Massachusetts defines High Quality Professional Development (HQPD) as: A set of coherent learning experiences that is systematic, purposeful, and structured over a sustained period of time with the goal of improving teacher practice and student outcomes. It enables educators to facilitate the learning of students by acquiring and applying knowledge, skills, and abilities that address student needs and improvement goals of the district, school, and individual. HQPD conforms to best practices in research, relates to educators' assignments and professional responsibilities, and conforms to the ten Massachusetts Standards for Professional Development.1
The ten standards that make up the Massachusetts Standards for Professional Development:
Complete Massachusetts Standards for Professional Development
The following are definitions of activities not considered professional development.
Note:
1 This definition was informed by the work of the organization Learning Forward.
Last Updated: November 20, 2015