Background and Overview of Professional Development

The applicant provides a brief explanation of why the representatives consider professional development in their schools or districts exemplary by describing the program's key components and relating those to the U.S. Department of Education's Mission and Principles of Professional Development. This description must provide evidence that the professional development activities are not narrowly focused on one subgroup of students or staff within the school or district.

Goals and Outcomes

The applicant describes the professional development goals, including how they: (1) are developed; (2) relate to school improvement; (3) are based on a needs assessment; and (4) address the achievement of all students regardless of gender, socio-economic level or disadvantaged status, race, ethnic or cultural background, exceptional abilities or disabilities, or limited-English proficiency. Applicants must also address the changes in teaching and student learning that are expected to result from professional development. They must describe how professional development goals and outcomes promote teaching and learning to high standards.

Professional Development Design and Implementation

The applicant provides evidence that professional development reflects research and best practice; includes comprehensive evaluation; includes organizational structures (e.g., administrative and policy support) and resources (e.g., use of time, expertise, funds) that support it; promotes continuous inquiry and improvement; and ensures that the larger school community understands its importance to school improvement.

Objective Evidence of Success

The applicant clearly demonstrates that teacher effectiveness and student learning have improved as a direct result of the implemented professional development activities. Data that reflect this connection must be provided and discussed. The focus of this criterion is objective evidence, and a compelling argument must be made for the way in which professional development positively affects outcomes for all teachers and all students. This arguemnt must emphasize areas where any achievement gaps between groups (e.g., gender, socio-economic status, ethnicity) have been addressed and narrowed.

Implications for the Field

The applicant describes the lessons learned as the professional development activities have matured.