2016 CAIS National Leaders Conference

When we talk about what modern learning looks like for our students the language we use centers around doing: project-based, inquiry-driven, design-thinking, maker spaces, personalized, and blended. Our schools have challenged themselves to create learning environments where students develop 21st century skills and mindsets. Yet, there is a gap that exists between how we know people learn best and how most professional development is delivered to our faculty. When we know that relevant, on-demand, competency-based, intentional learning experiences are so valuable, why do we still send our teachers to listen passively to experts talk about innovation or a breakthrough in education with limited time for reflection or on-going support to implement new approaches to learning? 

In this session we will explore global trends in professional learning and the characteristics that distinguish them. We will view our own schools through the lenses of these trends and characteristics and apply new pedagogical models (blended learning, design thinking, personalized learning, and elements of the maker movement) that have been established as ways to engage students to professional, authentic adult learning experiences. We will actively pursue the question: how do we, as school leaders, design and support better faculty PD? 

Pre-work Exercise
Please read the following articles.

1. The Impact of Teacher PD
2. Differentiating PD
3. How adults learn best
4. Professional learning cultures
5. 50 Examples + Characteristics