Professional Learning in Spotsylvania County Schools
Overview 2010-2011
The goal of the professional development program as established by Spotsylvania County School Board policy GCL is “to provide better learning experiences in the classroom which result in a positive effect on student performance and attitude.”
Recognizing the need for continual improvement to professional development structures, each year our professional learning program is reviewed by committee and modifications are made as necessary. This year’s planning committee consisted of the central office instructional team and school administrators. This page outlines the recommendations from the committee that will occur during the 2010-11 school year. Future recommendations for change will be explored as outlined at the bottom of this page. The committee met from December 2009 to March 2010 to review division-level data and input from all school principals. Through that review the committee identified Division Areas of Instructional Focus. The plan as established is a means for professional learning opportunities based on student and teacher needs to align with division areas of instructional focus.
The purposes of the Professional Learning Program are to:
- Support implementation of Spotsylvania County Schools’ Strategic Plan, Technology Plan, Special Education Audit, FOCUS, CARE, and AdvancED Quality Assurance Review.
- Provide high quality and data driven professional learning focused on student performance that will result in a change of instructional practices and higher student achievement.
- Provide opportunities for all staff to meet certification requirements and continue professional learning.
Division Areas of Instructional Focus
2010-11
Literacy
Mathematics
Inclusive Practices
Meeting the Needs of Underperforming Student Groups
Creating and Assessing Essential Questions
Addressing Issues Identified in School Climate Data
Professional learning opportunities will:
- Embed 21st Century Skills.
- Embed integration of technology.
- Be offered in a variety of formats to meet the needs of adult learners including delivery options and flexible time structures.
The 2010-2011 Professional Learning Program includes expansion from the pilot started in the 2009-10 school year, in which two schools implemented a professional learning plan organized by the school administration, with support of the division. This year, all schools will develop a plan for Professional Learning which will encompass a minimum of 38 hours organized and conducted at the school site or a combination of division and school offerings (20 hours = previous DWPD requirement and 18 hours = previous SBPD requirement). Professional Learning Plans will align with division instructional areas of focus and/or the need to address school-specific goals. Instructional Directors will review all proposals and discuss with building leaders prior to approval and implementation.
Plans will be shared among schools and with division leadership to promote supportive and collaborative practices. Plans which contain a specific content focus require preplanning and collaboration with content supervisors.
Looking ahead…2011 – 2012
A Professional Learning Advisory Council has been established to begin work in March 2010 to review current professional development practices and develop a comprehensive structure for professional learning. Changes to professional development practices recommended by the Council will be implemented during the 2011-2012 school year under the direction of the Office of Instruction.
Anticipated Council Outcomes:
- Build effective communication and trusting relationships among members of the council and the role groups they represent.
- Understand the support structures needed for effective collaborative professional learning.
- Understand how to plan and evaluate professional learning aligned with district and school goals that are developed to improve the learning of all students.
- Development of a comprehensive structure for professional learning.