Chapter 11: Build on Best Practice and Research

http://www.wsfcs.k12.nc.us/Page/7342

Make sure it's research based!!  The district I have been working for for the last 2 years has been saying this about everything.  The odd thing is that I hear that a lot of our programs are research based, but either my eyes glazed over and I blanked out when they got to that part of the 'training' or something because I don't remember specific things about the research that supports the programs.
The biggest thing I got out of this chapter was that 'one-shot deals' and 'formula programs' just don't work.  I have yet to find a teacher that hasn't said something to the effect of "This program is great, but it lacks in ________ and I find myself having to supplement my own stuff".  To me that means 'all inclusive programs' don't really have it all either.
Something else that got me in this chapter was that professional development is key.  Rarely do I hear teachers come back from a one day workshop saying "that was great, I can't wait to put these things into action"  Granted, I do hear that sometimes, but it is usually from teachers who take their own time to go to workshops (over the summer) that last a couple of days and they walk away with resources they can use.  Routeman recommends that district put their money into professional development instead of the 'next best thing'.  The more knowledgeable the teachers are about any subject, the more confident they will be when it comes to teaching it and the better able they will be to weave it throughout the day. 
Something else that Routeman says is key is professional discussions about writing between you and your fellow teachers.  When the staff discusses together what is and isn't going on in their classrooms, they are better able to make and stick to the changes necessary for good teaching to occur.