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PD 360 Case Studies

Professional Development Case Study - Lamesa ISD, Texas

District Size: Small
District Type: Rural
State: Texas

District Profile Lamesa Independent School District serves over 2,100 students in Lamesa, TX. The staff includes nearly 200 teachers and administrators. District Needs Education professional development in the district was not individualized, flexible, or cost-effective. Assimilating new teachers was a difficult and time-consuming process. Solution Lamesa ISD chose the School Improvement Network’s on-demand professional learning tool, PD 360. Learn more

KY Elementary School Meets Individual Teacher Needs

District Size: Small
District Type: Rural
State: Kentucky

“PD 360 creates a personal venue of learning for staff at Lincoln Elementary Performing Arts School.” Sonya Unseld Principal Lincoln Elementary School, KY Learn more

Small NY District Discovers Wealth of Educational Information

District Size: Small
District Type: Rural
State: New York

“Three things concerning PD 360 make me very optimistic regarding our professional development goals. It is user friendly, accessible, and is a great quality product. There are tools to fit the different needs of our instructional teams and individual teachers.” Mary Connery Director of Staff Development Fairport Central SD, NY Learn more

Midsized TN District Gains Insight into Theory and Practice

District Size: Medium
District Type: Rural
State: Tennessee

“In addition to providing high quality presenters, PD 360 also excels in sharing practical, real-life teaching examples in current classroom environments. Our teachers have gained valuable insight in both theory and practice thanks to PD 360.” Monty Wilson Supervisor of Secondary Curriculum and Instruction Wilson County Schools, TN Learn more

PD 360 Case Study - Western State College of Colorado

District Size: Small
District Type: Rural
State: Colorado

University Profile Western State College of Colorado is a public university with 2,500 students and a faculty of 120 in Gunnison, CO. It offers degrees in a variety of majors, including education. The Teacher Education Program includes an online offering that allows distance learners to earn their teaching certification from any location. University Needs Western’s Teacher Education Program needed a way to provide modeling and classroom examples to its distance learners. Any resource had to be research-based and easily accessible for students. Solution The School Improvement Network worked with Western to provide customized content of best-practice classroom examples and teacher development programs that fit Western’s needs and curriculum. Learn more

West Carroll Parish School Board, LA

District Size: Small
District Type: Rural
State: Louisiana

District Profile West Carroll Parish School Board serves 2,300 students and is located in rural Oak Grove, LA. District Needs Four of the district’s schools were failing to make AYP. West Carroll wanted to close the achievement gap that existed between students at those four schools and the rest of the district. Solution West Carroll chose the Learning Framework, a comprehensive training program from the School Improvement Network. Learn more

Small, Rural, High Poverty NC District Adds Best Practices and Real Experts

District Size: Small
District Type: Rural
State: North Carolina

"When I saw PD 360, I knew it would be a great diversified resource for us. And having on-demand experts available for use in professional development sessions is a real plus.” Pat MacNeil, Ed.D. Assistant Superintendent Greene County Schools, NC Learn more

Small, Rural, Diverse NC District Encourages Research Based Best Practices

District Size: Small
District Type: Rural
State: North Carolina

“PD 360 has a lot of possibilities that schools must continue to explore. As far as professional development resources, it is right up there with the best because it is research-based, content-oriented, job-embedded, and promotes classroom implementation.” Dr. Barbara Howard Former Director of Professional Development Scotland County Schools, NC Learn more

Large Urban TX District Finds Good Match for Initiatives

District Size: Large
District Type: Urban
State: Texas

“I LOVE PD 360. Last year our district watched over 2,200 hours of videos (we have 3,500 teachers and sometimes teams watched video clips together) and this year we exceeded that number in hours watched in the first semester. Educators absolutely want it back!” Dr. Tracee Grigsby Professional Development Coordinator Alief ISD, TX Learn more

Large TN District Respects Teacher Time and Need with PD

District Size: Large
District Type: Urban
State: Tennessee

“By making usage so easily available, PD 360 recognizes that not all learning takes place in a classroom. Because they are capable of using it anytime and anywhere, teachers feel it is respectful of them and their needs.” Karen Hawkins Professional Development Coordinator Williamson County Schools, TN Learn more

KY Elementary School PD Impacts Teacher Growth and Student Success

District Size: Small
District Type: Rural
State: Kentucky

This case study is part of a series featuring elementary schools in Jefferson County Public Schools, Kentucky. Each individual school is implementing PD 360 as a professional development solution without being part of a district program. Learn more

KY Elementary School Adds Individualized PD

KY Elementary School Deepens PD Implementation

District Size: Small
District Type: Rural
State: Kentucky

This case study is part of a series featuring elementary schools in Jefferson County Public Schools, Kentucky. Each individual school is implementing PD 360 as a professional development (PD) solution without being part of a district program. Learn more

KY Elementary School Principal Applauds Real Classroom Examples

Large AL District Addresses Teacher Needs with Online Community Forums

District Size: Large
District Type: Urban
State: Alabama

“Following training in the use of the program, teachers and principals have begun to look to PD 360 to support their professional learning needs.” Patricia Hughes Director of Staff Development Mobile County Public School System, AL Learn more

Small, Urban TX District Promotes Real Experts and Best Practices

District Size: Small
District Type: Urban
State: Texas

“PD 360 has all the leading experts whose work we had been studying as a district including Rick DuFour, Rick Stiggins, and McREL’s nine instructional strategies also known as “Classroom Instruction That Works.” The real classroom examples are of the highest quality and meet our need to show teachers what best practices actually look like.” Karen Sanders Retired Executive Director of Professional Development Burleson Independent School District, TX Learn more

Small, Rural, Highly Diverse NM District Meets NCLB Requirements

District Size: Small
District Type: Rural
State: New Mexico

“PD 360 has made Artesia’s professional development program much more convenient and effective. The variety of resources within PD 360 enhances all our professional development activities and gives us a way to meet the individual needs of every teacher.” Rick Stewart Director of Federal Programs Artesia Public Schools, NM Learn more

PD 360 Case Study - Prince George's County Public Schools, MD

District Size: Small
District Type: Rural
State: Maryland

District Profile Prince George’s County Public Schools serve 137,000 students and 9,500 teachers in Oxon Hill, MD. Challenge Older and experienced teachers retiring in large numbers necessitated an aggressive training program for new hires. Solution Effective Mentoring, an online course featuring experts and real classroom examples. To learn more about Effective Mentoring click the following link: http://schoolimprovement.com/store/index.cfm?action=ViewDetails&ItemID=122 Benefits Supports and supplements existing mentoring. Learn more

Large TX District Takes Theory into Practice

District Size: Large
District Type: Urban
State: Texas

“Our teachers were asking for more modeling and explanation than we were currently providing using traditional staff development environments. With PD 360, our professional development is much more flexible. We can now meet a wide variety of needs with one resource.” Dr. Butch Sloan Executive Director of School Improvement Garland ISD, TX Learn more

MD High School Raises Student Success Through More Effective Teaching

District Size: Small
District Type: Rural
State: Maryland

“Teachers would go in, watch the three required assessment videos, and start hunting around—pretty soon they were hooked and watched a lot more!” Dr. Gail Donahue Administrator for Professional Development Our Lady of Good Counsel HS, MD Learn more

Large FL District Sparks Educator Enthusiasm with PD

District Size: Large
District Type: Urban
State: Florida

“We purchased PD 360 because it is user friendly, has access 24 hours a day/7 days a week, and helps both teachers and administrators with their professional development. The staff enthusiasm for the rich content that PD 360 offers and the presentations by experts in his or her field has been enormous.” Kerryn Bowden Sr. PD Coordinator Polk County Public Schools, FL Learn more

Large VA District Teachers Empowered by Customizable PD

District Size: Large
District Type: Urban
State: Virginia

“We model the use of PD 360 by incorporating video segments into our division-wide leadership professional development sessions. Some administrators report returning to school and using the same segment and/or process to facilitate conversations.” Gaynell Lyman Staff Development Instructor Henrico County Public Schools, VA Learn more

Professional Development Case Study - Las Cruces Public Schools, New Mexico

District Size: Small
District Type: Rural
State: New Mexico

“Educator attitude is so much better when they don’t have to be locked into a schedule. With PD 360, they can choose the “what” and “where” of their professional development and take it in pieces.” Betsy A. Geery Professional Development Center Coordinator Las Cruces Public Schools, NM Learn more

Small, Rural OK District Gains Affordable, Comprehensive PD through Technology

District Size: Small
District Type: Rural
State: Oklahoma

“For us, technology is the way to go. Using an online product, we can offer anything that any other district can but at a fraction of the cost.” Larry Mills Superintendent Balko Independent Schools, OK

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Arkansas DOE Adds Common CORE Standards and Relevant Content

District Size: Small
District Type: Rural
State: Arkansas

“PD 360 provides all Arkansas educators with on-demand access to research-based professional development. It enhances current professional development activities and supports common language and practice statewide.” Deborah Coffman Professional Development Coordinator Arkansas Department of Education Learn more

Midsize CA District Raises Learning to New Level with PD

District Size: Medium
District Type: Urban
State: California

“This is not a professional development that is a one-time event. PD 360 provides numerous PD opportunities and many avenues of engagement for every teacher as they are actively involved watching video segments, answering reflection questions, and simulating the real examples in their own classrooms.” Adora Fisher Director, Curriculum and Instruction Cupertino Union School District, CA Learn more

Large, Urban TX District Increases Teacher Accountability

District Size: Large
District Type: Urban
State: Texas

“PD 360 has added another dimension to our professional development system allowing for Just in Time Teaching for new and/or struggling teachers with research-based best practices.” Dianna Hopper Director for Staff Development Irving ISD, TX Learn more

Small VA District Provides Relevant PD for All Teachers

District Size: Small
District Type: Rural
State: Virginia

“Teachers can no longer use the excuse that there is no relevancy or significance for them in our professional development program. A large variety of options is the beauty of PD 360 and there is relevance for everyone.” Dr. Michaelene Meyer Deputy Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Manassas City Public Schools, Virginia Learn more

TX High School Principal Boosts Teacher Retention and Student Success

District Size: Small
District Type: Rural
State: Texas

When Charles Rose entered SGHS as a new principal, he came to a school with a high-risk population, low test scores, disciplinary problems, and an elevated teacher turnover rate. It was not an easy place to teach and each year 50-60 teachers wanted out. However, Principal Rose had a vision and a plan. Learn more

Large LA District Cannot be Stopped by Nature and Budget Cuts

District Size: Large
District Type: Urban
State: Louisiana

“Even with all the storms and flooding, the professional development is not lost but is there for us. This is another great benefit of an online product. And at a time when we haven’t funds to send educators to conferences, it provides all-inclusive professional development. PD 360 is a lifesaver.” Roslyn Dempster Title I/Title II Coordinator Terrebonne Parish School Board, LA Learn more

Midsized GA District PD Experts Maximize Differentiated Instruction

District Size: Medium
District Type: Urban
State: Georgia

“I am a big proponent of PD 360. It is not a generic, one-time resource, but instead allows teachers unlimited access to easily find answers to their individual questions.” Charlotte Lawson Director of Professional Learning Glynn County School System, GA Learn more

Large, Remote NM District Expands ELL Instructional Strategies

District Size: Large
District Type: Urban
State: New Mexico

“A large ELL population brings with it the requirement to address specific learning needs. PD 360 certainly is one of our main resources to help our teachers increase their skills and knowledge to meet that need. PD 360 has very strong content in Instructional Strategies for the English Language Learner to help our teachers engage every student and ensure their high academic achievement.” Betsy A. Geery Professional Development Center Coordinator Las Cruces Public Schools, NM Learn more

Small VA District Increases Teacher Enthusiasm for PD

District Size: Small
District Type: Rural
State: Virginia

“PD 360 is a positive tool for principals. They feel empowered because they now have the tools they need to lead teacher focus and they are able to be PD directors themselves.” Gail Wade Staff Development Coordinator Petersburg City public Schools, VA Learn more

Large OR District Focuses on Rising ELL Student Population

District Size: Large
District Type: Rural
State: Oregon

In the course of the past twenty years, Salem-Keizer like many other districts has experienced a tremendous change in their student population. In 1989, it had 601 English Language Learner (ELL) students. As of October 2009, the numbers had dramatically changed to 10,147 ELL students. Learn more

Large FL District Opens Teacher Dialogue and Collaborative Spirit

District Size: Large
District Type: Urban
State: Florida

“PD 360 has been extremely successful in our district. Principals as well as teachers embrace it and district coordinators are using it with schools all the time.” Dr. Shari Huene-Johnson Supervisor of Professional Development Collier County Public Schools, FL Learn more

Midsized Rural TN District Gains Individualized Teacher Support

District Size: Medium
District Type: Rural
State: Tennessee

“Every teacher can look in PD 360 for help with unique needs. They do not all want the same thing at the same time. It is very helpful that PD 360 has a wide variety of topics in leadership, instruction, and maintaining PLCs. Teachers of every experience level can find individualized support when they need it.” Jan Hanvy Middle School Supervisor Maury County Public Schools, TN Learn more

Midsize MD District Empowers Principals with Customizable PD

District Size: Medium
District Type: Rural
State: Maryland

“It is one thing to hear someone talk about a practice; it is quite another to actually see a fellow teacher effectively using it with students. We value that PD 360 provides us with leading experts in a wide variety of areas and makes their methods applicable to our teachers by showing the practices in action in real classroom situations.” Dr. Ted Haynie Director of System Performance Calvert County Public Schools, MD Learn more

Small, Rural TX District Finds Flexible Teacher Learning in PD

District Size: Small
District Type: Rural
State: Texas

"I enjoy having PD 360 because it allows me to look up and learn about different issues as they arise in the classroom. The information is so accessible and well organized. At the beginning of the year, I needed help with graphic organizers and was immediately able to find the information I wanted." Tillie Borrego Second Grade Bilingual Teacher Lamesa ISD, TX

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Small, Rural, High Poverty MO District Achieves Goals with PD

District Size: Small
District Type: Rural
State: Missouri

“PD 360 is the most powerful and diverse professional development program available. Schools cannot afford to NOT implement it.” Janice Hogan Mentor/Mentee Coordinator Humansville R-VI School District, MO

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Small MS District Finds Success through Differentiated PD

District Size: Small
District Type: Rural
State: Mississippi

“PD 360 gives teachers the opportunity to tailor professional development sessions to meet their individual needs or areas of concern.” Dr. Edna Waller Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Curriculum and Instruction Ocean Springs School District, MS Learn more

Rural North Carolina Middle School Promotes Individualized Professional Development

District Size: Small
District Type: Rural
State: North Carolina

“PD 360 allows our teachers to customize their professional development around their individual needs. I can speak from personal experience that it is much more than just a video site – it offers teachers the opportunity to participate in a fully functional online learning community with public and private groups, a school community, and even online classes.” Thomas Feller Former Assistant Principal Wellcome Middle School Pitt County Schools, NC

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Small Kentucky District Sustains Focus with Convenience and Experts

District Size: Small
District Type: Rural
State: Kentucky

“Foremost, I am interested in improvement and PD 360 provides everything for positive educational growth. It is handy, timesaving, and available all year while continuing to evolve by adding up-to-date programs and features.” Diane Evans Professional Development Coordinator Marion County Public Schools, KY Learn more

PD 360 Impact Assessment: A Study of the Impact of Participation in PD 360 for Title 1 Schools

District Size: Small
District Type: Rural
State: Alabama

The Study of the Impact of Participation in PD 360 for Title 1 Schools clearly demonstrates that participating PD 360 schools experienced significant improvements in student achievement in Reading and Mathematics when compared to the cumulative results of their respective Districts.

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Small, Rural Wyoming School District Finds Accessible Online Professional Development

District Size: Small
District Type: Rural
State: Wyoming

“Budget cuts have made it impossible to send all teachers to conferences or to bring in well-known experts for training. For us, PD 360 is very cost-effective as it provides professional development with the most current topics and the best authorities in education.” Brent Bacon, Ed.S. Director of Special Services Laramie County School District #2, Wyoming Learn more

Small Suburban System Addresses Differentiation, Assessment, and Compliance

District Size: Small
District Type: Suburban
State: New Jersey

“PD 360 is a great professional development tool. It is cost effective and reaches the needs of all educators. Moreover, as teachers implement it, the benefits carry through to the students.” Joetta Surace Director of Human Resources Egg Harbor Township School District, New Jersey Learn more

Brandywine School District Thrives Despite Budget Cuts

District Size: Medium
District Type: Urban
State: Delaware

Idaho Elementary School Adapts to Changes with New Professional Development

District Size: Small
District Type: Rural
State: Idaho

“PD 360 has added a new level to our professional development. It is an individualized resource that fits all educator needs with multiple topics and a wide range of information. Students will always benefit when teachers have knowledge and information.”

Todd Howard, Principal
Silver Hills Elementary School
Wallace School District, Idaho

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Utah District Embraces Research-Based Instruction Tool, PD 360

District Size: Small
District Type: Rural
State: Utah

PD 360 Enhances Professional Learning Communities

District Size: Small
District Type: Rural
State: Michigan

“Because the content is easily accessible and relates so well to their work, teachers find PD 360 very nonthreatening. I see them sharing program segments with each other and using it because they want to use it. The PLCs love it!” Kristin Flynn Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Gull Lake Community Schools, Michigan Learn more

Large Urban Tennessee District Adds Comprehensive Professional Development Resource

District Size: Large
District Type: Urban
State: Tennessee

“PD 360 enhances any professional learning program. It offers differentiated PD that is tailored to the individual needs of teachers with 24/7 accessibility, active tools, and a large library of content. It is a comprehensive resource for all the current issues in education and teachers are able to find help on any subject. The ability to watch programs in small chunks whenever they want, is a good fit for busy schedules.” Laura Link Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning, and Professional Development Shelby County Schools, Tennessee Learn more

Large Urban Tennessee District Adds Comprehensive Professional Development Resource

District Size: Large
District Type: Urban
State: Tennessee

“PD 360 enhances any professional learning program. It offers differentiated PD that is tailored to the individual needs of teachers with 24/7 accessibility, active tools, and a large library of content. It is a comprehensive resource for all the current issues in education and teachers are able to find help on any subject. The ability to watch programs in small chunks whenever they want, is a good fit for busy schedules.” Laura Link Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning, and Professional Development Shelby County Schools, Tennessee

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Teacher in Midsized Louisiana District Manages Own Professional Growth with PD 360

District Size: Medium
District Type: Suburban
State: Louisiana

Nicola Vrabel, a teacher in Monroe City Schools (MCS), loves mathematics and is devoted to teaching. A committed educator for seventeen years, she is certified and highly qualified to teach math in grades 7 through 12. She is also gifted certified and has earned bachelors and masters degrees. Presently, she teaches gifted math in three MCS schools: Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School, Carroll Junior High, and Robert E. Lee Junior High.

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Small Suburban Massachusetts District Tackles Assessment and Instructional Strategies

District Size: Small
District Type: Suburban
State: Massachusetts

Medway Public Schools (MPS) is a small suburban district in Massachusetts that serves 2,700 students in five schools with 280 teachers. High-performing, it nurtures a continuing desire to give teachers the most comprehensive professional development (PD) accessible, and in turn provide an excellent education for all students.

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Small, Urban College Implements Department-Wide PD 360

District Size: Small
District Type: Urban
State: Tennessee

Established in 1882, South College is a small urban college located in the heart of Knoxville, Tennessee. The school offers its 1,100 students a professional, career-focused curriculum that is designed to build successful learning. It is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Associate of Colleges and Schools to award degrees at the doctorate, master, baccalaureate, and associate levels.

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