425.0 Staff Development Policy

STAFF DEVELOPMENT POLICY 

I. Purpose 

The purpose of this policy is to establish a staff development program and structure to carry out planning and reporting on staff development that supports improved student learning. The district and site staff development plans and activities are aligned with Minnesota statute, school board policy and district priorities.

II. Policy 

To fulfill its mission, the school district is accountable for providing a caring, highly trained and effective staff who use research-based best practices and for providing learning opportunities that meet the individual learning needs of each student.  The Board is committed to staff development for the purpose of improving student achievement. Staff development experiences that result in the improvement of curriculum, instructions, assessment and reporting will be a priority for instructional staff. Moreover, staff development experiences shall enhance the ability of staff to effectively meet the needs of a diverse student population.

The board will establish a Staff Development Advisory Committee to develop a staff    development plan, assist site professional development teams in developing a site plan consistent with the goals of the plan, and evaluate staff development efforts at the district and site level. The Staff Development Advisory Committee shall include teachers representing various grade levels, subject areas, and special education. The advisory committee structure must also include non teaching staff, parents/guardians, and administrators. The committee may also include school board members. Members of the Staff Development Advisory Committee will be recommended by building administrators or department directors, facilitated by district staff, and appointed by the School Board.

The Staff Development Advisory Committee will evaluate staff development efforts at the district and site level. Reporting of staff development activities and progress toward staff development goals will be completed through the district’s World’s Best Workforce Annual Report.