Districts that have invested in a systemic approach to standards-based learning enjoy competitive advantages that other districts do not. They have a clear picture of student progress toward learning goals and how to improve. They realize that professional development is key. They've learned that there is no "silver bullet" (technology or otherwise) that will solve their problems. Since it will take hard work, over time, it might as well be "smart work" guided by the best that research and experience have to offer.

To help advance this important work, Excelsior introduces a new series of ground-breaking professional development sessions with Dr. Robert Marzano, one of education's foremost experts on implementing standards-based education.

Our Research Base: the work of Dr. Robert Marzano

We know that technology's role in improving student achievement can touch the core of the learning process, by focusing directly on increasing teacher effectiveness. Robert Marzano reports that

"virtually every study that has examined the role of the classroom teacher in the process of educating students has come to the same straightforward conclusion: an effective teacher enhances student learning more than any other aspect of schooling that can be controlled." (Classroom Assessment & Grading that Work, ASCD 2006)

Research shows that formative assessment is the most powerful tool available to improve student performance. We know that teachers can become more effective when provided with a clear picture of progress toward learning goals and how to improve, by using technology that provides frequent and encouraging feedback. Educators need proven, practical tools and methods to create and use formative assessments. Such systems provide useful information that goes far beyond currently mandated assessment scores, because they are designed to shape instruction based on student classroom performance, insuring a complete cycle of learning.

In these five master training sessions, Dr. Marzano guides educators through every step of the implementation process from developing and using formative assessments through the successful implementation of standards-based grading and reporting by using the appropriate technology -- the Pinnacle Suite.