2 teachers collaborating

The Iowa Professional Development Model

The Iowa Student Achievement and Teacher Quality Act (2001, 2007) required the Iowa Department of Education to establish a model for professional development and created an expectation that school districts implement professional development for the purposes of accomplishing gains in student achievement.  In Decorah, we utilize the Iowa Professional Development Model for continuous improvement and to maintain a clear focus on improved student learning. 

iowapd-cycle-web

Decorah’s commitment to working as a professional learning community (PLC) allows educators the opportunity to directly improve teaching and learning by meeting with their PLC  to share student progress, and when the data is shared across grade levels, educators and administrators take ownership of every child’s education. PLCs build strong relationships amongst team members, help teachers stay on top of new research and emerging technology tools for the classroom, and help teachers reflect on ways to enhance teaching and to adjust instructional practice.

Facilitator of Assessment and Instruction- Dana Bockman