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Norman Public Schools
Norman, OK
School Type: Public
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School Setting: Suburban
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Level: K-12
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School Design: Traditional
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Content Presented By:
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National Awards Program for Model Professional Development
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Summary
The practice: Professional development should be connected to a comprehensive change process focused on improving student learning.
- District PD superstructure revised 5 times in 10 years
- Integration of content areas, thinking skills, and application of learning
- One-page model of Professional Development (PD)
- Annual evaluation of PD
- Eight-teacher teams for each school trained to mentor
- In 1999-2000 42 district employees received state or national awards for excellence in teaching and leadership
- 42 staff members served as leaders in educational organizations
- 68 staff members made 97 presentations at conferences
- Three teachers published articles in educational journals
- Three teachers received national Board for Professional Teaching Standards
- In 3 years, 8th grade reading scores rose from 77% to 87%
Norman Public Schools' "Decisions for Excellence" establishes a superstructure for improving schools through professional development. This document, developed in 1985 and revised and updated frequently, focuses on how to make and implement research-based decisions regarding the improvement of teaching and learning. "Decisions for Excellence" outlines the four P's: processes, procedures, programs, and product. The district has identified processes for effecting change and has supported planning and implementation by providing resource materials and training. The procedures section outlines strategies and information necessary for participatory decision-making for teaching and learning, including knowledge about effective schools, data analysis, and goal setting. Programs for improving instruction include what teachers need to know and are able to do related to planning, teaching, and performance assessment. These all target the product, which is increased student achievement. All professional development and supporting resources in Norman Public Schools are directed toward promoting and encouraging quality teaching. As a result of a clear process for change, student achievement is improving.
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