PROFESSIONAL+LEARNING


 * Professional Learning, ** also referred to as staff development or professional development, is the key to implementing and sustaining changes that transform instruction practices that lead to improved student achievement. [[image:who dares to teach.png width="198" height="228" align="left"]]

//**Learning Forward**//, the national professional learning organization, has revised their expectations of professional learning (formerly professional development standards) to address seven areas that drive the kind and quality of effective professional learning. Learn more here.
 * Standards of Professional Learning **

//**Learning Forward Kansas**// developed a Fact Sheet for understanding Professional Learning in terms of defining the Standards of Professional Learning, what is effective, what is not effective, and how the planning and delivery of professional learning drives the success (or not) of change within a school or district. Read more here. .


 * The Adult Learner **- Learning in schools is everyone's responsibility! Educators must be committed to learning, just as students are. However, adult learning has its own unique features that determine whether the intended learning will be effective, useful, and fully implemented. The following are some articles that provide information regarding adult learners in terms of adult learning theory, characteristics, and how to effectively engage adult learners to achieve the desired learning outcomes.


 * //Adult Learning Theory//** (based on the work of Milton Knowles from Coronet Global) [[file:AdultLearningTips.pdf]]


 * //Thoughts on Adult Learning Theory//** (NCREL)

//**How to Reach and Engage Adult Learners**// (National Rural Transit Assistance Program)

//**Application of Adult Learning Theory**//

//**Adult Learning Theories Fact Sheet**// (Teaching Excellence in Adult Literacy)

Change Process - The act of change is one of action and progress. Without change we fail to improve or move forward. The very act of not changing implies we are stagnated. Change is messy and requires some risk, but first and foremost it must be purposeful and implemented through educating those that will implement and be impacted by the change. Change takes time and often is accompanied by frustrations and setbacks. Change requires we have a goal and a plan. Most of all, change requires purposeful doing. We have much to learn about effectively implementing the change process. Read on...

//**Michael Fullan - The Change Process**// (from Learning Forward)

//**Dealing With Resistance**//. Change often sparks resistance in members of your school or organization. How can you address this and move forward?

//**Beginning with Why**// - Simon Sinek's business model of the Golden Circle refers to beginning with the "why" to increase by-in and make it easier to move to the how and the what that will result with the intended change. Lois Easton Brown's article ties this concept into Professional Learning for educators but is a practical application for all.

//**TED TALK:**// Watch and listen to Simon Sinek explain the Golden Circle and the importance of beginning with the "WHY." media type="custom" key="26601002"

How does this impact your thinking about your system?
 * Systems Thinking ** - Schools are systems and contain many smaller systems. Changes in one system are impacted by and impact other systems. It's as simple as how you make your morning cup of coffee...

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