Standards+Question+3


 * Read the Case Study regarding Resources on page 13 of the NSDC Standards text handed out in class. In your PLC discuss Discussion Questions 1-4. Have a record keeper in your group synthesize your group's responses to these questions. If your group needed more information, describe what you need to know and how you would go about discovering this information.**

1. How can time be organized and used to best influence educator and student learning? Time can be organized best by having pre-set objectives for all nine professional development days for educators. In this case study the question is quality being addressed even with the abundance of money. The case study states that the community is appreciative of the connection between the staff development and student performance; however, what is being done to asses the effectiveness of the training.

2. What arguments and data might be provided to increase the time for job-embedded educator learning? One argument arises when the educator is out of class for the nine professional development days, that is time away from teaching the students.

3. What is an estimate of the current expenditures for staff development? What expenses are charged to staff development? What kinds fo changes might be considered in the use of financial resources to support staff development in your school or district? Approximatly 3.6 million dollars is spent for staff development. Stipends and money for travel are included in the expenses for staff development to have consultants and speakers. Looking for efficiant ways to support staff development will allow the budget to be stretched for additional development. Networking with other local schools will benefit staff development as far as paying for additional speakers and consultants. Also, having one or a small group of teachers attending detailed staff development training and then returning to their school to present the material to the rest of the staff will also maximize the spending.

4. How well has staff development supported the effective implementation of technology? In the case study, it implies that the foundation strongly supports technology. Teachers that love to learn will be more contagious during and after staff development to help implement new strategies to use technology in the classroom.

Extension Question:

How is the Learning Forward Resources standard evidenced or not evidenced within your school systems? How did you come to these understandings about your school? One individual states that the NSDC Resource standard is not evident in her school. There are very limited resources which restricts student learning and involvment. She came to these understandings by being in the school and seeing first hand what is and is not available.