Oregon Math Library

When Educators Learn, Students Learn: Eight Principles of Professional Learning

Abstract

The authors identify eight fundamental principles that must be incorporated into the professional learning that is embedded in reform efforts, if that learning is to have a deep impact on the educators it serves and their students. Principles rather than practices transfer across contexts and content. Research points to elements of effective professional learning that leads to student learning, yet clarity of practices is still elusive. When contexts and content differ so dramatically, focusing on underlying principles that guide decisions makes sense.