June 2004 — Industry Perspective
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Data-Driven Instructional Methods: 'One Strategy Fits All' Doesn't Work in Real Classrooms
Online, On-Site Professional Development Formats
Professional development programs are based on an evaluation process that determines the concept skills and strategies to be incorporated into a particular instructional situation. There is a great need for solid training in content and best practices.
Educators can choose from both on-site and online professional development programs. Online formats provide teachers with immediate feedback, but there is a learning curve with regard to the technology involved in the use and implementation of these formats. In the real world, students are more technologically advanced than their teachers due to the fact that technology pervades almost every aspect of a child's life beginning at a very early age. Supervisory support for teacher training in technology helps educators stay even with, if not ahead of, this technology learning curve.
This kind of top-down support for professional development is one of the major overall factors driving its success in these days of teacher accountability. Louis V. Gerstner Jr. addressed the need to create and implement strong professional development programs at his 2001 National Education Summit by proposing that educational communities provide teachers with "the kinds of assets that are taken for granted in other professions - access to high-quality teaching materials, tools [and] professional development."
McGraw-Hill Education is one company answering educators' requests for speedy test results by developing smaller, more comprehensive online courses. Teachers also respond enthusiastically to professional development training tools in video format. They appreciate watching concept skills and strategies applied in a real classroom by a real instructor. These video tools help train teachers effectively in lesson preparation and classroom management, as well as give them ideas on applying best practices.
Reference
Sanborn, J. 2002. "Targeted Training." The School Administrator, December.
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