Lackawanna CitySchool District

Lackawanna, New York

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2014-2015

INTRODUCTION

In a commitment to raising the knowledge, skills, and opportunity of its citizens, New YorkState seeks to enhance students’ cognitive, social, emotional and academic achievement throughout its schools. Given that research indicates that teacher quality is the single most powerful influence on student achievement, it is essential to ensure that teachers are provided with ongoing, high quality professional development to sustain and enhance their practice. Indeed, teacher professional development is an essential element of comprehensive school improvement. The professional development needs of all members of school community, including administrators, teachersand support personnel, must be addressed to ensure a focus on continuous learning and to create the conditions necessary for closing the achievement gap and improving the achievement of all students.

As stipulated in Part 100 of the Commissioner’s Regulations, the LackawannaCitySchool District convened a team of teachers, administrators, a parent, and a higher education representative to create a Professional Development Plan. The members of the Professional Development Planning Committee appreciate and respect that the Professional Development Plan is a fluid document based on the district’s needs, available professional growth opportunities and other dynamic factors that contribute to assessing and sustaining professional practice. The purpose of this plan is to improve the quality of teaching and learning by ensuring that teachers participate in substantial professional development to remain current with their profession and meet the learning needs of their students. We believe that a plan for better schools needs to start with a focus on student learning and improving pedagogical practice.

Professional Development Plan

Revision Committee

Anne Spadone / Superintendent
Deborah Biastre / Principal of Curriculum and Instruction
Sue Lynn Galvin / Principal of Special Education
Mike Popek / Teacher, LTF President
Louise Krolikowski / Teacher. LTF Vice President
Kim Pulinski / Teacher, LTF Vice President
Joyce Sabuda / Teacher
Sandra Falsioni / Teacher’s Center Director
Judy Faircloth / Parent
Rebecca Murphy / Erie 1 BOCES
Jose’ Flores / Erie 1 BOCES

Mission

Our mission is to support teachers with focused professional development experiences

that will enable them to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to improve the instruction and the learning of all students and ultimately improve student achievement.

Our goal is to increase professional development which is based on teacher needs, tied to student achievement, developed by participation, coordinated district-wide, and evaluated for effectiveness.

Definition

Professional development is at the center of all education reform. Its thrust is to build an environment that focuses on high standards for all students and it must be data driven, committed to and standards-based.

Efforts must be diverse and reflect rigorous and relevant content, strategies and organizational supports for the individuals who influence the teaching and learning environment. The district will provide adequate time during the school’s work day for staff members to learn and work together to accomplish the school’s mission and goals.

Data Sources and Collection

The Professional Development Plan is directly aligned with the District DCIP Plan and the Common Core Learning Standards.Sources used to identify professional development needs in relation to student performance indicators:

  • Results of State Standardized Tests
  • BEDS Data
  • School and District Report Cards
  • Attendance, Drop-out and Promotion Rates
  • Special Populations Statistics
  • Student/Family/Community data: (Ethnic, Poverty, Language Proficiency etc.)
  • Schools of Attendance, Public and Non-Public
  • Results of locally-mandated and developed course examinations
  • Technology resources
  • Staff Development offerings and participation rat

Professional Development Focus Areas

District Identified: Areas that are clearly aligned with New York State content and performancestandards, student assessment data, the newly implemented New York State Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR), and District goals.

Building Identified: Areas that are unique needs for a particular building grade level, Instructional Study Team, and/or Department as recommended by the principal or supervisor and determined by the particular reference group, or identified by the NYS Department of Education.

Individually Identified: Areas of individual need to address one’s professional practice, as outlined in their APPR with their building principal and/or supervisor or self-identified.

Theory of Action

If the Central Office Administrators (Superintendent, Asst. Superintendent of Business Services, Principal of Curriculum and Instruction, Principal of Special Education, Principal of Technology/CIO) plan for / provide professional development on classroom walkthroughs, specifically looking for evidence of researched-based literacy practices as well as allocating funding to pay for substitutes so that principals can utilize release time to attend training: Then building principals will improve their skills and be able to conduct targeted classroom walkthroughs and provide teachers with timely and quality instructional feedback; which will help teachers to use principal feedback to modify and improve instructional practice; so that student learning will improve in the area of reading and early literacy skills evidenced by a minimum of 60 % of students at every grade level and sub group demonstrating benchmark proficiency as measured by mCLASS Circle (PK), AIMSweb (K-1), and Scholastic Reading Inventory (2-12).

Supports for each Level:

1. Central Office Administrators-

  • Monthly Superintendents meetings held at Erie 1 BOCES (Superintendent)
  • Monthly IDAB meetings held at Erie 1 BOCES (Curriculum and Instruction)
  • Monthly DATAG Meetings held at Erie 1 BOCES (CIO/Technology)
  • DTSDE Training Albany, NY (Superintendent, Special Education, Curriculum and Instruction)
  • Community Schools Conference in NYC (Superintendent, Special Education, Curriculum and Instruction)
  • Western New York Service Council, Outside Education Experts mentoring and related training and services (Superintendent)
  • Every other month planning meetings/training with Dr. Lisa Kilanowski from Niagara University for AIMSweb and Early Literacy Support
  • Monthly meetings with Dr. Carmen Brown from RTI PDP Specialist from NYSED to provide training and feedback on classroom observation for early literacy skills. Time to be focused on Truman and Martin Road Elementary Schools.
  • Conferences determined to support our Theory of Action
  • Weekly feedback/support from Rebecca Murphy, Erie 1 BOCES R-BERN for ESL classroom coaching, focus on Martin Road Elementary School.

2. Building Principals-

  • Monthly Administrative Meetings
  • Training Tuesdays
  • DTSDE Training
  • Planning meetings/training with Dr. Lisa Kilanowski from Niagara University for AIMSweb and Early Literacy Support
  • Dr. Carmen Brown from RTI PDP Specialist from NYSED to provide training and feedback on classroom observation for early literacy skills. Time to be focused on Truman and Martin Road Elementary Schools.
  • Weekly feedback/support from Rebecca Murphy, Erie 1 BOCES R-BERN for ESL classroom coaching, focus on Martin Road Elementary School. (All buildings have access to her)
  • Scheduling training, Erie 1 BOCES
  • Western New York Service Council, Outside Education Experts mentoring and related training and services
  • Becky Coldwell, McGraw Hill, follow up training for Reading Wonders
  • Conferences determined to support our Theory of Action

3. Teachers-

  • Daily Professional Development Period (in addition to daily prep period) ranging from 30-40 minutes. Training during this time may be scheduled by central office administrators, by the building principal, or teacher lead depending on the topic and need.
  • Staff Development Full Days (4 per year)
  • Staff Development Half Days (2 per year)
  • Teacher’s Center Courses
  • Teachers may take 90 clock hours of approved professional development for a contractual stipend.
  • Conferences determined to support our Theory of Action

175 Hours of Professional Growth

The following categories are acceptable activities and learning opportunities for satisfying the 175 hour Professional development requirement for NYSED.

Acceptable Activities / Hours Earned
Approved district, BOCES or Teacher’s Center Workshops / As per hours attended
Serving on a Committee / Actual hours per agenda
Participation in assessment scoring training / Actual hours of training per supervisor
Participation in our mentoring program as a mentor or a mentee / Hours as logged
Approved conferences / Actual hours in Conference (excluding travel)
Serving in a pilot program / Actual hours served, up to 15
Service as a cooperating teacher for a student teacher / 10 hours per week
Delivering professional development (turnkey trainer) / Course hours
Higher education coursework / One college credit=15 hours
Action research projects / As per hours completed
National Board Certification / 175 hours during 5 year period
Book study / Hours credited per supervisor
Curriculum development / Actual hours served per supervisor
Service as a board member / elected officer in professional organizations / Up to 20 hours
Publishing in educational journals / 20 hours per submission
Writing IEP’s / Up to 5 hours per day
Peer Observation / Up to 5 hours per day

Professional Development Objectives

1. Teachers will participate in at least 35 hours of professional development each year.

2. Teachers will participate in professional development that increases their content knowledge and skills and supports the district Theory of Action.

3. Teachers will participate in professional development that is supported by data and is research based.

4. Teachers will participate in professional development that addresses the needs of diverse learners.

5. Teachers will participate in professional development that improves the learning of all students by collaborating with others to improve instruction and raise student achievement.

6. Teachers will participate in professional development to learn how to use data to inform their teaching and instruction, and monitor student progress.

7. Teachers will participate in professional development focused on:

• Literacy, Reading and Writing

• Differentiated Instruction

• Data Analysis and the use of Technology

• Curriculum Analysis

• Working with ELL’s Students

• Classroom Management Strategies for Small Group Instruction

Professional Development Strategies

1. Job Embedded- providing professional development for teachers during the regular school day in order to support instructional programs and teaching

2. Coaching- providing professional development for teachers through additional support when needed to implement instructional programs and practices

3. Collaboration- providing professional development where two or more teachers work collaboratively on research based practices and instructional procedures

4. Study Groups- providing professional development where groups of teachers met regularly to study a topic(s) relevant to their teaching to gain a deeper understanding

5. Modeling- providing professional development where an experienced teacher or expert observes in a classroom and then provides an opportunity for teachers to see the expert or experienced teacher model a lesson or best practice

6. Lesson Study- providing professional development for teachers by studying student focused lessons and conducting the lesson while other teachers observe; having reflective discussion of the lesson; evidence gathered after it is presented are used to improve the lesson and instruction; and finally to revise the lesson and teach it in another setting

7. Differentiated Instruction- providing professional development for teachers to employ research based best practices in adapting instruction to maximize student learning

8. Conferences/Workshops- providing professional development opportunities for teachers with select topics in local, state or national conferences or workshops

9. Mentoring- providing professional development to support teachers and to increase their skills to better prepare them for the transition from preparation to practice to improve student achievement

10. Curriculum Development- providing professional development which supports curriculum development in all content areas

11. Grade Level Meetings- providing professional development through grade level meetings

12. Horizontal Team Meetings- providing professional development through focused meetings of all content areas in one grade level (ie all 7th grade English, Social Studies, Math, and Science teachers)

13. Vertical Team Meetings- providing professional development through focused meetings with all grade levels in the same content areas (ie 7th and 8th grade teachers of Science)

Professional Development Activities

1. Participation in teacher developed and teacher prepared online and traditional courses

• Online Courses- Individuals work online

• Traditional Courses- Participants work in “classroom” type settings with an instructor leading the course

2. Participation in school wide, collaborative, and individual projects

• School Wide Projects- Projects where 60% of full time building staff work together to support a comprehensive reform effort

• Collaborative Projects- Two or more teachers/specialists working together on an action research project, team research project or program development

• Individual Projects- Projects that are designed to address the unique needs of professional staff or designed for individuals to work on a special assignment

3. Participation in the Mentoring Program

• The mentoring program provides support for new teachers

• Mentors are selected and matched with new teachers

• Monthly meeting/trainings are conducted

4. Participation in district led staff development activities.

• Four Superintendent Conference Days

• Half days

5. Participation in National Board Certification process

6. Participation in the development of new programs and instructional methods

7. Participation in the development of district plans

8. Participation in Building Leadership Teams using student achievement data to

identify and plan for staff professional development activities at each building

9. Participation in out of district as well as in district summer Professional Development opportunities as approved.

DISTRICT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

CALENDAR 2014-2015

*Teachers have daily PD time allocated (30-40 mins)

*See Lackawanna Teacher’s Center Catalog for Additional Courses

AUGUST
18
26
SEPTEMBER
2 / DTSDE and District Data Overview
PM Training- Building Leadership Teams
3 / Dignity for All Students, SAVE Training, AUP
Faculty Meetings – APPR, Open Classrooms
4
5
8
9 / TR: K-1 Open House / Parent Reading Training 6-7 P.M.
10 / Title I Parent Involvement Meeting – All Buildings, HS 4:30
11 / TR: PreK Orientation / Parent Reading Training 5:30-6:30 P.M.
12 / MRES: ESL Scheduling Training
15 / MS: Data Analysis Protocol Planning, Jose’
16 / HS: Department Chair Meeting
TR: PTA Meeting 6:00-7:00 P.M. Lackawanna Public Library
17 / MRES: Utilizing Protocols to Review Student Work
Administrative Council Meeting
HS: Open House 6:30-8:30
18 / Faculty Meeting--All Buildings
MR: Open House
19
22 / Admin: DTSDE Training Albany
23 / Admin: DTSDE Training Albany
24 / MS: Open House
25 / Building Leadership Teams 5:30-7:30
26 / Admin: Regional Training RTI, Dr. Brown
29 / MS: PD Periods, Quality Lesson Plans
30 / DDI MS Math Training
OCTOBER
1
2 / MS/HS: Social Studies Data Analysis Protocol Training
3
6 / MS/HS: Evacuation Drills
TR: Scholastic Book Fair
7 / MR: Coffee with the Principal
Admin: RTI, Dr. Kilanowski
8 / HS: Coffee with the Principal 8:30
MS: Data Analysis Protocol Training, PD Periods
9 / ESL Title 3 Family Meeting 4-6 – MR
10
13 / No Classes--Columbus Day
14 / MS/HS: Math, English, 6th Grade Tristate Rubric Review
15 / Admin: Community Schools Training NYC
16 / Admin: Community Schools Training NYC
17 / Admin: Community Schools Training NYC
20 / MS/HS: Social Studies Data Analysis Protocol Training Follow Up
21 / HS: Department Chair Meeting
22 / Half Day-Teachers Professional Development
Administrative Council Meeting
23 / Faculty Meeting--All Buildings
24
27
28 / TR/MR: K-6 Computer Skill Mapping
29
30 / Building Leadership Teams 5:30-7:30
31 / Admin: New Part 154 Regulations Training, Erie 1 BOCES
NOVEMBER
3
4 / Half Day PreK-5; Parent Conferences,
Admin: Leading with Vision, Six Steps to Implementing Common Core State Standards
5 / TR: Coffee with the Principal
6
7 / Admin: Regional Training RTI, Dr. Brown
10
11 / No classes--Veterans Day
12
13 / MR: Coffee with the Principal
14
17
18 / HS: Department Head Meetings
TR: PTA Meeting 6:00-7:00 P.M. Lackawanna Public Library
Admin: Leadership Strategies for Principals
19 / Administrative Council Meeting
20 / Faculty Meeting--All Buildings
Building Leadership Teams 5:30-7:30
21
24
25 / Superintendent’s Conference Day
Admin: The Differentiated School, Making Revolutionary Changes in Teaching and Learning
26 / Superintendent’s Conference Day
PK-12 Aides Understanding Learning Disabilities / ELL’s with Disabilities
27 / No classes--Thanksgiving Recess
28 / No classes--Thanksgiving Recess
DECEMBER
1
2 / Admin: RTI Training, Dr. Lisa Kilanowski
3
4
5
8
9 / Admin: Regional Training RTI, Dr. Brown
10
11
12
13
15
16 / HS: Department Chair Meeting
TR: PTA Meeting 6:00-7:00 P.M. Lackawanna Public Library
Admin: RTI Training, Dr. Lisa Kilanowski
17 / Administrative Council Meeting
18 / Faculty Meeting--All Buildings
BLT 5:30-7:30
19
22
23
24-January 2 / No Classes--Winter Break
JANUARY
1 / No Classes--Winter Break
2 / No Classes--Winter Break
5
6
7
8
9
12
13
14
15
16 / HS: Coffee with the Principal 8:30
19 / No Classes--Martin Luther King Day
20 / HS: Department Chair Meeting
TR: PTA Meeting 6:00-7:00 P.M. Lackawanna Public Library
21 / Administrative Council Meeting
MS/HS Standards Based IEP’s
22 / Faculty Meeting--All Buildings
MR Standards Based IEP’s
23
26
27
28 / TR Standards Based IEP’s
29 / Building Leadership Teams 5:30-7:30
Admin: New Part 154 Regulations Training, Erie 1 R-BERN
30
FEBRUARY
2
3
4
5
6
9
10
11
12
13
16-20 / No Classes--Mid-Winter Break
23 / HS: Department Chair Meeting
24 / Administrative Council Meeting
TR: Coffee with the Principal
TR: PTA Meeting 6:00-7:00 P.M. Lackawanna Public Library
25 / Faculty Meeting--All Buildings
26 / Building Leadership Teams 5:30-7:30
MS/HS Progress Monitoring IEP’s
27
MARCH
2
3 / Admin DDI Training, Jose Flores, Erie 1 Boces
4
5
6
9
10
11 / Half Day--PK-12; Conferences
12
13
16 / MR IEP Goal Writing
17 / HS: Department Chair Meeting
TR: PTA Meeting 6:00-7:00 P.M. Lackawanna Public Library
18 / Administrative Council Meeting
TR: IEP Goal Writing
Foundational Reading Skills Training, Dr. Brown
19 / Faculty Meeting--All Buildings
20 / RTI Regional Training, Dr. Carmen Brown
23
24 / MR: Coffee with the Principal
MS/HS Step Up to Writing Turnkey Training 8:00-3:30
TR/MR: ESL Data / Program Evaluation Day
25 / MS/HS Step Up to Writing Turnkey Training 8:00-3:30
26 / Building Leadership Teams 5:30-7:30
MS/HS Step Up to Writing Turnkey Training 8:00-3:30
27 / ESL Training- Site Visit to Buffalo School 45 International School
30
31
APRIL
1
2
3-10 / Spring Break
13
14 / ELA Assessments Gr 3-8
Admin: Total Participation Techniques
15 / ELA Assessments Gr 3-8
16 / ELA Assessments Gr 3-8
17
20
21 / HS: Department Chair Meeting
TR: PTA Meeting 6:00-7:00 P.M. Lackawanna Public Library
Admin: RTI Tackles Reading
22 / Administrative Council Meeting
Math Assessments Gr 3-8
23 / TR: Scholastic Book Fair; Family Night
24 / Math Assessments Gr 3-8
27 / 3-8 ELA Scoring
Kindergarten Guided Reading, Jan Richardson
First Grade Guided Reading, Jan Richardson
28 / Admin: RTI and DI the Dynamic Duo
29 / Admin: Leadership Strategies for Principals
30 / Building Leadership Teams 5:30-7:30
MAY
1
4 / 3-8 Math Scoring
Wilson Fundations Training – Building Retraining
5 / Second Grade Guided Reading, Jan Richardson
Admin: Formative Assessment in the Elementary School
6 / Third Grade Guided Reading, Jan Richardson
7 / Fourth Grade Guided Reading, Jan Richardson
8
11
12 / TR: Coffee with the Principal
Fifth Grade Guided Reading, Jan Richardson
Admin: Formative Assessment in the Middle School
13 / HS: Department Chair Meeting
14
15 / Administrative Council Meeting
18 / Faculty Meeting--All Buildings
19 / Half Day PreK-12
Teachers Professional Development
TR: PTA Meeting 6:00-7:00 P.M. Lackawanna Public Library
20 / Science Assessments Gr 4 & 8
21
22 / No Classes--Memorial Day
25 / No Classes--Memorial Day
26
27
28 / MR: Coffee with the Principal
Building Leadership Teams 5:30-7:30
29
JUNE
1 / Written Science Assessments Gr 4 & 8
2
3
4
5
8 / Half Day PreK-12
Science Scoring/Staff Development
9
10
11
12
15
16 / TR: PTA Meeting 6:00-7:00 P.M. Lackawanna Public Library
17 / Administrative Council Meeting
TR: Half Day Pre-K Only
18 / Faculty Meeting--All Buildings (Check Out Lists)
TR: Half Day PreK Only
Building Leadership Teams 5:30-7:30
19 / TR: Half Day PreK Only
22
23 / K-5 Half Day
24 / K-5 Half Day
25 / Last Day of School—Teachers
HS: Marking Period 4 Closes
26

As of July 25, 2014