At West Fargo Publics Schools, we have recognized the greatest impact on student learning occurs through teacher collaboration focused on evidence of student learning and adjusting instruction based on student data (teachers supporting teachers through Professional Learning Communities and Professional Learning Walks).  Our district continues to leverage the national Learning Forward Standards to structure our short-term and long-term professional development plans.  Guidance from the standards has framed our focus on professional learning that increases educator effectiveness and results for all students. Key components embedded in our professional growth plans include:

• Ongoing with teacher support during implementation
• Occurs during learning communities committed to continuous improvement
• Focused on student learning
• Supported through modeling and instructional coaching

Research and best pedagogical practices having greatest impact on student learning (Hattie, 2009) has narrowed our focus on positive student relations and growth mindsets; student engagement and quality assessment practices; student literacy embracing critical reading, writing, and content vocabulary; and 21st century learning opportunities targeting personalized learning experiences (see illustration). West Fargo Public School utilizes the Charlotte Danielson Framework for Teaching as our evaluation tool, which closely aligns to our continuous growth model.