When evaluating the impact of a professional development program on teacher behavior and student learning, what is the most effective question to ask?

The most effective question to ask when evaluating the impact of a professional development program on teacher behavior and student learning is whether student work demonstrates evidence of teachers' application of the strategies taught in the program. This question directly connects teacher behavior—specifically, the application of newly learned strategies—to student outcomes, which is the ultimate goal of any professional development initiative.

By focusing on student work, administrators and evaluators can assess whether the professional development has led to meaningful changes in instruction that positively affect student learning. This evaluation method provides concrete evidence of teaching efficacy and student learning gains, allowing for an objective measurement of the program's impact. The correlation between teacher practices and student work creates a clear feedback loop that can inform future professional development decisions.

In contrast, questions regarding teacher satisfaction or opinions might provide valuable insights but do not necessarily correlate with changes in student learning or teaching practices. Furthermore, considering the cost of the training does not address its effectiveness in modifying instructional strategies or improving student outcomes.