The need for continuing development of knowledge and skills is well recognised in education. Rapid changes have taken place in the curriculum and in approaches to teaching and learning. Developments in technology, particularly information and communications technology, and the evolving role of schools in our society together mean that a teacher’s competencies and knowledge need frequent review and development.
Professional review and development (PRD) is the process whereby the development and training needs of all staff are identified and agreed in relation to:
The process also includes making suitable arrangements to meet professional development needs, so far as possible, within available resources. It is a means of supporting teachers by ensuring that they are thoroughly prepared for their duties, in particular for their key role in teaching and learning.
Professional review and development should involve all teachers in schools and pre-school establishments, including headteachers and senior managers. The framework makes references throughout to 'teachers', but this term should be interpreted as including all educators.
The national agreement, 'A Teaching Profession for the 21st Century', sets the contractual context for professional review and development. It requires teachers to have an ongoing commitment to maintain their professional expertise through an agreed programme of CPD. This document sets out a framework for professional review and development (PRD) and a checklist for the operation of local authority systems.
In association with Education Scotland