What's Different from the 2009-2010 Program?

QUESTION: What has changed for professional development in 2010-2011?
ANSWER: Schools will develop a Professional Learning (PL) plan based on student learning needs and the learning needs of teachers that is aligned with the SIP and division areas of instructional focus.
The Professional Learning Plan can be: 1) site-based; 2) based on the division PL catalog; or 3) a combination of site-based and division activities.

Division course offerings will range from 1 to 30 hours in length based upon the time required to gain knowledge or skills.


QUESTION: What does the policy actually say about PL requirements?
ANSWER: Spotsylvania County School Board Regulation GCL-R states that
“all licensed professional personnel are required to participate in the equivalent of twenty (20) hours ofprofessional staff development within the scope of the annual contract in accordance with approved staff development plan. While professional development programs may be offered at any time, under no circumstances shall a staff member (other than new employees and/or twelve-month employees) be required to attend such a program during the period between the last teacher workday in June and the day teachers report to work in August. Failure to complete staff development requirements will result in a loss of pay equivalent to the time missed unless sick leave or other leave is approved by the principal.”

“Individual school faculty members are also required to participate in training unique to the needs of the school under the direction of the principal.” [The current practice quantifies this requirement with the expectation that schools implement a minimum of 18 hours.]

“Likewise, division-level administrative and supervisory personnel are also required to participate in other programs designed for their needs.” [The current practice is that administrators participate each year in the Summer Administrative Workshop and bi-monthly principal meetings.]

The Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia, 8 VAC 20-131, establishes the Role of the Principal, “to analyze the school's test scores annually, by grade and by discipline, to involve the staff of the school in identifying the types of staff development needed to improve student achievement and ensure that the staff participates in those activities.”

QUESTION: How will participation be tracked?
ANSWER: MyLearningPlan will be used as the tool for communicating purpose. MLP allows registrants to select one or more “purposes” to include:
Fulfillment of the annual PL requirement

Recertification points - activities for required PL are also appropriate for recertification (see Virginia Licensure Renewal Manual)

Other types of training which may not be appropriate for either the PL requirement or recertification (e.g. blood-born pathogens, copier training, etc.)

Optional (additional activities that staff may choose to take)


QUESTION: When does the 38 hour requirement have to occur (day/year)?
ANSWER: Workdays’ or professional development days’ activities, workshops, conference attendance, etc. are appropriate for 18 of the required hours and outlined as part of the PL plan and approved by the principal. 20 hours must occur outside of the regular work day.


QUESTION: Will there still be summer courses?
ANSWER: Yes, the practice of offering courses during the summer as well as during the school year will continue.

DIVISION COURSE and SCHOOL PL PLAN DEVELOPMENT

QUESTION: What is the timeline for implementation?
ANSWER: March 31 – sketch of division offerings published
April 19 – School-based plans submitted to Executive Director of Curriculum & Instruction
April 26 – Registration for published offerings begins

QUESTION: How should content supervisors, coordinators, specialists proceed with planning division offerings?
ANSWER: Courses should be offered for the length of time needed to complete the learning. There is no minimum/maximum number of hours. An outline of any course offering is due to Professional Development by March 26.

QUESTION: Do all offerings need to address the Division Areas of Instructional Focus?
ANSWER: No, they should address these areas of focus as appropriate. Schools and departments may have specific needs that are also appropriate.

QUESTION: Can updating curriculum maps or benchmark assessments count toward the 38 hours?
ANSWER: Plans for these types of activities should be limited to 6 hours with all approvals contingent on the school PL plan and approval by the principal. These activities are by invitation only through the instructional team.

QUESTION: Does daily planning count toward the 38 hours?
ANSWER: No, daily planning is provided and expected as a part of the job requirement.

QUESTION: Do options such as National Board Certification coursework and assignments, College Course, Academy/Institute, or Study Group qualify as part of the 38 hours?
ANSWER: All approvals are contingent on the school PL plan and approval by the principal.