Commissioned by the Teacher Development Trust with support from TES Global, the research was conducted by an expert team from Durham University, the Centre for the Use of Research and Evidence in Education (CUREE) and the UCL Institute of Education. This report from the week commencing 15 June 2015 also outlines eight key components and four building blocks to effective CPD.
The key finding of the review was that professional development opportunities that are carefully designed and have a strong focus on pupil outcomes have a significant impact on student achievement.
The review has also been able to add crucial nuance and detail to the components that constitute this 'careful design', including the duration, structure, content and activities associated with effective professional development. The review’s findings also give detail about the role of external facilitators, and some insight into the importance of leadership around professional development.
Main Findings
School leaders must ensure that staff are given time to engage with longer-term programmes to cover not only a programme’s initial input but also subsequent in-class experimentation and collaboration with colleagues.