Vermont Creates Statewide Professional Learning Network for Common Core Implementation
The Vermont Agency of Education
has created the Vermont Professional
Learning Network to help educators throughout the state implement
Common Core State Standards.
The Vermont PLN is designed to provide educators throughout the entire state
with equitable access to virtual and in-person professional learning
opportunities, including video learning modules, regional meetings, webinars,
online courses and a blog. The PLN is also developing a library of articles and
classroom examples that will be available on the site.
Topics being covered through PLN courses and learning modules include:
- Mathematical modeling for secondary teachers;
- Linking vocabulary to deeper understanding within the English language
arts CCSS;
- Supervision and evaluation with the Common Core and 21st century
teaching in mind;
- Building systems, structures and strategies to bring the CCSS to routine
practice in every classroom; and
- Assessment design.
"The PLN sessions are integral and critical components of our professional
development plan for implementing the Common Core State Standards," said Paul
Smith, curriculum director of Windham Southeast Supervisory Union, in a prepared
statement. "Teachers and administrators are coming back from sessions with good
information and solid plans for making the new standards part of daily
instruction."
The PLN blog includes articles with tips for implementing CCSS and discussion
of CCSS-related issues, and it recently featured an address from the state
secretary of education, detailing issues facing Vermont schools.
The Vermont PLN is a collaborative partnership between the Vermont Agency of
Education and three other organizations: the
Champlain Valley Educator Development Center, Lamoille Area Professional Development Academy
and Southeast Vermont
Learning Collaborative.
Further information about the Vermont Professional Learning Network can be
found on the organization's site.
About the Author
Leila Meyer is a technology writer based in British Columbia. She can be reached at [email protected].