Evaluating Professional Development Programs

In Keeping with Missouri's Outstanding Schools Act, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) uses a percent of the school funding formula to support professional development activities statewide. Additionally, each school district uses a percentage of its local funding formula for professional development. In Fiscal Year 2006, DESE provided more than $17.9 million to fund professional development grants and activities that inform, train, enrich, and otherwise help teachers, administrators and parents enhance public education for Missouri students.

Background

In keeping with Missouri's Outstanding Schools Act, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) uses a percentage of the school funding formula to support professional development activities statewide. Additionally, each school district uses a percentage of its local funding formula for professional development. In Fiscal Year 2006, DESE provided more than $17.9 million to fund professional development grants and activities that inform, train, enrich, and otherwise help teachers, administrators and parents enhance public education for Missouri students.

Professional Development Helps Ensure Equitable Access to Educational Resources

Before Missouri began systematically supporting professional development, many teacher development resources were concentrated in metropolitan areas and in the mid-state area. Because of DESE's investment in professional development, all of Missouri's 524 school districts benefit from professional development services that are provided by more than 50 grants. Every district in the state has access to professional development activities that enhance teaching and learning.

Ensuring the Effectiveness of Professional Development Efforts

To ensure that professional development programs are making their mark in Missouri, an evaluation system monitors the progress of DESE-funded professional development activities.

Evaluation Team

Susan Toft Everson,Ph.D., Principal Investigator; eversons@slu.edu
Chris Luebbert, Project Manager; luebbeca@slu.edu
Patrick Kelly,Ph.D.; kellypv@slu.edu