The Standards for Professional Learning

The Standards for Professional Learning is the third iteration outlining the characteristics of professional learning that lead to effective teaching practices, supportive leadership, and improved student results. The standards explicitly state that the purpose of professional learning is for educators to develop the knowledge, skills, practices, and dispositions they need to help students perform at higher levels. The standards are not a prescription for how school leaders and policymakers should address all the challenges related to improving the performance of educators and their students. Instead, the standards focus on one critical issue —professional learning. 

For most educators working in schools, professional learning is the singular most accessible means they have to develop the new knowledge, skills, and practices necessary to better meet students' learning needs.  

Professional learning that increases educator effectiveness and results for all students focuses on the following: 

• Learning communities 

• Leadership 

• Resources 

• Data 

• Learning designs 

• Implementation 

• Outcomes 

The use of Standards for Professional Learning by school systems and educators indicates commitment to effective professional learning.