Actual Schools / Possible Practices

New Directions in Professional Development

In Actual Schools, Possible Practices; New Directions in Professional Development, author Rebecca Novick synthesizes academic research, recounts trends in education, shares understanding from developmental psychology, highlights promising practices, and relates the results of a NWREL survey of Northwest educators on the topic of professional development. In a section entitled Putting It All Together, the author describes the ambitious, ongoing reform effort taken at Cherry Valley Elementary School, which serves a culturally and economically diverse student body in Polson, Montana. For a decade, this school has worked to celebrate a school culture that supports children's learning. Families, community members, and all staff are considered key members of the learning community, and a team process is utilized as the basis for decision making. Staff development practices include time for collaboration, planning, reading, discussion, visiting other schools, and peer mentoring.

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CONTENTS

	Title page / Inside Cover [102 Kb]
	Introduction [125 Kb]
	Learning in our Nation's Schools: [141 Kb]
	Teaching for Understanding [143 Kb]
	Barriers to Effective Professional Development and School Reform [136 Kb]
	Inquiry-Based Professional Development [137 Kb]
	Collaboration with Children, Families, and Colleagues [149 Kb]
	Cherry Valley Elementary School, Polson, Montana: [134 Kb]
	Conclusion [120 Kb]
	Glossary [99 Kb]
	References [124 Kb]
	Appendices [117 Kb]

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