Professional Development

Resources

Additional resources—beyond those listed here—can be found by searching our Resources Database. Listed below are some of the items on Professional Development that can be found in our database. Related search terms such as 'staff development' or 'inservice' may identify additional resources, including those that have been added recently.

Publications

Garet, M., Porter, A. C., Desimone, L., Birman, B. F., & Yoon, K. S. (2001). What makes professional development effective? Results from a national sample of teachers. American Educational Research Journal, 38(4), 915-945. Retrieved July 17, 2006, from: aztla.asu.edu/ProfDev1.pdf.

Miles, K. H., & Hornbeck, M. (2001). Getting to the heart of school improvement: Integrating professional development spending in the Cincinnati Public Schools, Retrieved July 17, 2006, from: www.educationresourcestrategies.org/CincinnatiFinalReport GettingtotheHeart.pdf.

Peixotto, K., & Fager, J. (1998). High-quality professional development: An essential component of successful schools. Portland, OR: Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory (NREL).

Sparks, D. (2002). Designing powerful professional development for teachers and principals. Oxford, OH: National Staff Development Council. Retrieved June 7, 2002, from: www.nsdc.org/library/leaders/sparksbook.cfm.

Web Sites

The National Staff Development Council (NSDC), founded in 1969, is the largest nonprofit professional association committed to ensuring success for all students through staff development and school improvement.

The National Middle Schools Association (NMSA) is the only national education association dedicated exclusively to the growth of middle level education.

The National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform is an alliance of educators, researchers, national associations, and officers of professional organizations and foundations committed to promoting the academic performance and healthy development of young adolescents.

Schools to Watch—After a year of collaboration, the National Forum identified criteria to describe high-performing schools that serve students in the middle grades.