An Online Professional Study Team
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Is a group of
teachers who collaborate and explore on-line and/or in-person to refine and
improve instructional practices.
Is data driven and linked to school and district goals.
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Can take many forms,
but is structured in four phases:
Identification of a problem or need based on data
Development of a goal and a plan to achieve that goal
Participation in an extended learning activity with colleagues
Preparation of a summary report and product that describes the results of the
learning
Sample Extended Learning Activities for
Achieving PST Goals:
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Discussion and
analysis of recent research and how it relates to classroom practice
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The study of
professional best practices to better meet adult and student learning needs
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The use of case
studies to discuss instructional problems
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Problem solving
groups that focus on the implementation of new learning
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Examination of
student work to set goals, critique and refine instruction, improve assessment
systems, etc.
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Observation and
analysis of exemplary schools and classrooms
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Participation in
Book Talks that impact professional practice and student learning
Underlying Assumptions of Professional
Development
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Continuous learning
and reflection lead to improved professional practice and/or increased student
learning.
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Teachers, working
together in collaboration, can develop strategies for addressing many of the
persistent problems of education.
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Collaborative
problem solving fosters efficacy and interdependence among staff.
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Adults learn well by
structuring their own learning.
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Learning that is
designed by the individual(s) must be research based, data driven and centered
on student learning.
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Learning must be
linked to district, school, and professional growth goals.
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Effective
professional development generates results that are talked about and shared with
students and colleagues.
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