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    HUMAN RESOURCES/PERSONNEL: Professional Development
    Overview: Professional development (PD) addresses the ongoing training of all school district personnel and the school board. The alignment of PD with district goals for instructional staff is essential for improved systemic results. Adequate resources in this area are an obligation of the policy makers and managers of the system.

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    SCHOOL BOARD

    SUPERINTENDENT

    PRINCIPAL
    Guiding Questions
    • What are our policies in the area of PD?
    • Is there a PD model in place?
    • Are PD offerings tied to the goals of the district?
    • What PD activities have taken place and/or are taking place for various personnel in the current year?
    • How does the district provide PD with minimum disruption to the school schedule?
    • Are there resources (time, money) in the budget for PD?
    • What PD opportunities are available for the board and are board members participating?
    • Do the PD model and procedures fulfill the mandate of policy?
    • Are PD initiatives coordinated within the supervisory union and across SUs where appropriate?
    • What improvements can/should be made to the PD system?
    • Are there PD opportunities for every level of employee in our system?
    • How are PD needs determined?
    • What are required PD trainings (NCLB, Act 51, DOE etc.)?
    • How is PD integrated into the school culture?
    • What are the goals of PD at the district level?
    • What is the best model of professional development for each group?
    • What are the sources of PD support financial and human?
    • What programs and systems are in place to deliver PD at the local/district/SU level?
    • What principles guide PD in the school/district?
    • What are the systems for determining the PD program at the school? Is it defined by the contract? Is it effective?
    • What data is available about the PD program and its impact on learning? What does the data indicate? -- financial and human
    Tasks to Consider
    • Review policies related to PD.
    • Receive report from superintendent on PD activities, including progress toward meeting state and federal requirements.
    • Examine budget line items for PD to assure reasonable amounts for board, administration, and all staff.
    • Identify PD offerings for the board.
    • Create a PD plan for the board for the coming year.
    • Review PD model, procedures, and policies.
    • Review staff participation in PD.
    • Explore opportunities to share/ coordinate resources.
    • Research and explore other examples of PD systems/models with colleagues (VSA, VSBA, and VPA).
    • Review budget for PD funds.
    • Research grants funds for potential PD funding.
    • Assign PD responsibilities to educational leaders.
    • Identify the primary goals that require professional development time.
    • Share and discuss models of professional development with colleagues.
    • Review the action plan for the school with regards to PD needs.
    • Review the current PD programs at the local and district levels. Identify opportunities for all staff.
    • Establish a system for linking with the district/SU PD program, and develop a system as necessary at the local level.
    • Develop a feedback mechanism to measure the effectiveness of the PD program.
    • Ensure that an adequate budget is in place for PD.
    • Work with the central office to ensure that PD funds and programs are systematic and sustainable.