Professional+Development

The two chapters come from the Transforming Barriers to Assessment for Learning book, written by Anne Davies (2008).

__**Summary**__:

**Chapter 7: 'One-Size-Fits-All"Professional Planning**


 * If assessment policies are put in place, simply providing Professional Development is not enough - the best ProD is not one size fits all.


 * People are at different places on the learning continuum, therefore you must consider the background knowledge, beliefs and values as policies such as Assessment for Learning are implemented


 * School districts can not assume that a shift in practice will occur after a single workshop - conceptual understandings require multiple opportunities to do the work with constructive feeback. This may occur in workshops, study groups, conferences, etc.


 * School staffs need to know and understand that that policies such as Assessment for Learning will be supported - multi-year, differentiated and include an evaluation plan. This way the learning can be deep and sustained. It is not simply a fad.

**Chapter 8: Professional Development that Doesn't Lead to Learning**


 * Good Professional Development needs continuous feedback and change.


 * Professional Development must reflect the different entry point, strengths, needs and preferences of the participants (ie. where they are on the continuum).


 * Engaging like minded individuals in inquiry and collaboration creates a community of professional learning. We must engage learning in collaboratively constructing knowledge. This way, the sharing leads to belonging and ownership.


 * __Questions __**:

In the end, I know we need to think about the final consultation document, but here are some questions for you to you think about as think about how we can support professional development around Assessment for Learning.

-How can school leaders and district staff be supportive in the implementation of an Assessment for Learning Policy? What types of actions and activities would be appropriate and in what time frame?

-How was Assessment for Learning introduced to you? How have you had the opportunity to build your own knowledge and skills about Assessment for Learning? What have the successes and challenges been? Where do you think you are on the learning continuum? What additional support will help you to further your Assessment for Learning journey?

-Are you part of a professional learning community? How has this helped you professionally?