Mississippi educators participated in a two-day overview of Standards for Professional Learning. The event was a collaboration of the Mississippi Department of Education, Regional Education Service Areas, and Learning Forward. Through a combination of direct instruction, independent reading, small-group discussions, and collaborative synthesis, participants learned how to apply the standards to their particular roles and contexts. Events were held in Oxford, Cleveland, Meridian, Jackson, Biloxi, and Hattiesburg.

Learning Forward Mississippi, the state’s Learning Forward affiliate, built on this foundation by providing a deeper look at the Conditions for Success, one of three frames within Standards for Professional Learning, at its fall retreat. About 125 education leaders convened in Flowood to deepen their understanding of the contexts, structures, and culture necessary to cultivate high-quality professional learning that leads to improved student outcomes. Mississippi is a strong model for how state agencies of education and Learning Forward Affiliates can collaborate to support educators, thus students, throughout a state, province, or region.

For more information on how Learning Forward can bring statewide learning on Standards for Professional Learning to your area, contact sharron.helmke@learningforward.org.