[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21852]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



       THE BROWARD COUNTY SCHOOLS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARD

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                           HON. PETER DEUTSCH

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 6, 2000

  Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the commendable 
achievement of the Broward County Public School District of Fort 
Lauderdale, Florida. The Broward County Schools, which I am proud to 
represent, is one of only seven school districts in the country to be 
recognized by the United States Department of Education National Awards 
Program for Model Professional Development. Indeed, the remarkable 
efforts of the teachers, professional staff, and administrators of 
this, the nation's largest fully accredited public school district are 
fully deserving of this recognition.
   Professional development for teachers--learning experiences which 
increase teachers' knowledge base and classroom skills--is a crucial 
ingredient to improving public education in America. The National 
Awards Program for Model Professional Development rewards and honors 
outstanding professional development programs and showcases effective 
professional development practices to help schools to learn from each 
other.
  In establishing its professional development program called 
``Professional Pathways,'' the Broward County School District sought to 
meet the unique needs of its diverse multi-cultural population. Because 
of the complex demographic characteristics of the district's student 
population which represent 159 countries and speak 53 languages, the 
program had to achieve ambitious goals. High standards were set and 
professional accountability was demanded. Accordingly, Professional 
Pathways requires all professionals to write annual professional 
development goals that are aligned with the school's improvement plan 
and to provide the district with annual program reviews. Professional 
development opportunities for staff members include individual training 
school-based activities, and certain district mandated training. 
Moreover, Professional Pathways ensures that staff development is long-
term, based on research, relates to school improvement, and addresses 
both student and teacher needs.
  As a result of this ongoing initiative, since 1996, state writing 
assessment scores have increased in elementary grades and state 
mathematics assessment scores have increased in all levels, K-12. In 
addition, the district's average Scholastic Achievement Test scores and 
average American College Test scores have increased since 1997. 
Advanced Placement Test results indicate that the average score of 
district students increased 4.6 points over the previous year, compared 
to the statewide increase of 1.7 points.
  Mr. Speaker, let me again congratulate and commend the instructional 
and professional staff of the Broward County Public School District for 
their exemplary achievement in enhancing the effectiveness and success 
of public education in the state of Florida. The vision and innovation 
illustrated in developing the Professional Pathways program by the 
Broward County School District serves as a wonderful example of quality 
teaching and learning in public education in Florida and the United 
States as a whole.




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