Professional Development Training

Professional development to help schools successfully design strategies to meet the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) requirements.

Click on a professional development training topic to learn more.

• School Improvement and Authentic Academic Achievement
  This comprehensive professional development program actively involves the entire professional school staff in implementing an authentic school improvement process. A process that is driven by the research based standards of the authentic academic achievement model. Teachers and administrators work collaboratively in designing and implementing authentic curriculum, assessments, and instruction that will increase the academic achievement of students as measured by standardized tests. This professional development experience presents an excellent opportunity for a school or school district to develop a successful NCLB strategy.
  
  
• Excellence in Teaching For Authentic Academic Achievement EIT/AAA Online
  An online professional development program for teachers and administrators designed to improve the academic achievement of students as measured by standardized tests. EIT/AAA ONLINE is a perfect process to accompany a NCLB strategic plan. Teachers and administrators design and implement authentic curriculum, assessment, and instruction that are driven by the research based standards of the authentic academic achievement model. EIT/AAA ONLINE is a beneficial, affordable, and convenient professional development that participants experience from the comforts of home and during times of greatest convenience.
  
  
• Powerful and Authentic Social Studies (PASS)
  PASS is a professional development program published by the National Council of the Social Studies for elementary and secondary teachers of social studies. Authentic Approaches instructs social studies teachers on how to use the research based authentic academic achievement model to produce curriculum, assessments, and instruction that meet intellectually challenging standards. When the work of teachers meets these standards the academic achievement of students is boosted as measured by standardized tests, a fact that makes PASS an essential ingredient in a NCLB strategy.
  
  
• Implementing the School Improvement Process
  A systematic four (4) phase process for implementing the school improvement initiative. This structured approach provides an opportunity to establish meaningful and measurable goals and objectives based upon an analysis of student performance data. The process builds in the accountability and continuous improvement that is essential for a successful NCLB strategy.
  
  
• Building a High Performance Team
  Building a collaborative team throughout a school district is essential to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to meet challenging academic standards and NCLB requirements. Sharing instructional strategies and classroom management techniques, etc. can occur when administrators and teachers possess the skills for increased cooperation, communication and for building consensus.
  
  
• Facilitation Skills for Education Leaders
  Successful school improvement, needs-based professional development activities and appropriate NCLB strategies require strong administrators and building leaders. These leaders possess the ability to facilitate group discussion, direction and decision-making while insuring active participation by all stakeholders. Successful leaders possess the ability to match the needs of the situation with the most appropriate leadership strategy.
  
  
• Leading Others Toward Success
  Successful school improvement, needs-based professional development activities and appropriate NCLB strategies require strong administrators and building leaders. These leaders possess the ability to facilitate group discussion, direction and decision-making while insuring active participation by all stakeholders. Successful leaders possess the ability to match the needs of the situation with the most appropriate leadership strategy.
  
  
• Conducting Results-Oriented Meetings
  An effective NCLB strategic plan will require a regular meeting forum for the exchange of information, assessing progress and determining direction. Successful meeting management requires an outcomes-driven agenda, uses established “ground rules” and provides for shared meeting responsibilities. Active facilitation insures a good return on the time, effort and energy invested in the meeting process.
  
  
• Collaborative Bargaining: Searching for Mutual Gain
  The requirements of NCLB and a fast-changing educational environment create the need for collaborative vs. adversarial relationships between a school district and its employees. A common negotiation’s “mission” and agreement on specific operating principles enable a group to search for mutual gain while resolving important and difficult issues.
  
  
• School Consolidation: A Community-Based Approach
  As a community grows or declines, there may be a need to consolidate schools or change school boundaries. This decision can be very emotional for students, parents, staff members and the community. Creating a community-wide team to lead this effort with a five (5) phase structured process can lead to decisions and solutions that best meet the needs of each constituency.
  
  
• Authentic Approaches Partnering
  Find out how Authentic Approaches professional development programs can be customized to the individual needs of schools and school districts.