Could professional development “kernels” count toward flexible PD hours?
Many educators — especially K-12 general education teachers — want tools to support an inclusive classroom but lack access to specialized training. Might evidence-based training in short-form article or video format offer kernels of learning that count toward PD hours?
Feedback from colleagues, educators and LD (Learning Difference and Disability) experts told us that such “kernels” could be useful and consumable during a commute or classroom preparation time.
Services like Informed SLP offer models of high quality evidence synthesis/summary when funding supports the hiring of specialized editors — and there are models of Flexible PD that could offer incentive for educators and caregivers.
In order for PD to become innovative and to improve with the pace of developmental science, more flexible forms must exist to replace stagnant and inaccessible professional development.
References
Tunc-Paftali, A., & Tekin-Iftar, E. (2021). E-Coaching Preschool Teachers to Use Simultaneous Prompting to Teach Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Teacher Education and Special Education, 44(3), 255–273. https://doi.org/10.1177/0888406420925014