Today marked the unveiling of Learning Forward’s Standards for Professional Learning and Stephanie Hirsh, the Executive Director of Learning Forward, asked conference attendees to make a commitment. The standard “outline the characteristics of professional learning that lead to effective teaching practices, supportive leadership, and improved student results.” (Learning Forward) She asked us to articulate our commitment to the standards.

Within the standards is a synergy. No one standard can stand alone. All seven standards need to work in tandem. I encourage you to check out the following links to get a better understanding of the standards.

• Learning Communities
• Leadership
• Resources
• Data
• Learning Designs
• Implementation
• Outcomes

My commitment to this standards will take on many forms throughout the year. The journey begins with the first steps! Below are a few of my commitments as of today.

• As a Learner – I will continue to strengthen my understanding of the standards and apply them in my work as a learner, educator and leader.
  
• As president of Learning Forward-Iowa – Our group will be unwrapping, understanding and tying the standards to our work. This  will be at the heart of all we do!
• As an Instructional Coach – I will be weaving the standards into my daily work. Learning Forwards purpose: “Every educator engages in effective professional learning every day so  every student achieves,” is my clear definition of instructional coaching as well. The purpose and standards go hand-in-hand!
• As a Blogger – This platform will become a vehicle to advancing not only my own learning of and from the standards, but one that will spread the word globally and a continued way to learn from others! Together we can learn from each other and continue to grow.

As stated by Learning Forward: “Increased educator effectiveness makes possible a shift from current reality to the preferred outcomes of enhanced student learning results — a goal to which all educators subscribe.” The standards clearly outline this work!

I look forward to LEARNING and GROWING along this journey as I commit to Learning Forward’s Standards of Professional Learning!

Will you join me on this journey? What will you do? Let’s take the first steps together!

Photo Credits:

• cc licensed flickr photo shared by eschipul 
• cc licensed flickr photo shared by Melody Campbell