Changing teacher beliefs and attitudes is at the core of professional development, according to Guskey's Model of Teacher Change. When educators see evidence of improvement in student learning after implementing learned classroom practices, they are more likely to be motivated to change their beliefs and attitudes. In other words, professional development itself doesn't lead to new attitudes, but rather the results of implementing the learned topics and concepts and seeing a change in student learning changes educator beliefs and attitudes. High-quality professional development builds learning experiences that support the educator throughout this cycle and is important in leading to those crucial attitude changes. 

High-quality Professional Development

What does high-quality professional development look like? In Ohio, the research-based Ohio Professional Development Standards and ESSA's criteria are clear indicators of what should be included.

These standards support schools and districts in the implementation of strong professional learning that increases educator effectiveness and results for students. For example, professional development that occurs in learning communities is sustained and impactful as teachers share the responsibility for student success. 

ESSA's definition of high-quality professional development provides schools and districts with clear criteria that are aligned to standards and are essential for helping students learn. You can learn more about High-Quality Professional Development by taking the Ohio Department of Education's online class. Participants in this free class will learn more about Guskey's research, adult learning theory, the Ohio Standards for Professional Development and ESSA's criteria. 

Educators can learn all year long, engaging in sustained, self-directed professional development that is data-driven and affects student outcomes, and ultimately changes beliefs and attitudes. According to the Teaching Excellence in Adult Literacy (TEAL) Fact Sheet No. 11: Adult Learning Theories, educators with confidence and internal motivation who have access to resources are excellent candidates for self-directed learning. This informal process takes place outside of a traditional classroom and the learner gets to make decisions about content, methods, resources, and even evaluation. When formal learning is not an option, consider following these guidelines from TEAL's fact sheet to set up your own self-study:

• Choose the topic or concept you want to learn about or improve upon. Use data, whether from teacher evaluations, student assessments, or survey results.
• Conduct a self-assessment to determine skill level and current needs and set a goal. This can be a simple tool such as a KWL chart. 
• Decide the best starting point.
• Find the resources and methods that best support your goal and learning style.
• Consider using a learning contract with set goals, strategies, and evaluation.
• Determine the best ways to make decisions about and self-evaluate learning.
• Maintain positive attitudes and independence.
• Reflect, reflect, reflect. 

INFOhio Supports Self-directed High-Quality Professional Development

INFOhio provides a variety of options for educators dedicated to discovering new, effective ways to teach. Whether using online classes, or building a reading list, INFOhio's professional development has something for everyone. INFOhio Campus provides self-directed learners with online classes and webinars to provide sustained and intensive professional development on using digital content in the classroom. Online classes are available in INFOhio Learning Pathways, related collections on key topics for instruction. Take classes at your own pace with flexible, accessible content. Participants earn contact hours to reflect their learning. 

Educator Tools is INFOhio's repository for quality content, including eBooks, videos, and lesson plans. Educator Tools indcludes almost 900 professional learning eBooks and videos to support instruction. Covering topics such as Universal Design for Learning, literacy, STEM, and inquiry, the content in Educator Tools can be used by multiple people, making it perfect for study groups. 

Use the limiters on the left to narrow results to find the materials you need to support your learning. A keyword search can help you find specific topics. 

You can favorite titles by clicking the heart in the lower left corner. The heart will turn green. The favorite button to the left of the search bar shows how many titles you have favorited. Click here to see a list and email it to yourself or your colleagues. It also has a link you can copy and save. 

The Professional Learning Book Studies Learning Pathway includes classes featuring the professional learning eBooks from INFOhio. Classes can be used by groups to facilitate as they read and provide discussion questions and suggested activities encouraging application of the practices in the eBooks. 

Whether working with a team or alone, you can trust INFOhio has professional development options to cultivate best practices to improve student learning. If this school year is the one where you change your attitudes and beliefs, let INFOhio's self-directed learning options be the catalyst. 

Share how INFOhio works for you! Tweet or post your professional learning and use #INFOhioworks to let others know the ways INFOhio supports teaching and learning in Ohio!