February 16, 2015

 

Professional Learning News
We are now heading into the second half of the 2014-15 school year. That reminds me of how important learning and teaching are. It is never the programs in our schools that make a difference, but the people who make a difference.

In order for our teachers to be effective, they need a deep understanding of
their subject area, knowledge of how students learn specific subject matter,
and a range of strategies and practices that support student learning. Engaging
teachers in high quality professional learning is the most successful way
to improve teacher effectiveness.

Learning Forward Virginia provides opportunities to facilitate school divisions' efforts to understand how the Standards for Professional Learning can act as a framework for organizing what they already do well, for aligning their work around what they want to accomplish, for optimizing their resources, and for transforming professional learning from a series of activities to a purposeful, precise, relevant professional learning experience. We want to ensure that schools become learning communities where teachers work together, learn from each other, and share best practice on effective teaching and learning. 

The Standards for Professional Learning, established by Learning Forward in 2011, are not another set of benchmarks. They are a framework for continuous improvement in schools. As the state affiliate, Learning Forward Virginia is your professional learning network connecting you with information, resources, and opportunities to grow. Membership is FREE. To join, please visit our website: www.learningforwardvirginia.org  We look forward to learning with you!

Professional learning communities-or PLCs-can offer a learning-focused process that improves teaching and learning. To make a difference in student achievement, however, PLCs must be more than teacher gatherings. The latest issue of SEDL Insights explores ways that education leaders can guide their staff in the implementation of effective PLCs. Read SEDL Insights.

Dennis Sparks on "The biggest problem in professional development is that administrators and teachers significantly underestimate the amount of effort and time required to create the new habits of mind and behavior that are necessary to provide high-quality teaching and learning for all students." Continue reading here.

The 5 Cent Solution
What is the solution to the professional learning problem? What simple solutions might we be overlooking that could help educators, policymakers, or thought-leaders choose what they know is the better behavior? Are there simple policy changes that would make the difference? Continue reading Stephanie Hirsh's blog here.

Separating the Best Professional Development From the Rest
There are clearly many benefits to online professional development. Yet, with a wide variety of options available, it can be a real challenge to cut through the clutter to find the most effective and high-quality solution to fit your needs. As you begin to explore your options, start with some key questions to make sure you are laser focused on your outcomes. Continue reading here.

You may well have heard of the SAMR model for blended learning--but how do you implement it in your classroom? EdSurge columnist Patricia Brown has stepped up to the plate (with a Starbucks metaphor, no less) with a guide on bringing the SAMR Model to iPads and more. The focus has to shift from apps to content: that's when true redefinition takes place. I'll have my latte with a shot of "redefinition," please.
Learning Opportunities

UPCOMING EVENTS:

 

Learning Forward Virginia, Learning Forward Maryland and DC are the hosts for Learning Forward's 2015 Annual Conference, and we need you!!! There are several ways you can help. 

 

Want to Volunteer for Learning Forward's Annual Conference to be held Dec 5-9,, 2015, at the Gaylord Conference and Convention Center, National Harbor? Click here
  

Learning Forward Spring webinar series kicks off

Webinars are free for Learning Forward members. Click here for more information.

Developmental Studies Center

Develop strategies for motivating your students as writers and learn how to use conferences for ongoing assessment and instruction. Invest in your practice and help your students meet the demands of the state standards by registering for one of these three sessions. 

Wednesday, February 18, 2015 * Fairfax *  Register here. 

Cost: $100 for the institute only, or $500 for institute registration and materials, which includes a complete grade-level curriculum and the accompanying mentor texts (limit 3 per school). Up to an $800 materials value!

 

2015 EdTech Conference at the University of Mary Washington
Where: College of Education, University of Mary Washington, Stafford Campus, 121 University Blvd., Fredericksburg, VA 22406
When: Friday, March 20, 2015 from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $50.00 (a catered breakfast and lunch are provided)
Certificate of Participation: Provided and can be used toward Recertification

The Conference has many exciting activities centered on teaching and student learning as it relates to technology integration and will begin with a keynote by Judi Harris, professor and the Pavey Family Chair in Educational Technology at the College of William and Mary, who will talk about integrated uses of technology in pedagogy and curriculum using the TPACK model.
Interested in attending? REGISTER TODAY @ Conference Web!

Teaching Channel

Formative assessment is a deliberate process used by teachers and students during instruction that provides actionable feedback used to adjust ongoing teaching and learning strategies to improve students' attainment of curricular learning targets/goals. Teaching Channel has added four new videos on Formative Assessments. Click here.

 

 

Should you have questions or need additional information, please contact me or any member of our LFVA Board. Contact information is also listed on the LFVA web site. (www.learningforwardvirginia.org)

 

 

Sincerely,
Judy Newhouse
Executive Director
Learning Forward Virginia

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