PBS TeacherLine Earns ‘High-Quality’ Rating in Federal GPRA Review

PBS TeacherLine’s online professional development services receives highest rating
in rigorous evaluation for Government Performance and Results Act for second time

Arlington, Va. (Dec. 15, 2009) – PBS TeacherLine^® (www.pbs.org/teacherline), the premier provider of online professional development services for preK-12 educators, announced today that it has earned the highest quality rating from the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) review.

More than 60 percent of district respondents to the August 2009 survey conducted by the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) indicated they plan to use stimulus funds for professional development programs. With these one-time funds, school leaders are looking to make smart investments that provide long-term benefits, such as purchasing high-quality professional development that improves teacher effectiveness.

As a recipient of the U.S. Department of Education Ready to Teach grant, PBS TeacherLine participates each year in the GPRA product assessment process. The GPRA review is a rigorous evaluation in which a special team of experts assembled by the U.S. Department of Education closely assesses the products and progress of Ready to Teach grant recipients. Products and services are evaluated based on their design, content, technology, dissemination and implementation, and reach to target audiences.

PBS TeacherLine received a “high-quality” rating on both online teacher professional development services that were submitted for review: TECH 330 Communicate and Collaborate Online course and a PBS TeacherLine Peer Connection coaching module. GPRA reviewers noted that PBS TeacherLine had materials that were “of high-quality and up-to-date" and that the products build “skill sets [that] can be used beyond the online community." This is the second consecutive year that PBS TeacherLine’s services received this rating.

TECH 330 is an online, graduate-level course for K-12 educators interested in exploring the power of the Web and the latest technologies to engage students and increase academic achievement. TECH 330 is one of more than 130 online facilitator-led courses that PBS TeacherLine offers in reading, math, science, instructional technology, and instructional strategies. Courses are based on research-supported pedagogy and state and national standards. Using digital media, and technologies such as audio, video, interactives, and online discussions, the courses provide a highly engaging learning experience, address multiple learning styles, and serve as a model for ways to integrate technology into the classroom effectively.

PBS TeacherLine Peer Connection is an online suite of instructional strategies and tools for teacher leaders and instructional coaches who provide sustained, job-embedded professional development for their peers. Featuring thousands of research-based, standards-aligned resources in K-12 math, science, reading, instructional strategies, and instructional technology, PBS TeacherLine Peer Connection enables coaches and mentors to create customized, practical learning experiences and guide teachers in their professional growth.

More Information

For more information about PBS TeacherLine courses and Peer Connection, visit www.pbs.org/teacherline. Course enrollment for the Winter term is open, and national courses start Jan. 27, 2010 (local courses may have a different start date).

About PBS TeacherLine

PBS TeacherLine is committed to helping teachers acquire the skills they need to prepare students for a successful future. PBS TeacherLine provides high-quality, affordable professional development through facilitated, online courses, collaborative learning communities, and exemplary Internet-based resources. Currently, more than 130 courses across multiple subject areas are offered. Teachers can earn continuing education units, professional development points, and graduate credits for course completion. The courses have been developed in conjunction with leading education organizations, including Mid-Continent Research for Education and Learning (McREL), Education Development Center (EDC), Concord Consortium, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and International Society for Technology Education. Created in 2000, PBS TeacherLine is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education for $6,046,811. This represents approximately 85 percent of the total program funding. The remaining 15 percent is funded through in-kind support from PBS and through program income.

About PBS

PBS, with its 356 member stations, offers all Americans – from every walk of life – the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content. Each month, PBS reaches more than 124 million people on-air and online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; hear diverse viewpoints; and take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS’ broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry’s most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. PBS’ premier children’s TV programming and Web site, pbskids.org, are parents’ and teachers’ most trusted partners in inspiring and nurturing curiosity and love of learning in children. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org Web sites on the Internet.

Contacts

PBS
Kevin Dando
703-739-5073
kdando at pbs dot org

Donovan Goode
703-739-5073
dwgoode at pbs dot org
www.pbs.org

C. Blohm & Associates, Inc.
Kristen Plemon
608-839-9805
kristen at cblohm dot com
www.cblohm.com