Learning Forward
Equity and excellence in teaching and learning.
RESEARCH
Evaluation shows the impact of a professional learning network
By Elizabeth Foster
Categories: Collaboration, College- and career-ready standards, Continuous improvement, Evaluation & impact, Improvement science/networks, Instructional materials/curriculum, Learning communities, Learning systems/planning, Outcomes, Research, System leadershipFebruary 2022
In the spirit of self-reflection for the purposes of improvement, Learning Forward often engages with evaluation partners to look closely at its own efforts to strengthen professional learning through networks and communities of practice. A recent independent evaluation by WestEd of Learning Forward’s What Matters Now Network looked at the ways in which a structured, facilitated network provided support for state-level coalitions working with districts, schools, and educators to improve instruction and make progress toward achieving content standards. The What Matters Now Network was based on a research report by the National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future (NCTAF, 2016) that explored the conditions needed to support great teaching and learning. The network was facilitated by Learning Forward, used and taught the principles of improvement
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References
National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future. (2016). What matters now: A new compact for teaching and learning. Author.
Elizabeth Foster is the senior vice president of research and strategy at Learning Forward. She leads the organization’s research efforts for partnerships, programs, and fundraising. Elizabeth co-wrote the Standards for Professional Learning (2022) with Tracy Crow and now facilitates learning sessions about the standards and develops resources that support their use and implementation.
Categories: Collaboration, College- and career-ready standards, Continuous improvement, Evaluation & impact, Improvement science/networks, Instructional materials/curriculum, Learning communities, Learning systems/planning, Outcomes, Research, System leadership
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