Professional Development for Teachers

The School Improvement Team has recommended several staff development activities during the 2011-2012 school year. Most of the following activities have a focus on specific goals as outlined in the School Improvement Plan and include strategies for the improvement of instructional methods. Others are activities that will enhance the overall skills of our faculty and staff members. The School Improvement Team will continue to monitor and facilitate professional development goals and functions based upon the following recommendations.

1. Subject area meetings will be held early in the year to review and allow planning and curriculum coordination. A specific focus this year will be on classroom strategies in Language Arts and Mathematics. We will also provide training and instruction that supports the Response to Intervention program. The subject area teachers will also have an opportunity to meet at the conclusion of the school year for closure of discussions and evaluation of efforts.

2. Teachers will continue to record and revise curriculum on the Curriculum Mapper software for the 2011-2012 school year. This will continue to enhance our coverage of standards and the articulation of C.C.H.S. curriculum within each subject area.

3. C.C.H.S. will again be a participant in the annual Articulation Conference with the elementary school districts. The goal is to enhance the vertical articulation of curriculum for the more successful transition of students.

4. Training and development of a plan to transition to the Common Core Standards will be presented to faculty and staff members. The transition to these standards and new assessments will take place over the next three years and are a part of the School Improvement Plan.

5. A presentation for our faculty will focus on the instruction of higher order thinking skills. Presenters with expertise in these areas will be sought.

6. Another session will focus on the use of technology in instruction. (Topics will include Usage of the Server, Acceptable Use Policy, Group Emailing and Address Books, Portable Laptop Systems, and Microsoft Office.) The integration of technology as a tool for learning will be emphasized and intended to provide support to teachers as they assist students in accessing and using technology.

Timeline:

As a result of these recommended topics, the Administration and School Improvement Team will facilitate the following tentative schedule of activities:

August 17

• Start of school session
• Technology Training

August 18

• Subject area meetings
• Reading and Writing Techniques and Assessments

September 2 (11:30 dismissal)

• General meeting
• Response to Intervention Review and Auto Skills Training

October 7 (11:30 dismissal)

• Common Core Standards OR
• Higher Order Thinking Skills Presentation

October 28 (Teacher Institute Day)

• Curriculum Mapper (update/revision)
• Cross Curricular activity

January 13 (11:30 dismissal)

• Articulation Conference with Elementary Districts

February 17 - Tri-County Institute

March 16 (11:30 dismissal)

• Common Core Standards OR
• Higher Order Thinking Skills Presentation

May 4 (11:30 dismissal)

• General meeting
• End of year discussions
• Subject area meetings