As we have seen in the prior units, preparing and supporting education professionals, both teachers and administrators, in changing their professional practices is essential for successful digital learning transitions, but is too often given far too little attention, time, and resources. This is compounded by the need for educators to also address many other changes in K-12 education, such as new curriculum standards and student assessments, new approaches to teacher evaluation, new data and reporting systems, and the critical need to improve the achievement of all students while dealing with increasingly tight budgets. Educators cannot be expected to address these changes without opportunities to update their own knowledge, skills, and practices through professional learning. The essential questions for this unit ask the following about your school or district:
How well prepared are teachers and administrators for the changes in their knowledge and practices required for a successful digital learning transition?
How can effective professional development be provided to prepare teachers and administrators for the changing expectations involved in digital learning?