Advancing the Field
We are at the forefront of shaping national, state, and local policy, and advocating for powerful professional learning that ensures every student experiences great teaching every day. Through our work with partners including MetLife Foundation, Sandler Foundation, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, and Wallace Foundation we are committed to increasing awareness of the need for quality professional learning, directly affecting the work of educators at the school, district, and state levels, and ensuring the inclusion of a powerful new definition of professional development in the reauthorized No Child Left Behind Act.
Status of Professional Learning
Read reports from two of three phases of Learning Forward’s multiyear research initiative examining the effectiveness of professional learning in the United States. Conducted with researchers from the Stanford Center for Opportunity Policy in Education (SCOPE), the latest report indicates that the nation is making some progress in providing increased support and mentoring for new teachers. However, the study also reveals that teachers’ opportunities for the kind of ongoing, intensive professional learning that research shows has a substantial impact on student learning are decreasing.
PD Definition
Working with our allies and advocates, we have created this formal definition of professional development for use in the reauthorized version of NCLB.
THE PRINCIPAL STORY
THE PRINCIPAL STORY is a national broadcast film and media outreach project, commissioned by The Wallace Foundation. Its purpose is to raise the visibility of leadership as a lever for school improvement, especially in our most challenging schools. We were honored to contribute to this comprehensive initiative about the importance of the role of school principal. Produced by NSDC, THE PRINCIPAL STORY Field Guide accompanies the film and Clip Reel.
Recent Research and Reports
Access Learning Forward's recent reports and read relevant studies from other organizations that may have value for the work members do. Check back often to see newer reports and search the Evidence Database to explore a fuller selection of research.
PD in Tough Economic Times
In challenging financial times, Learning Forward is committed to helping its members find creative ways for professional development to thrive and maintain its focus on student learning. Through prioritized actions and an investment in proven strategies and followup, we strongly believe that our members will gain greater value from professional development initiatives. We have selected several resources to support school districts and schools with a wide variety of ideas and strategies in response to frequently asked questions during these tough economic times.
Implementing the Common Core
Transforming Professional Learning to Prepare College- and Career-Ready Students: Implementing the Common Core State Standards is a collaborative, two-year joint initiative with Council of Chief State School Officers to create a comprehensive, coherent, statewide system of professional learning that supports full implementation of Common Core and preparation for new assessments in one Demonstration State. Resources created in the Demonstration State will be available to all states to access and use. A generous grant from Sandler Foudation funded the first year of the initiative.
