The Chicago Tribune today had an article titled Major School Reform Vowed to get U.S. Funds. Stephanie Banchero wrote about a grant that was compiled by the state of Illinois and signed off on by 368 of the 869 school districts in the state. This grant was written to capture part of the Race to the Top initiative funds. The time line on page 14 is very aggressive and could dramatically change what is happening in the classroom. I said could, not will at this point.
A few changes would be no more ISAT testing, a tougher exam would take the place along with testing at every grade level. Teachers and administrators will be rated on students’ test results, and the process for fixing a failing school will change. Evaluating a teacher and administrators will change that 50% of the evaluation will be tied to student test scores.
There is a lot of fuel for powerful discussion, and I do not agree with all parts of the proposal. I don’t know an educator that believes a standardized test alone should determine anything.

But the article did make me think about professional development and how this COULD potentially change everything.

• Imagine if more teachers would create a PLN and netWORK to get better.
• Imagine if each educator and administrator sought out learning opportunities that translate to change in the classroom.
• Imagine if educators would come to professional development excited to learn, grow and stretch instead of reading the newspaper or grading papers.
• Imagine teachers energized by the data, and letting that drive instruction, differentiating as needed.

There needs to be a major shift from the attitude professional development is something my school district does to me a few times a year, to “look what I learned yesterday, let me show you how it will help my students”. Professional development must become a personal mission for every professional educator. I do hope we see sweeping changes!

sweeping change professional development funding