The Broward County Public School District, with more than 239,960 students, 12,575 full-time instructional staff, and 209 schools, is the largest fully accredited school system in the nation. To meet the needs of a diverse multicultural/multiethnic population with students from 159 countries, speaking 53 languages, the district has created a professional development system that focuses on impacting student achievement through increased teacher effectiveness.

The district's professional development program, Professional Pathways, ensures that staff development is long-term, based on research, relates to school improvement, and addresses both student and teacher needs. The plan is well designed with large system support, effective leadership, a willingness to use outside consultants, extensive community and parent involvement, and an evaluation system for feedback and reform.

Professional Pathways requires all professionals to write annual professional development goals that must be aligned with the school's improvement plan. Professional development opportunities for staff members include individual activities, school-based activities, and certain district mandated activities. The district distributes Focus on Professional Pathways, a monthly publication describing professional development issues, opportunities, and information. A Clearinghouse Information Center contains resources that support the staff development initiatives within the district.

Since 1996, state writing assessment scores have increased in elementary grades and state mathematics assessment scores have increased in all levels, K-12. In addition, the district's average Scholastic Achievement Test scores and average American College Test scores have increased since 1997. Advanced Placement Test results indicate that the average score of district students increased 4.6 points over the previous year, compared to the statewide increase of 1.7 points.

Contact Information

Broward County Public School District
Margarita Sasse, Director, Human Resource Development
3531 Davie Road
Davie, Florida 33314
954-424-4124
954-424-4128 (fax)
msass@interpoint.net

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