei is a postdoctoral scholar in the School of Education at Stanford University.

Darling-Hammond is the Charles E. Ducommun Professor of Education at Stanford University.

NSDC presented the prestigious award at its 41st Annual Conference in St. Louis, Mo. NSDC’s annual awards program recognizes individuals for their commitment to improving student achievement through effective professional learning. The School Improvement Network sponsored the 2009 awards.