The Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) is today launching its first major campaign to tackle the barriers to effective continuing professional development (CPD) in schools. Spearheaded by education guru, Tim Brighouse, the campaign commences with the release of a national CPD database offering guidance on quality CPD courses.
The online database is the first of its kind in England and will provide a single source of information to schools on professional development provision across the country. It will provide intelligence on the type of CPD offered nationwide enabling the TDA to see and respond to areas of demand and identify where provision is in short supply.
Recent findings from a TDA study of CPD leaders1 have underlined the urgency of supporting schools in changing their approaches to implementing CPD with a large percentage not taking advantage of the support available within their own schools, locally and nationally. 41 per cent of schools never consult with a national organisation for help and assistance in CPD, 26 per cent never consult with universities or colleges on courses, and 10 per cent never network with other schools.
Tim Brighouse, former London Schools Commissioner and teacher stated: "Of all the professions, school staff deserve and need the very best CPD. After all what they do in schools underpins our society's skills and future economic prosperity - indeed the core values of social justice and political freedoms. Moreover, CPD provides the intellectual curiosity without which school staff struggle to unlock our young people's potential. They deserve access to the very best of CPD. Through this campaign, the TDA is getting schools out of their current thinking about CPD to offer authoritative guidance which will help schools understand what CPD can offer and provide signposts to both its own and other organisations' resources."
The CPD campaign aims to reform the system by working with schools, encouraging them to review their CPD strategy, helping school leaders better understand how CPD helps improve standards in schools, and urging them to appoint a CPD Leader who can drive improvements on the ground. The campaign also aims to challenge the view that CPD is all about courses by showcasing the many forms that CPD can take, from excellent lesson observation, to mentoring and networking, and even online self-study.
Graham Holley, Chief Executive of the TDA, commented: "CPD is as much a part of the school environment as the teachers, support staff and the pupils themselves. Ofsted recognises that effective CPD raises standards in schools. What better motivation for heads to invest in re-energising the hearts and minds of their staff? The new Masters in Teaching and Learning will lead the way in demonstrating how effective CPD can result in happier, more motivated and better-prepared teachers alongside higher-performing students."
As well as the TDA authored standards and guidance for teachers, HLTAs and support staff, school leaders can access resources to help unlock the potential of support staff and link CPD outcomes to the Every Child Matters agenda. CPD Leaders can also benefit from an e-directory of best practice on CPD across the country.
