Learning Forward

Prepared collaboratively by the National Comprehensive Center for Teacher Quality, the Mid-Atlantic Comprehensive Center, and NSDC, this issue brief strives to define job-embedded professional development, identify who is responsible for it, and describe how to implement it. The brief includes research base, practical examples, and recommendations for districts, schools, and […]

This guide offers succinct recommendations for more frequent and more rigorous evaluation of teacher professional development to improve both the quality of professional learning and its results. Developed originally under contracts with Harford County Public Schools and the Maryland State Department of Education, this report assists schools and districts to […]

Learning Forward’s Standards for Professional Learning Professional learning that increases educator effectiveness and results for all students ... Learning Communities … occurs within learning communities committed to continuous improvement, collective responsibility, and goal alignment. Leadership … requires skillful leaders who develop capacity, advocate, and create support systems for professional learning. […]

Corwin, Learning Forward, and the National Education Association recently released a report from their State of Professional Learning Survey. The report, based on responses from more than 6,300 educators, illuminates teachers’ perceptions of their professional learning experiences and how they align with Learning Forward’s Standards for Professional Learning. The survey […]

Focus Rethinking early education Building a better preschool: Specialized professional learning is key to high-quality early education. By Eric Celeste We’ve been talking about the unique aspects of professional learning for early education teachers for a long time, but many of the challenges are still largely the same. Two crucial […]

“How can I spread this rapidly at scale?” We hear that question often these days. The question is understandable, but the “rapidly” part can be naive. Most worthwhile improvements in teaching practice are not simple, and the change process is complicated. It can also take a long time if it […]

A French-language version of the executive summary to Learning Forward’s landmark study of professional learning in Canada is now available. The State of Educators’ Professional Learning in Canada: Executive Summary showcases the research questions addressed in the study, summarizes findings and conditions for professional learning in Canada, and concludes with […]

Today’s school leaders are faced with job responsibilities that are increasingly complex and changes that never stop. This book helps readers see the history of disruption in schools and recognize how changes are reshaping schools today. The book addresses: The scope of change in schools past and present; Practical ideas […]

Critical support for teaching and leading Call to Action We call on Congress to fully fund Title IIA to ensure high-quality professional learning and support for educators and school leaders to improve student achievement. As a nation, we share a vision that all children deserve the opportunity to graduate high […]