Planning for Technology Professional Development Careful planning is essential for developing professional development that yields the highest return on investment—in both dollars and student achievement. Build from the school or district technology plan to match your professional development strategy to stated needs. A comprehensive professional development program Begins with the goals and objectives from the technology plan Meets the specific needs of the teachers Proposes professional development activities (your strategy) to meet those goals and objectives Considers the technology basic skills of the participants and matches them with appropriate activities Includes adequate support and follow-up activities Includes methods for evaluating the effectiveness of the activities and progress towards achieving goals and objectives Factors in costs for people, time, equipment, and facilities throughout the cycle of the program