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Florida’s Coordinated System of Professional Learning

The School Community Professional Learning Act, created by section 1012.98, Florida Statutes (F.S.), outlines the expectations for a coordinated, statewide system of professional learning that increases student achievement; enhances classroom instruction to promote rigor and relevance throughout the curriculum; and prepares students for success in college, career and life.

Image of the three Goals of Florida’s Coordinated System of Professional Learning. One, increase student achievement. Two, enhance classroom instruction to promote rigor and relevance throughout the curriculum. Three, prepare students for success in college, career and life.

Responsibilities of the system are distributed among many collaborative partners including the Florida Department of Education (department); public postsecondary institutions, school districts, and schools; and state education foundations, consortia, and professional organizations.

These responsibilities, as well as the scope, focus and required elements for Florida's professional learning system are set forth in a series of connected statutes and State Board of Education rules that address the importance of professional growth for educators and the essential need for school districts to maintain professional learning systems.

Image of fours puzzle pieces holding one of each of the linked elements of Florida’s Coordinated System of Professional Learning. The top left puzzle piece has professional  learning standards. The top right has professional learning system. The bottom left has professional learning catalog. The bottom right has professional learning review protocol.

The state's recognition of the importance of a systemic process for enabling professional learning is evident. To support this key component of quality school improvement, Florida has several linked elements:

  • State standards for high-quality professional learning
  • District professional learning systems
  • District professional learning catalogs
  • Professional learning review protocol materials and site visits for evaluation of district professional learning systems

More information about these elements, as well as other resources to support districts in the development and continuous improvement of their professional learning systems, can be found on the pages linked in the navigation menu to the left.

Questions? Professional learning inquiries may be submitted to ProfessionalLearning@fldoe.org.