School Support

Support for School Improvement | Schoolwide Discipline Support | Team/Instructional Leader Training | Support for Teacher Evaluation Options | Cafeteria Management | Our Staff/Assigned Schools

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Support for School Improvement Process

A major goal of the staff development program is to assist schools in the development and achievement of their School Improvement Plans (SIP). Staff development services are aligned at the system, school, and individual level to help accomplish the school's goals based on the HCPSS strategic plan and individual school data. Examples of staff development services to support the school improvement process include: Coordination of services with other school support providers Leadership skill training for School Improvement Team (SIT) members Planning facilitation and process observation for SIT meetings Consultation for strategic planning, short and long range planning, and program evaluation Presentation of site-based workshops on a variety of topics (i.e., team building, classroom management, teaching strategies for an extended block schedule, interactive instructional strategies, brain research) Coordination of site services to meet the unique needs of each school (i.e. new teacher courses, portfolio cohorts, and peer coaching teams). Orientation for New Parents on School Improvement Teams Parents who are new members on school improvement teams are invited to attend a special two-session workshop designed to acquaint them with the school improvement process. The second session usually features a panel of principals and school system experts. It is developed to respond to the unique questions and needs identified by participants in session one. Return to top of page

School-wide Discipline Support

Support for School-wide Discipline and Positive Student Behavior Training based on the Framework of Prevention and Intervention for Students with Challenging Behaviors; Discipline with Dignity and/or Cooperative Discipline is available to individuals, teams or faculties. In addition to workshops, support for school-wide discipline committees and data collection and analysis is available to support the goal of a safe and nurturing environment. The school-wide discipline plan includes: School-wide discipline philosophy School-wide rules Common area routine Plan for teaching rules and procedures System for recognizing expected behaviors Description of consistent consequences for infractions. Return to top of page

Team/Instructional Leader Training

New Elementary and Middle School Team Leaders' Training New team leaders are invited to a two-day August training, which focuses on skills necessary to begin the year on a positive and productive note. Topics cover team leader responsibilities, recognizing and meeting group needs, planning productive meetings, and decision making. Experienced team leaders introduce participants to the Team Leaders' Handbook. Online Networking provides an opportunity to share and receive information on focused areas of interest and concern.

Support for Teacher Evaluation Options

Peer Coaching is one of three professional development options available for evaluation to tenured teachers and other certified staff. During the peer coaching experience teachers engage in a reciprocal, confidential process of preplanning, data gathering, and reflection. Activities are directed toward goals that are collaboratively agreed upon with the designated evaluator at the beginning of the year. Training in Peer Coaching is required for teachers who select this evaluation option. Students benefit from experienced teachers who practice new strategies in their classrooms, reflect on their practices, stay abreast of research, and continue to grow in professional expertise throughout their careers. Coaching teams meet after school twice throughout the year. The outcomes of these sessions include the debriefing of coaching experiences, troubleshooting, and opportunities to practice new skills. Staff electing the Peer Coaching option must receive advanced approval from their administrators or supervisors. Typically, a staff development facilitator organizes a school-based cohort at the request of the administrator.   The Professional Development Portfolio is one of three nontraditional evaluation options available to teachers and other certificated staff who have received satisfactory evaluations. Teachers select professional goals based on an area of personal interest or self-analysis using the Framework for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. Members work for one full year to increase their professional skills and expertise in their targeted area. Portfolio activities are directed toward goals that are collaboratively agreed upon with the designated evaluator at the beginning of the year. Students benefit from experienced teachers who practice new strategies, reflect on their practices, stay abreast of research, and continue to grow in professional expertise throughout their careers. Staff electing the portfolio option must receive advanced approval from their administrators or supervisors. Typically, a staff development facilitator organizes a school-based cohort at the request of the administrator. In Cooperative Program Review, a group's instructional program is examined rather than an individual teacher's performance. Contact the appropriate curriculum coordinator for support.

Cafeteria Management

Training in Best Practices for Elementary Cafeteria Monitors and Instructional Assistants Everyone in the school is affected by the way the lunchroom is managed and operated. When children and staff enjoy a pleasant, relaxing, and peaceful time during lunch, it refreshes everyone and makes for a more productive afternoon for all. Training is provided each August and September with follow-up support in the schools.

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