The federal policy landscape:

A look at how legislation affects professional development. By M. René Islas

Specific elements in federal laws have the potential to impact practices at state and local levels. Professional development’s definition and importance in federal legislation, particularly the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, has evolved over the last couple of decades.

Key points in learning Forward’s definition of professional development.

Learning Forward described high-quality professional development in detail to influence the reauthorization of theElementary and Secondary Education Act. Research from within and beyond education supports the specific strategies and elements of the definition.

The view inside the beltway:

Seattle teacher trades in her chalk for a chance to be alegislative fellow. By Kristina Peterson

Working as an aide to the House of Representativesrequires a different set of skills than teaching 5th grade, asone teacher learned. Her experience during a time when policy makers are focusing intently on teacher quality helped her understand the legislative process and the importance of teachers’ voices in shaping policy.

Business teachers go to work and students get the dividends.

By Geralyn E. Stephens

The Carl D. PerkinsTechnical and Career Education Actrequired changes to the professional learning businesseducation teachers experience.Teacher internships are onepowerful strategy for more sustained learning that bringsbenefits to both educators and their students.

Alberta unites on teaching quality.

By Tracy Crow

Standards outlining teaching quality are the key policy guidelines affecting professional learning in Alberta. A committed collaboration among all of the province’s education stakeholder groups resulted in a set of essential conditions that ensure effective implementation of education initiatives.

Policy across the pond:

British researcher talks about professional learning’simpact in the united kingdom and beyond.

By Louise Stoll, as told to Tracy Crow

Just as in the U.S., political changes in the UnitedKingdom and other nations affect education policy. School leaders in the U.K. have significant autonomy to shape school improvement and are increasingly turning to collaborations with other schools to spread best practices among schools.

The power of one, revisited:

Inspiring examples remind us we can all find ways tomake a difference.

By Stephanie Hirsh

One person with passion and a commitment to action can make a difference.Three state-level education leaders worked within their bureaucratic contexts to significantly impact professional learning policy. Any committed educator can use specific strategies to make a difference.

Thought leaders:

Who they are, why they matter, and how to reach them.

By Hayes Mizell

Meaningfully engaging with those leaders who have the power to influence others has the potential to spread an important message widely. Educators can follow several steps to identify appropriate thought leaders, plan effective conversations, find common ground, and establish ongoing relationships.