ISP supplementary professional development meetings (PDMs) in schools

Audience: headteachers and deputies, coordinators
Date of issue: Mar. 2005
Reference number: DCSF 1018-2005 to DCSF 1020-2005 and DCSF 1457-2005

What is it?

These materials have been produced as part of the Intensifying Support Programme (ISP). This programme aims to work in partnership with schools and LAs and to coordinate support. The four key themes running through the ISP and providing the focus for the work are:

• raising standards and accelerating progress
• improving the quality of teaching and learning
• improving the conditions for learning
• developing the school as a professional learning community.

The ISP booklets have been produced separately for all schools so that they can be part of their school improvement materials. The booklets provide suggestions for a sequence of professional development meetings (PDMs). The supplementary PDMs can also be used as part of the programme, depending upon the identified needs and priorities of the school. They currently include:

• Assessment for Learning 1: Day-to-day assessment strategies
• Assessment for Learning 2: Feedback on learning
• Speaking, listening and learning
• Parents: Partners in learning.