RESEARCH
We’re broadening our research focus, thanks to your feedback
By Elizabeth Foster
August 2024
The decision to pivot — the theme of this issue of The Learning Professional — usually comes from new information that suggests a need for change. This column is using information from you, our readers, to pivot to a more expansive focus on professional learning evaluation, evidence, and data alongside its ongoing examination of research studies. This pivot is in keeping with the Standards for Professional Learning’s call to examine a range of data from a variety of sources when making decisions (Learning Forward, 2022) and with our commitment to being responsive to your feedback and current needs. We have heard Learning Forward members, The Learning Professional readers, and a focus group of educators at our Annual Conference express an interest in more content about
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References
Garrett, R., Zhang, Q., Citkowicz, M., & Burr, L. (2021). How Learning Forward’s Standards for Professional Learning are associated with teacher instruction and student achievement: A meta-analysis. Center on Great Teachers and Leaders at the American Institutes for Research.
Guskey, T.R. (2002). Does it make a difference? Evaluating professional development. Educational Leadership, 59(6), 45-51.
Learning Forward. (2022). Standards for Professional Learning. Author.
RPPL. (2022). Dispelling the myths. annenberg.brown.edu/rppl/dispelling-the-myths
RPPL. (2023). Measuring teacher professional learning. annenberg.brown.edu/rppl/measuring-teacher-professional-learning
Elizabeth Foster is the senior vice president of research and strategy at Learning Forward. She leads the organization’s research efforts for partnerships, programs, and fundraising. Elizabeth co-wrote the Standards for Professional Learning (2022) with Tracy Crow and now facilitates learning sessions about the standards and develops resources that support their use and implementation.
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