| The Department of Organizational Development (OD) is delighted to announce a new vision for professional development in 2009-2010. Following input from various stakeholders, we are embarking on a change in the delivery of district professional development to ensure quality, relevance, and flexibility. As Fort Bend ISD celebrates its 50th anniversary, OD honors the golden opportunities provided to students and staff over the last 50 years with The Professional Development GOLD Standard, Fort Bend ISD’s 2009-2010 professional development program for teachers.
In October, 2008, OD randomly surveyed teachers in the district regarding the effectiveness of content, delivery, and logistics of District Professional Development. The data demonstrates that teachers want professional development that is timely, engaging, and differentiated within a small group setting. Survey data, input from stakeholders and comments of various focus groups have been used to take the first step in a process of change. This change over time will lead to greater flexibility, greater differentiation according to need and the opportunity to develop personal professional development plans.
The Professional Development GOLD Standard requires teachers, as part of their required obligation, to complete 12 hours of professional development from June 6th through August 18th. The professional development catalogue, to be launched on May 26th, will provide specific information on district approved or sponsored professional development by content area and grade level. Where appropriate, the catalogue highlights mandatory sessions pertaining to new curriculum, textbook adoption, or state/federal legal requirements for teaching assignments. A prioritization chart is located at the beginning of each content area section in the forthcoming professional development catalogue for disciplines with multiple mandatory requirements.
It is our goal to provide an alternative to all district professional development opportunities being offered during two days in August 2009. This year we take the first step toward this goal as many departments are offering professional development sessions throughout the summer; however, not all departments are able to provide this flexibility due to limited resources. As soon as you receive the course catalogue, we ask you to review your specific content requirements and plan your 12 hours accordingly to maximize your professional development experience.
As we prepare for the implementation of The Professional Development GOLD Standard, the following pages contain information regarding FBISD professional development expectations, guidelines, and frequently asked questions. You may contact Curriculum Coordinators should you have specific questions in a particular content area or program. Should you have general questions about The Professional Development GOLD Standard, please contact the Organizational Development Department at 281-634-1483 or via e-mail at pdgoldstandard@fortbend.k12.tx.us.
On May 26, 2009, a course catalogue link will be sent via e-mail providing a listing of the 2009-2010 professional development opportunities and registration information for The Professional Development GOLD Standard.
We appreciate your continuous support and enthusiasm for learning as we strive to meet your professional development needs in Fort Bend ISD.
INTRODUCTION
Professional development in the district is defined as educational activities and experiences that support the continuous learning and professional growth of all employees. FBISD believes all professional development should be relevant, job-embedded, and timely in relation to the needs of the participants. In support of these qualities, all professional development will be aligned with the District Strategic Plan, department goals and objectives, and/or Campus Improvement Plans.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES for EFFECTIVE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The following principles, developed with input from a representative group of teachers, principals, community members, and central office administrators, guide all aspects of professional development for district employees:
- A variety of designs and collaborative groupings will be used to deliver professional development opportunities.
- Learning content and process will be guided by research-based practices and driven by improving student achievement.
- Learning content and process will be differentiated based on the perceived and evidentiary needs of the participants.
- Professional development activities will be reflective of the department or campus improvement plans.
- Professional learning will be continuously supported to maximize learning, sustainability, and implementation.
It is our vision that teachers maintain high standards of professionalism and dedicate themselves to building a community of life-long learners within Fort Bend ISD. To achieve this, application of the following professional expectations is essential to creating an optimum professional learning environment for all participants in district professional development.
- Contribute fully and positively to the teaching/learning process.
- Arrive on time and remain for the duration of the professional development session. Late arrivals (more than 15 minutes) or early dismissals (more than 15 minutes) will not receive credit for attending.
- Prepare appropriately for the professional development experience by bringing proper materials to facilitate the learning process.
- Withdraw from courses at least 24 hours prior to the start time of class through use of the cancellation feature in e-Learning so that others on the waiting list may attend. Contact the Organizational Development Department at 281-634-1483 if less than 24 hours prior to the start of class should unexpected situations occur.
All 188 day required teachers must complete a minimum of 12 hours of district professional development (including content area mandatory sessions) in order to fulfill requiredual obligations as well as meet proficient expectations on Domain VI of the Professional Development and Appraisal System (PDAS).
DISTRICT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
District professional development sessions are designated as one of the following:
- Legal Requirement: A course required to fulfill a legal obligation by the state or federal government.
- Mandatory: A FBISD requirement that must be met within the given timeframe provided by the Curriculum and Instruction Department or Educational Technology Department in the course catalogue.
- Recommended: Session has a direct link or interdisciplinary link to identified content or grade level.
Participants are responsible for ensuring that legal and mandatory requirements are fulfilled to meet their required obligation.
The District Professional Development consists of twelve district-sponsored or approved professional development hours which must be acquired by the end of the day on August 18, 2009. These opportunities may be found in the catalogue which will be received by teachers on May 26, 2009. Campus administrators will document non-compliance in the teacher’s Professional Development Appraisal System (PDAS).
Some subject areas will have mandatory sessions as designated within the course catalogue which will be shared on May 26, 2009. Mandatory sessions will prepare teachers for the upcoming school year and supersede any courses the individual may want to take for credit toward the district required 12 hours. Please review the prioritization chart for your discipline area for more specific information or contact the coordinator for your discipline for clarification.
Mandatory sessions are scheduled to ensure that all teachers have the information required to successfully implement the curriculum. Mandatory sessions are required for subject areas that have undergone curriculum revision, textbook adoption, or a new program adoption.
Curricular areas with new, revised, or updated legal guidelines or state mandates may be mandatory as well. These sessions are designated as mandatory in the matrix associated with each subject area. Recommended offerings will not count towards the required obligation if mandatory or legal requirements have not been met.
Currently, only activities and offerings sponsored and/or approved by Fort Bend ISD will count toward district professional development hours. There may be opportunities sponsored and/or approved by departments in Fort Bend ISD that are not referenced in the catalogue. Departments in the Curriculum and Instruction Division may communicate opportunities by invitation and/or communication with principals or teachers. Please contact the Curriculum and Instruction Department should you have any questions.
ATTENDANCE DURING DISTRICT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Personal Leave may not be used on professional development days as stated in Fort Bend ISD Policy DEC (Local). In most cases there will be multiple opportunities to attend district professional development during the summer; however, if a particular teaching area only has offerings on August 17th and 18th personal leave is not allowed to be used as stated in the above referenced district policy.
If you are ill on August 17th and/or 18th and have not fulfilled your two day required obligation by attending district professional development at other times during the summer, you must report this absence to your principal and through the district’s absence reporting system via telephone or on the district’s website as stated in district procedures.
Teachers returning to work after taking an extended leave will be handled on a case-by-case basis. The date the teacher leaves and returns to work will be a primary factor in the decision. The teacher will work with Human Resources to determine the level of requirements and the resolution.
The only documentation accepted as proof of attendance is the participant’s signature. If a signature is not on the sign-in sheet, it will be assumed the individual was not present. Please make sure your PeopleSoft number is beside your signature on the roster in each session you attend to ensure you are awarded credit for attendance.
In order to receive credit for attendance, participants must attend all sessions of the activity and remain for the entire session. District hours will not be awarded in segments and partial course credit will not be received. No admittance will occur 15 minutes after the start of the session. Individuals leaving more than 15 minutes before the end of the session will not receive credit for the course.
Each course has a participant registration minimum. If the enrollment number in a course has not reached the minimum enrollment at least 72 hours in advance of the start date, it will be canceled. It is the responsibility of the participant to check e-Learning prior to the beginning of the course for accurate information regarding status, time, date, and location. The campus principal will be notified of participants who are registered for and do not attend a session. Please call the Organizational Development Department if you experience difficulty canceling at least 24 hours prior to the start of the class.
With the exception of inclement weather, a decision regarding the cancelation of a class will be made at least 72 hours prior to the beginning of the scheduled class time. An e-mail will be sent to the school e-mail account if the course has been cancelled. The participant may also check e-Learning prior to the beginning of the course for accurate information regarding status, time, date, and location.
Teachers may attend more than the required 12 hours; however, teachers must attend the legally required and/or mandatory sessions for specific teaching assignments listed on the prioritization form which will be provided with the course catalogue for each content area and grade level.
All 188 day required teachers must complete a minimum of 12 hours of district professional development (including content area mandatory sessions) in order to fulfill required obligations as well as meet proficient expectations on Domain VI of the Professional Development and Appraisal System (PDAS).
FAQ's
- May I be paid for the district hours I complete which exceed twelve hours?
No, teachers will not be paid for district hours accumulated above the requirement. However, any hours earned contribute to your total professional development credits and may be documented for PDAS and/or state certification requirements. Employees are responsible for maintaining copies of all certificates and documents pertaining to their own professional development.
- Will additional courses, not currently listed in the catalogue or e-Learning be offered throughout the summer for district hours?
Opportunities that arise and meet the district focus will be added to e-Learning. It is important that each teacher review e-Learning on a regular basis to check for possible updates and/or cancellations.
- Who do I call if I have a question about the e-Learning registration process?
Questions about the registration process may be addressed by calling Organizational Development at 281-634-1483.
- May I receive credit toward my 12 hours of district requirements for teaching a District session(s)?
Yes, provided that the session you are teaching is district approved or a sponsored course. Instructors may choose to receive district hours in lieu of pay the first time they teach a course. Please ensure you have fulfilled any legally required or mandatory sessions.
- Why do I have to take more than 12 hours if I am teaching GT for the first time?
- “Prior to assignment in the program, teachers who provide instruction and services that are a part of the program for gifted students have a minimum of thirty (30) clock hours of staff development that includes nature and needs of gifted/talented students, assessing student needs, and curriculum and instruction for gifted students” (19TAC §89.2(1)).
- “Teachers without required training who provide instruction and services that are part of the gifted/talented program must complete the thirty (30) hour training within one semester” (19TAC §89.2(2)).
- Why do I have to take more than 12 hours if I am teaching GT and have already had my 30 hours of GT professional development?
According to the Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted and Talented Students, “Teachers who provide instruction and services that are a part of the program for gifted students receive a minimum of six hours annually of professional development in gifted education” (19TAC §89.2(3)). The required 6 hour update in GT when combined with core area mandatory sessions may exceed the required 12 hours of credit needed for teachers this summer.
- Why do I have to take more than 12 hours if I am teaching AP or PreAP?
Being selected as a teacher of Advanced Placement courses is both an honor and a responsibility: typically, campus principals choose teachers with strong content expertise and unmatched professionalism.
Attendance at a week-long summer AP institute (such as the ones offered by Rice University or Laying the Foundation) is mandatory for teachers who will teach an AP or PreAP course for the first time next year. Attendance is also recommended for those teachers who have taught the course but have not attended a summer institute for several years.
Teachers who attend a summer AP Summer Institute will receive six hours of the 12 required for 2009. Although the district recognizes that AP/PreAP teachers will spend more than six professional development hours in AP training, we know that this training is the best preparation for teaching these high-level courses.
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The Professional Development GOLD Standard