The LSS Professional Learning Program was designed to bring new learning theories on teacher and leadership development to bear in its professional development services. While the specific content of the various professional development services LSS provides may vary, there is an established process that starts with t knowledge dissemination through targeted, hands-on workshops and moves to planning for implementation. The end result is participant implementation of knowledge-based best practices to improve student learning. The LSS Professional Learning Series includes: (a) State-of-the-Art Seminars, (b) “What Works” Workshops, (c) Advanced Study Institutes, (d) Principal Leadership Forums, (e) on-site technical assistance and professional development for schools implementing knowledge-based reform, (f) the Distinguished Principal Fellows Program, and (g) the Minority Researchers Program.

This project has used the following strategy for capacity building: (1) building on existing structures, expertise, and resources in the region and nationally to youth in he mid-Atlantic region; (2) developing the procedural knowledge base for designing and implementing a research-based approach to comprehensive school reform to achieve a high standard of academic success for the diverse student population in the nation’s schools; (3) educational reform issues for policy development and improvement of practices; (4) providing resources and professional development and technical assistance to support the systemic reform efforts of the states and local schools; and (5) supporting outreach and dissemination opportunities.