D629 Unit 3 Notes
Module 5:
● Learning Objectives:
○ Explain what evidence-based practices are and why teachers
should use them
○ Explore sources of evidence-based practices for K-12 teaching
related to a curricular or instructional need or goal
● It can be challenging to choose the right instructional strategy when
planning lessons
● When teachers use strategies that are backed by extensive research,
it can be easier to align practices with the desired result
● Think:
○ What evidence will show whether a strategy works or does not
work?
○ How can you apply the research of others into your practice?
○ How make the research of others influence your decisions
about current and future practices?
● Several categories of evidence based practice include:
○ Promising practice (this category has some research evidence,
but it is limited)
○ Research based practice (this category includes practices that
have been researched, but results do not always show positive
outcomes)
○ Emerging practice (this category has the least amount of
research evidence)
● Not only is the use of EBP’s mandated by federal laws, EBP’s also
increase the likelihood of positive student outcomes
● EBP‘s should be considered when examining School reform and
larger policy changes
● Increasing student achievement and closing achievement gaps are
additional areas that can benefit from the use of EBP’s
● With the abundant resources available to teachers, it can be
challenging to determine what specific practices should be used with
students
● Multiple reliable sources are available that present the evidence for
specific practices
● Using evidence based practices to address, specific curricular or
instructional needs, goals, or problems is an effective method for
educators to adopt
● Think:
○ Why is it important to consider your students in your setting
when identifying and selecting EBP’s to address curricular
instructional needs and goals?
○ What are the resources you need to consider when attempting
to address curricular and instructional needs and goals within
your setting?
● With examining the curricular or instructional needs of your
students’s, intentional thought should be given to supporting
students with special challenges or disabilities
● Two well-known researchers in the field of education who are major
contributors to evidence based practices and strategies are Robert
Marzano and John Hattie
● Both give insights into practical research base teaching approaches
that can also be useful in your development of sources
Module 6:
● Learning Objectives:
○ describe the characteristics of effective teacher professional
development
○ Describe the purpose of ongoing teacher professional
development
○ Identified types of targeted effective teacher, professional
learning opportunities
● Teachers describe effective PD as relevant, timely, ongoing, and
job-embedded
● Professional learning is designed to be interactive, sustained over
time, and personalized based on teacher needs
● The concept of being a lifelong learner is applicable to many phases
of life
● To fully understand the value of becoming a lifelong learner, it is
helpful to research the topic and develop a knowledge base as to how
it can help one grow in any area
● Think:
○ How can having a lifelong learning mindset contribute to your
success as a teacher?
○ how can lifelong learning help you stay relevant and
competitive in the education field?
● Ongoing learning is a vital aspect of development for every teacher,
as it benefits not only teacher growth but also student learning and
achievement
● as teachers embrace the value of life long learning both personally
and professionally, it is important that they model the importance of
the perspective with students
● Ongoing professional development is most meaningful when
teachers are able to be a part of guided learning experiences versus
activities where information is simply dictated to them
● Prior to selecting appropriate types of professional learning, one
must first know the varying types
● These can include traditional, online, and job embedded
● Second, one must understand the value of teacher buy-in through
choice
● When attempting to determine effective types of professional
learning opportunities, it is important to understand how teacher
choice can contribute to the value of the process
● Think:
○ Why is it important to differentiate professional development
and professional learning opportunities?
● Job embedded professional development (JEPD) is a type of
school-based professional learning integrated into the teachers work
day
● It typically focuses on a specific instructional need
● Professional learning communities (PLCs) and professional
learning networks (PLNs) are two additional types of learning
opportunities that can be examined as you search for targeted and
effective professional learning options
