To create a replicable professional development model for immersing an entire school staff in learner centered teaching strategies which focus on standards.
 

OBJECTIVES

 . To train teachers to change classroom practice so that it is aligned with standards based curriculum and the new assessments, improves student motivation to engage in learning activities, and increases student achievement.
 

. To train teachers to effectively integrate technology into classroom activities, and to utilize technology for record keeping, planning, networking with colleagues, and creating opportunities for their students to collaborate and network with students in other areas.

 
. To engage classroom and special education teachers with strategies to meet the needs of all students simultaneously.

 
. To involve universities in the planning process to assure that the staff development approaches in this project are research based and data driven, and to design university/school partnership activities for widespread replication.

. To engage teachers with strategies to make students more responsible and accountable for their own learning.

 . To involve parents as equal partners in the education of their children and  valuable resources for the learner centered classroom.

INNOVATIONS

 . The teachers in our project have articulated a set of eight criteria for a learner centered classroom and these criteria have proved invaluable as a focus for  professional development. (See Appendix A)

 . We have articulated a one page list of strategies that should be in a teachers "Tool  Kit" for facilitating a learner centered classroom. This "Tool Kit (Appendix A)"  enables stakeholders to understand what is required in order to move from being "Sage on the Stage" to "Guide on the Side." This "Tool Kit" guides our professional development and provides a vision for school reform.

 . We have designed a self assessment process which enables teachers to designate areas of focus for a tailored internet course that will guide their professional development for the year.

  (Web site: http://learnercentereded.org)