SPOTLIGHT ON THE NORTH CAROLINA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS

MODULE 1: THE CONTENT STANDARDS

The content standards are the core representing the importance of "what" teachers learn. Content standards reflect the basic or fundamental professional knowledge that all educators must possess regardless of their specialization or their role in an organization. They define what every educator must know and be able to do to work effectively with students, their families, and the school community.

In designing staff development content, planners should ask themselves what students need to know and be able to do to be successful in a democratic society. Then planners ask what teachers need to know and do to help students achieve those standards.

Answers to the latter question shape the content of staff development beyond the foundational knowledge of the profession.

There are three content standards: Equity, Quality Teaching, and Family Involvement. Look at each and consider the implications for schools, districts, and Department of Public Instruction personnel.

• Equity: Professional development that improves the learning of all students prepares educators to understand and appreciate all students, create safe, orderly and supportive learning environments, and hold high expectations for their academic achievement.
  
  Questions for Thought
  1. Do all teachers in all schools have access to professional development that prepares them to develop and offer rigorous instruction that requires all students to use their minds?
  2. How can technology be used to support the implementation of the equity standard?
  3. What essential knowledge and skills associated with the equity standard must every educator be able to demonstrate?
  4. What professional development designs will facilitate educator expertise in this area?
  5. What does the equity standard ‘look like’ in action in a school or district? In a state agency such as The Department of Public Instruction?



• Quality Teaching: Professional development that improves the learning of all students deepens educators’ content knowledge, provides them with research-based instructional strategies to assist students in meeting rigorous academic standards, and prepares them to use various types of classroom assessments appropriately.
  
  Questions for Thought
  1. Why is it critical that curriculum, instruction, and assessment be aligned in one standard?
  2. What does professional learning that focuses on this standard ‘look like’ in action?
  3. How can teacher teams be structured to focus on this standard?
  4. What professional development might school or district administrators need to provide leadership to teachers in this area?
  5. What professional development opportunities exist to assist schools, districts, State leaders… in meeting this standard?



• Family Involvement: Professional development that improves the learning of all students provides educators with knowledge and skills to involve families and other stakeholders appropriately.
  
  Questions for Thought
  1. What knowledge and skills related to this standard are essential for teachers, administrators, State leaders…?
  2. What are appropriate strategies for making sure all educators develop the necessary skills and knowledge to interact effectively with diverse families?
  3. How might technology support the implementation of this standard?
  4. What professional development needs to include families and communities?
  5. What does this standard ‘look like’ in action?

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