Which group is NOT typically considered a stakeholder for gathering feedback in professional development?

In the context of professional development for education technology leaders, stakeholders are groups or individuals whose opinions and feedback are valuable for improving programs and initiatives. The group that is not typically included as a stakeholder for gathering feedback is represented by technology supply companies.

Technology supply companies primarily focus on providing products and services and may not have a direct role in the educational development or learning processes within a school or district. Their interest lies more in sales and marketing rather than in the pedagogical effectiveness or implementation of professional development programs. Consequently, while they may offer insights on their products, they are not considered key stakeholders when it comes to assessing the effectiveness of professional development initiatives or gathering feedback on participatory experiences.

In contrast, community focus groups, school district technology committees, and staff and student surveys play crucial roles in feedback collection. Community focus groups can provide valuable input on local needs and expectations, school district technology committees often include educators and administrators who directly influence technology integration, and staff and student surveys gather firsthand experiences and perceptions that shape the quality of professional development. Therefore, their feedback is essential for refining and enhancing those programs.