NSDC's New Report: Professional Learning in the Learning Profession

"Learning is no longer preparation for the job...it is the job." -Tom Carroll, NCTAF President

Yesterday, NSDC released its new report on professional development. The report finds that while the United State is making progress in proving support and mentoring for new teachers and focusing on strengthening content knowledge, the type of support and on-the-job training most teachers receive is episodic and fragmented.

"Teacher quality is one of our top two priorities," said Secretary of Education Arne Duncan in his opening remarks. He stressed the need to make sweeping, bold changes in education without regard to ideology.

The report commends schools for provide support for new teachers, but says mentoring and induction must go further. One-shot mentoring or workshop approaches are not effective in improving teaching and learning.

How can schools provide quality, professional development in the learning age? What are some successful, model programs being implemented in your state?