Summary and Action Plan
This study was full of ups and downs, but has given a clear direction for the future at Telluride High School. After determining that the most sought out professional development was a Spanish class for educators, our building’s Spanish teacher and I hustled to put together a class. Sadly, many of the individuals requesting the class were not able to attend for various reasons; not one high school teacher attended the classes. The realization that people really don’t have time for “extra” professional development has helped plan for the future. It has also helped me implement a dash of PD in my everyday conversations with colleagues. We had an extraordinarily chaotic year, with the announcement of our superintendent’s resignation, testing debacles, and additional school issues, there was not a lot of time left for my interventions with groups of teachers. Therefore, the study took a turn, and I worked individually with teachers to improve their practice, help gain resources, and discuss their concerns. Though the study didn’t go exactly as planned, I am happy to report that there was a clear increase in teachers using the SIOP strategies at an increased rate towards the end of the study. Individual coaching and conversations did indeed improve the level of awareness our faculty has for SIOP techniques.
After compiling mountains of input and researching many different professional development options, I am currently awaiting final approval for a fall in-service day (outlined below) and continued support throughout the coming academic year. In addition to this, I will be meeting with each department throughout the remainder of the year to discuss classes and curriculum changes for next year. We have already started discussing possible literature choices in the English department, as well as more culturally sensitive topics and case studies in the social studies department. I will be requesting time for curriculum development throughout the summer in order to prepare new reading and writing intervention classes, and to find appropriate support resources for classroom teachers. As we prepare for the coming school year, I plan on implementing a professional development calendar in which I would rotate through the PLC meetings providing support in needed areas, as well as helpful techniques and ideas for teachers to use in the classroom.
After compiling mountains of input and researching many different professional development options, I am currently awaiting final approval for a fall in-service day (outlined below) and continued support throughout the coming academic year. In addition to this, I will be meeting with each department throughout the remainder of the year to discuss classes and curriculum changes for next year. We have already started discussing possible literature choices in the English department, as well as more culturally sensitive topics and case studies in the social studies department. I will be requesting time for curriculum development throughout the summer in order to prepare new reading and writing intervention classes, and to find appropriate support resources for classroom teachers. As we prepare for the coming school year, I plan on implementing a professional development calendar in which I would rotate through the PLC meetings providing support in needed areas, as well as helpful techniques and ideas for teachers to use in the classroom.