This Message Center is organized and operated by David Vitale Lately I've been asked about reviewing Professional Development Plans by those of us who've been trained to review PDPs for Initial Educators.  Here's a brief refresher:

Regarding Plans:  Among the main things to look for when reviewing a PDP (not the goals, but the final plan) is the presence of 3-5 artifacts that show professional growth and the impact those growth efforts have had on student achievement. Plans can be submitted for review to the PDP team as soon as year 3, but no later than year 5 of the Initial Educator's first job in his or her licensed area.  

What, then, is a qualifying artifact that demonstrates growth?   Evidence of growth can be new strategies in a lesson plan that came from a workshop or conference, copies of annual reviews of PDPs that the teacher brings to a meeting (annual meetings are not required, however), artifacts highlighting student achievement (like a portfolio),  old lesson plans vs new lesson plans with reflection, a project or paper from a course, student surveys, a reflective journal, annotated bibliographies of books or journal articles read, in-class action research projects, samples of student assessments with a teacher's reflection,  etc.

Regarding Goals:  Questions to consider when reviewing goals within the first year include - Are the goals measurable? Is there a timeline with activities listed for completion of the goals? And do the goals align with the teacher, administrator, or PPS standards? 

These guiding points, along with information from the linked podcast or an email to our mentor program coordinator, Kathy Wagner, will help Initial Educators and PDP reviewers sort out the details of PDPs. 

 

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posted March 25, 2009 « back to Message Center home

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