Professional learning that makes a difference: Successful strategies implemented by Priority Action Schools in New South Wales

This article presents the learnings from PASP, the Priority Action Schools Program expressed in the meta-evaluation 'Knowing Makes the Difference'. PASP, jointly supported by the NSW Department of Education and Training and the NSW Teachers Federation, was designed to provide intensive support to 74 schools with concentrations of students from low socio-economic status. PASP schools aimed to: improve student engagement in learning and learning outcomes, reduce disruptive behaviour and suspensions, and improve student attendance and retention. Whole school communities were involved in identifying issues and potential solutions through partnerships and school networks. School Learning Portfolios documented rigorously evaluated strategies with the assistance of academic partners. The most significant feature of PASP is that it is a knowledge based program placing emphasis on the learnings within classrooms, schools and the system.