Research School Network: Training: Leading Learning and Teacher Development The course provides the opportunity to look at the evidence in detail, consider case studies of different CPD models and refine your thinking alongside other CPD leads.

We know that improving the quality of teaching in the classroom has the biggest impact on student outcomes. We also know far more now about the best conditions to develop teachers and improve their teaching. And we know that effective CPD can play a crucial role in teacher retention.

But the vast number of attractive teaching and intervention strategies, with their references to evidence, can be challenging for leaders to navigate. It can be hard to distinguish a fashion or fad from a strategy that will have lasting impact, and we can be desperate to look for golden bullets without considering a wider range of conditions most likely to bring about sustained improvement. As a leader of learning, the tricky bit is to make decisions and design CPD which has most likelihood of improving student achievement. This programme tackles these challenges head on and helps leaders apply research evidence directly to their school needs.

You may be a CPD lead in a primary, secondary or special school or work across a MAT or TSA. You may make decisions about teaching and learning or work as part of an SLT team doing just that. You may also be aspiring to a new role and want to find out what effective leadership of learning looks like in different contexts. If you are in the process of improving your CPD and want the evidence and tools to do this, then this programme is for you. Our Leading Learning course aims to provide you with the skills and knowledge to make the best decisions for your staff and students. You will bring the knowledge of the needs of your own students and staff and be guided through the best research evidence to target these priorities.

The course provides the opportunity to look at the evidence in more detail, consider case studies of different CPD models and refine your thinking alongside other CPD leads. You will be able to ensure that your CPD is evidence informed, meets the DfE Standards for Professional Development and is purpose built for the new academic year.

Over the course of three days, we will focus on the following:

• the education evidence base and how to use it – the EEF Teaching and Learning Toolkit, how to evaluate educational products, where to find accessible research for busy teachers.
• what the evidence suggests are the most promising strategies for your school priorities – you come with your question and we will gather evidence to inform your thinking and planning.
• review your CPD to ensure that it has maximum impact on teaching and leadership – we will look at different models of CPD including different coaching forms, lesson study, enquiry groups and deliberate practice.

We will provide you with evaluation tools to support you in measuring the impact of your whole school strategies, and can guide you through the process of evaluating your innovations more formally, perhaps alongside the IEE or EEF if appropriate. We will facilitate peer study visits and you will receive follow-on coaching from other CPD leads to support you after the course finishes in the Autumn.

This course is led by Judith Kidd, Head of Dixons Teaching Institute, supported by successful leaders of learning from a range of local schools.

The programme is particularly relevant for school leaders of learning and professional development. It is important that those attending will have influence on making decisions and the implementation of CPD. The programme costs £295 total for three days and will be held at Dixons City Academy. Schools can send additional delegates for £95 each.