Knowledge From the Field

Movin' It and Improvin' It!: Using Both Education Strategies to Increase Teaching Effectiveness

Published: January 2012

Publisher(s): Center for American Progress

Author(s): Jerald, Craig D.

Funder(s): Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

View Report (35 pages; 988KB; PDF)

Area of Focus: Teacher Quality and Leadership

Abstract

This report distinguishes between two strategies for boosting teaching effectiveness: using selective recruitment, retention, and “deselection” to attract and keep effective teachers while removing ineffective ones (“movin’ it”) and enhancing effectiveness through professional development (“improvin’ it”).

Key Findings and/or Recommendations

=School systems should combine both policies to maximize increases in teaching effectiveness.

=In recent years, published studies show substantial improvements in teaching and student learning from some forms of professional development.

=Policymakers should incentivize school systems to eradicate ineffectual and unproven professional development, invest in proven models, and anticipate and prevent hurdles to implementation.

=Districts should conduct comprehensive audits of all of their investments in professional development and ensure that teachers receive meaningful feedback.

Focus: National

Subjects/Keywords: Professional Development; Teacher Effectiveness; Teacher Evaluation

+ Successful strategy
= Observation
– Challenge