LINK BETWEEN HIGH-QUALITY TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & IMPROVED STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AFFIRMED
A new study from Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning (McREL) has found that professional development for teachers can have a positive impact on student achievement if it: (1) is sustained over time; (2) focuses on specific content areas or instructional strategies; (3) supports the collective learning of most, if not all, teachers in a school; (4) aligns with school and teacher goals; and (5) provides opportunities for teachers to practice and apply new knowledge. McREL researchers also found, however, that in general, teacher professional development does not reflect these characteristics. As a result, it has had mixed results in improving student achievement. McREL recommends that those responsible for planning professional development ensure that teacher training focuses on particular areas of teacher and student needs.