Changes to PLD are coming – find out what you need to know

Issue: Volume 95, Number 7

Posted: 26 April 2016
Reference #: 1H9d1T

Following on from a Cabinet decision in September 2015, a number of changes to professional learning and development (PLD) are underway.

These changes are broad ranging and deal with both how centrally funded PLD will operate, and how the PLD landscape is expected to look going forward.

The changes are intended to lift the effectiveness of PLD for teachers, and to create a system which is responsive to the changing nature of collaboration in and between schools.

While the Ministry and sector representatives are still jointly working out the nuts and bolts of the new approach, you will see differences in how centrally funded PLD operates from January 2017 onwards.

Further information will become available on the exact shape of the changes during term 2 2016.

The rationale for change

The changes follow work by a PLD Advisory Group made up of sector representatives from English and Māori mediums. The group outlined strengths and weaknesses of the current system and set out principles that underpin exemplary practice for PLD. The Advisory Group wanted every school and kura to maintain a culture of disciplined inquiry that includes the development of deep and specific knowledge to sustain improvements in student learning.

An overview of the changes

The changes to centrally funded PLD will focus support that helps teachers and leaders improve their practice and lift student achievement in a small number of priority areas. The Ministry has worked with sector representatives to develop proposals for how this will work in practice.

Other changes will focus on growing leadership capability and mobilising professional expertise to complement centrally funded PLD. This will involve strengthening local, regional and national education networks (such as subject associations or middle leadership networks) to support the curriculum, teaching and learning.

The expectation is that when the new system is in place, schools will know what centrally funded PLD they may be able to access to supplement the PLD funded from their own budgets and available through education networks.

Further information

For the most up-to-date information on PLD changes, to view the documents that have brought about this change, or if you have questions about the new system visit:
Education Services website(external link)

BY Education Gazette editors
Education Gazette | Tukutuku Kōrero, reporter@edgazette.govt.nz

Posted: 7:12 pm, 26 April 2016

Get new listings like these in your email
Set up email alerts