Tips for Developing High-Quality Professional Development Programs

Created by Jennifer L. B. Anderson, Ph.D., SERC, Carleton College.

Characteristics of Effective Professional-Development Programs

Quoted directly from The Role of Scientists in the Professional Development of Science Teachers 
p.2, NRC, 1996:

• Scientists, teachers, and administrators collaborated in the program's development and implementation.
• Participating teachers were treated as professionals.
• The program was designed to meet important school-based needs.
• Opportunities were provided for continuing involvement among participants.
• Evaluation was a continuous process and was used to improve the program.
• New partnerships, projects, and networks were stimulated among participating teachers and between teachers and scientists.
• Program directors used effective publicity and recruitment strategies.
• The program was encouraged and supported by school districts and school administrators.
• Effective dissemination strategies were used.
• Program directors had practical knowledge of the process of change.
• A charismatic person or group provided strong leadership.