This is the third in a series of newsletters intended to help state, district, and school leaders explore key topics in improving America's schools.Each issue focuses on a critical education reform element, describes current thinking and activities, and offers sources of additional information.The newsletters share ideas nationwide on how states and school districts are reforming education and how U.S. Department of Education programs and initiatives can help. This issue of Improving America's Schools provides an overview of the variety of professional development activities in this country.The issue describes:(1) better ways in which professional development is being conducted--both in school and out of school--to support improved teaching and learning; (2) principles of high-quality professional development that supports education improvement; (3) opportunities for professional development under federal legislation, including the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and Goals 2000; and (4) state and local efforts to reform preservice preparation programs and teacher certification standards. |
Guest Editor:
Ann Lieberman, National Center for Restructuring Education, Schools, and Teaching
Contributing Editors: The views expressed in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the U.S. Department of Education and no official endorsement by the Department should be inferred. |