About this Book

This book illustrates how to ask the right questions to effectively measure professional development; understand the dynamic nature of professional development; identify what contributes to improved student learning; and demonstrate results and accountability. The evaluation processes and tools recommended in this book acknowledge that if staff development is to improve student learning, many levels of change are required, each with its own particular evaluation challenges. The book asks and answers significant questions and provides specific recommendations for future action. After an introduction that examines why professional development and evaluation are so important, there are nine chapters: (1) "What is Professional Development?"; (2) "What is Evaluation?"; (3) "Practical Guidelines for Evaluating Professional Development"; (4) "Level 1: Participants' Reactions"; (5) "Level 2: Participants' Learning"; (6) "Level 3: Organization Support and Change"; (7) "Level 4: Participants' Use of New Knowledge and Skills"; (8) "Level 5: Student Learning Outcomes"; and (9) "Presenting Evaluation Results." There are reflective questions at the end of each chapter along with sample evaluation forms, checklists, and helpful hints. (Contains approximately 290 references.) (SM)