Step 1:  Identify the need for the activity and who will participate

            The first step in the planning process is to identify the need for the activity and who will participate in it.  Here, it is important to keep in mind that the long-term goal of professional development in Maryland is to ensure that teachers have the knowledge and skills that they need to help all students master the Voluntary State Curriculum (VSC).  Professional development should also be aligned with district and school improvement priorities, as articulated in district master plans and school improvement plans.

            Identifying the need for professional development requires answering three questions:

·        What student learning needs do we need to address?

·        What is the best approach to addressing these needs?

·        What knowledge and skills do teachers need to follow this approach?

Planning Tip 2:  Think ahead but map backward to ensure that professional development is of the highest quality.

Planning Tip 3:  Consider developing a logic model to guide your

planning.

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