PD Hour Considerations for Mandated Trainings
Generally speaking, health-related, mandated training topics do not align with professional development purposes
outlined in Section 21B-45(h) of the School Code and do not count for professional development hours. However, if a
provider can ensure content is robust enough to align to the criteria outlined in Figure 1 below, professional
development hours may be awarded. Topics must address student learning and school improvement to be used for
professional development hours.
Is this activity a Mandated Training? Yes____ or No____
Section I.
Review the Professional Development Purposes in Figure 1 below. If you can answer “yes” to any of the purposes as
they relate to student learning and school improvement, then review the Professional Development Standards in
Section II (Figure 2 - Learning Forward Standards) to ensure PD activities meet those standards. If you cannot answer
yes to one or more of the following statements, the professional development activity does not qualify for professional
development hours.
Figure 1 - Professional Development Purposes Yes No
A. Increases the knowledge and skills of school and district leaders who guide
continuous professional development.
B. Improves the learning of students.
C. Organizes adults into learning communities whose goals are aligned with those of
the school and district.
D. Deepens educator’s content knowledge.
E. Provides educators with research-based instructional strategies to assist students in
meeting rigorous academic standards.
F. Prepares educators to appropriately use various types of classroom assessments.
G. Uses learning strategies appropriate to the intended goals.
H. Provides educators with the knowledge and skills to collaborate.
I. Prepares educators to apply research to decision-making.
J. Provides educators with training on inclusive practices in the classroom that
examines instructional and behavioral strategies that improve academic and social-
emotional growth outcomes for all students, with or without disabilities, in a general
education setting.
ISBE 73-58 (1/20) Provided by the Illinois State Board of Education, Educator Effectiveness Department, Springfield, IL