Why highlight professional development?

Professional development is a benefit of Title I. The professional learning experiences offered to Title I buildings are a critical component of supporting the goal of increasing student achievement. Opportunities for ongoing learning, dialogue, the sharing of ideas and reflection are important to continual support for teachers. Little will change in schools if what is offered is what has always been available.

As described by the National Staff Development Council a learning community includes members who are committed to ongoing learning and participation in learning experiences with the intent to transform teaching and learning at their school or in the district. The District #150 Title I office has embraced this concept of a learning community by initiating a comprehensive staff development effort. This effort will address the philosophy of the students’ learning environment including their background and how the values and backgrounds of teachers impact the classroom. Eighteen leaders from Title I schools will be receiving certification on the Framework for Understanding Poverty by Dr. Ruby Payne. This group will be available to provide the necessary ongoing learning experiences that are essential to the learning community.

A second focus for the schools will include Parent Involvement. A team of twenty two participated in an institute with diversity consultant, Samuel Betances. This resulted in the commitment of participants to work within their schools on enhancing family involvement. Visit the parent involvement link for more information.

In a report published by the Learning Alliance, the findings from their research to improve instruction and achievement in schools discussed the importance of identifying a new approach to professional development as one of seven findings. Title I has adopted a new approach to professional development. By creating a network of leaders within the district, the capacity to assist and support teachers increases.

We hope you will check this section for updates as we progress with promoting the District #150 Title I Learning Community.

District Facilitators/Trainers:

Your online evaluation is here!! After your sessions, please ask your participants to submit their evaluation online. Click here for the evaluation site.