The Recommendation of Strategic Directions for: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN MARYLAND'S PUBLIC SCHOOLS 1996-2000 is a plan developed by the Maryland Business Roundtable (MBRT) and the Maryland State Department of Education which outlines the key strategies and actions for professional development required for Maryland to achieve full success of the "Schools for Success 2000" school reform efforts. The Maryland State Board of Education accepted the plan in April 1996. The plan is built around a vision in which:

• Professional development enables all those involved in educating Maryland's students to be active partners in a learning community
• Staff have the time, encouragement and opportunity to develop ways of increasing student learning
• Professional development goes beyond the traditional in-service approach by using innovative methods of teaching and learning to bring effective practices into Maryland's schools
• As a bridge between educational goals and student achievement, professional development builds capacity for continuous improvement.

2.  How will the vision be implemented?

Bring this vision into reality requires: leadership, resources, support systems, strategic alliance partners, and best practices.

3.  What are the established, documented needs of educators for a shift to a new professional development paradigm?

Professional development for educators is in transition. Just as business and industry have been challenged to innovate to remain competitive, schools have been faced with many challenges, including how to continually improve educator's abilities to help all students meet higher standards. Teachers are also being asked to assume more responsibility for curriculum, assessment, and site-based decision making. These changing expectations have significant implications for professional development. Maryland teacher feedback and national research suggest that approaches to and quality of professional development vary widely. A growing body of opinion and research among experts finds that conventional forms of professional development are often ineffective.

4.  What are the required strategies to ensure that professional development is focused, accessible, and ongoing?

a. Implement effective professional development practices linked to improved student performance across Maryland. Results-oriented professional development must become an expected component in every school improvement plan. As part of school improvement, much professional development activity will be school-based. Individual development plans, as required under Maryland's new recertification system, will be the essential link between clearly defined needs and goals, appropriate learning activities, and improved results.

b. Examine and realign existing support systems (i.e., time, money, technology, needs assessment, performance feedback, accountability, etc.) to create a culture which encourages and sustains effective professional development. Schools and school systems must develop innovative approaches to funding meaningful professional development opportunities that are linked directly to increased student achievement.

c.    Provide visible leadership and advocacy for professional development. Public support must be cultivated so that professional development for teachers is not viewed as a low priority or as a sign of teacher deficiency. Professional development is an investment that can, and must, improve classroom practice and student performance.

5.  How will the plan be implemented?

An action plan outlining key tactics and identifying the groups needed to participate has been developed to guide the strategies listed above into action. An implementation leadership group is working to ensure implementation of the plan. This leadership group is concentrating on training, communication, money and times as essential first steps in implementation of the action plan.

Examples of implementation include the Regional Professional Development Networks, Professional Development Framework for Maryland's High School Improvement Program

6.  Are there standards for professional development in the plan?

The NSDC Standards for Staff Development were one of the sources used by the Maryland Business Roundtable for Education's Committee on Professional Development in developing the plan. The Standards for Staff Development were endorsed by the State Board of Education in October 1996 as a part of the implementation of the plan. Many of Maryland's local school systems are incorporating these standards into their school improvement plans and initiatives, and they are also being used in the Maryland State Department of Education's programs.

7.  Where do I get additional information?

For additional information, contact the Staff Development Branch, Division of Instruction and Staff Development at 410-767-0381.