Notes+from+Changes+in+Professional+Learning-+Sandee+Crowther+and+Sheri+Thomas

=**Changes in Professional Learning in Kansas**= By Sandee Crowther and Sheri Thomas

== "NEVER DOUBT THAT A SMALL GROUP OF THOUGHTFUL, COMMITTED PEOPLE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD, INDEED, IT IS THE ONLY THING THAT EVER HAS!" - Margaret Meade==

Learning Forward has put out the new Standards for Professional Learning. The standards have gone from 27 to 12 and now down to seven, manageable, and integrated standards: Learning Communities, Leadership, Resources, Data, Learning Designs, Implementation, and Outcomes.

Three districts in Kansas have adopted – McClouth, Newton, and Coffeyville. Next week the state board of education will adopt these professional learning standards for our state. ==“Hopefully we will be one of those beginning states to adopt these professional learning standards as a state.” – Sheri Thomas==

What it will mean for us in Kansas as these professional learning standards are adopted? Currently only Title I and schools that have not met AYP look at these standards, but there could be some future changes. Over the next two years somethings that may change: Point System may change - many teachers are not moving beyond knowledge level points. The hope with these changes is that teachers will really own their learning. Sandee Crowther predicts that instead of district wide PDC, it will move to more of building teams making professional learning decisions. (PD Task Force will roll this out). How can we really make a difference with students? How do we find collaboration time? Teachers professional learning should become more job-embedded.

As we begin implementing these new professional learning standards it is best to remember:

=== "Using the standards to shape more effective professional learning will require study, thought, discussion, and planning." - Standards for Professional Learning. ===

Specific Notes from the session:

It is important for us to adopt these in our own districts.

Educators includes Teachers/Paras/Aides/Leaders/Classified staff

Attributes of quality: Data, Learning Design, and Implementation
 * 3 Focus Areas: Leadership, Learning Communities, and Resources**

Video from Learning Forward Video (Stephanie Hirsh, Executive Director) great one for school board. Leadership video is another nice video for PLC. Use with boards.

Big Ideas. How will the standards improve the quality and results of the learning?


 * 1) Key Elements
 * 2) Validation of professional learning …. Vs. one shot deal or closing the door.
 * 3) Holistic approach – Integrated
 * 4) Evaluate does our pd fit?

Have people dig into these standards.

4 Key Elements: Educators, Results, Effectiveness, All Students We expect these standards will improve the quality and the results of the learning. When professional learning is planned the standards are looked at and does it fit.

The Relationship; 1. Standards-based professional learning. 2. Changes in educator knowledge, skills, and dispositions 3. Changes in educator practice 4. Changes in student results.

The "Quick Reference Guide" can be downloaded from [|Learning Forward's website] 3 Ideas 2 Uses 1 Commitment
 * Activity:** Look over and determine:

Activity: Jigsaw the Standards and provide 3 Core Elements. Standards Jigsaw Notes

As we begin implementing these new professional learning standards it is best to remember:

=== "Using the standards to shape more effective professional learning will require study, thought, discussion, and planning." - Standards for Professional Learning. ===