Professional Learning

Continuous school improvement depends on high-quality professional learning that focuses on research-based strategies. Professional learning is the primary means that schools and systems utilize to strengthen the development and performance of educators at all levels in order to improve student learning and achievement. The Professional Learning Unit provides leadership, technical assistance, and resources to the Georgia education community in order to improve student learning through organizational development and professional learning (staff development).

Professional Learning Unit Credits

 A PLU is a unit of credit based on 10 contact hours of formal instruction or its equivalent (preparation phase) and on verification that the intent of the formal instruction has been implemented on the job (on-the-job performance phase) or on mastery verification conducted during the preparation phase.

The minimum contact time for one PLU activity shall be ten contact hours (one PLU). Training activities for more than one PLU shall be in multiples of ten contact hours. Partial PLUs or fractions of PLUs may not be awarded. No more than eight contact hours of instruction shall be conducted per day with a maximum of four PLUs earned per week. 

Application and Credit Program Approval (Comprehensive Plan for PLU Credit) 

 In order to assist with the completion of the Comprehensive Plan we have provided the following item:

1.  The state rules (160-3-3-.04 Professional Learning and 160-3-3-.10 Professional Learning Unit (PLU) Program Approval for plan applications). These rules (guidelines) include definitions and the components required for a comprehensive plan and for addendum for actual courses.

2. A sample Comprehensive Professional Learning Plan including model forms. This template is to be used as a guide.

3. A sample course description template (Sample #1). The description is the actual course/activity being offered under the Comprehensive Plan. 

PLU Information  

• Frequently Asked Questions about PLU

PLU Credit Online Database

• Apply to Be a Registered PLU Credit Vendors/Providers

• Login (Already A Registered Vendor)

• Find Approved PLU Credit Courses (District/School Approval Required for Employee Participation)

• PSC Course Review ONLY