FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
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    STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
    F. PHILIP HANDY,
    Chairman
    T. WILLARD FAIR,
    Vice Chairman
    Members
    DONNA G. CALLAWAY
    JULIA L. JOHNSON
    ROBERTO MARTÍNEZ
    PHOEBE RAULERSON
    LINDA K. TAYLOR
    MEMORANDUM
    To: onal Development Contacts
    From:
    Kathryn S. Hebda
    Date:
    May 31, 2005
    John L. Winn
    Commissioner of Education
    Subject: THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION’S TEACHER-TO-TEACHER
    INITIATIVE
    The U.S. Department of Education's Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative: Supporting Success
    is an effort to assist our nation's teachers through teacher roundtables, regional
    workshops, a national Research-to-Practice Summit and electronic teacher updates.
    The Department is pleased to provide information about this Initiative, which supports
    our goal for a high performing workforce through high quality professional development.
    The initiative has brought together some of the nation's most effective teachers and
    education experts to share with their colle
    agues research-based practices and proven
    methods of using data to inform instruction. Educators interested in viewing the
    Teacher-to-Teacher initiative may do so at
    http://www.paec.org/teacher2teacher/index.asp.
    Florida teachers interested in participating in online professional development
    opportunities, including this initiative, should be made aware of the following
    information:
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    The use of online professional development can be an acceptable professional
    development delivery method as long as the component meets the criteria
    outlined in the Florida Professional Development System Evaluation Protocol.
    KATHRYN S. HEBDA, CHIEF
    BUREAU OF EDUCATOR RECRUITMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND RETENTION
    325 W. GAINES STREET • SUITE 124 • TALLAHASSEE, FL 32399-0400 • (850) 245-0435
    Memorandum
    May 31, 2005
    Page 2
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    Before registering for online courses such as the eLearning modules from the
    U.S. Department of Education Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative activities, Florida
    teachers should contact their district professional development department to
    make sure that the proposed activities meet the needs of the teacher (through
    their approved individual professional development plan) and the needs of the
    school district as specified in the school improvement plan.
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    The approved component must meet all the criteria in the Florida Professional
    Development System Evaluation Protocol including appropriate follow-up to
    ensure transfer into professional practice and evaluation of the impact of the
    training upon student achievement.
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    Each district has final authority regarding the awarding of inservice points for all
    professional development activities, and must include them in their Master
    Inservice Plan.
    Please note these specific instructions for participating in the U.S. Department of
    Education’s Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative activities:
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    Florida teachers must submit the Course Overview page (from the website) for
    each session to their school district professional development offices
    prior to
    registration
    . This Overview page is required so that district offices may determine
    corresponding state codes.
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    Upon completion, Florida teachers must submit the eLearning Certificate of
    Completion form to their school district professional development offices.
    Additional information regarding Florida's professional development standards
    and provider requirements is available at
    http://www.firn.edu/doe/profdev/inserv.htm#providers.
    Please direct any questions or concerns to Henry Pollock, Educator Retention Program
    Director, at 850 245-0546 or email at henry.pollock@fldoe.org.

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