Staff development: from theory to practice

Vol. 7, No. 2 • March/April 2000

Staff development: from theory to practice — Organizing, scheduling, and implementing short workshops and our well-attended summer technology academy is easy
by Mary Alice Anderson

THE MEDIA CENTER column focuses on what it takes to turn theory, research, and enthusiasm into practice when it comes to implementing staff development programs. Relates that organizing, scheduling, and implementing short workshops and a summer technology academy is easy. Notes that administrative support is gained by meeting diverse needs, providing training that is practical, and keeping expenses low. Says that by keeping costs low, classes can be held even if only a few enroll, and working with a local university offers the credits teachers need. Relates that success is relative when describing one workshop for reluctant technology users and another that had low registration due to many other district initiatives scheduled throughout the summer. Observes that the programs have been successful in general, and although it many be an uphill struggle, they are learning as they go.