Professional+Development

 __Training, short term and long term__ There will be select groups of 3-4 teachers that will visit schools where this initiative is already in effect. Site visits will be long term in that schools with varying years of experience will be visited over time, 2 visits per year. (ex. Schools with 1yr, 3yrs, 5yrs experience)

Also small groups will be sent to hear known advocates of the 1 to 1 learning environment. These type of opportunities have been made in the past so the expenses would more than likely be covered in the same manner as in the past.

Ninth grade teachers will be trained by district technology support personnel in the summer, two days in July and August.  __Accommodating for varying ability levels__ The trainings will be broken down by levels: beginner and intermediate experience. Later the trainings will be according to topics and teachers will choose topics of interest. Trainings will be offered periodically throughout the school year. The training sessions will take place during the 90min planning period, 2-3 times monthly, just as other PD's have occured in the past. During the sessions there will be 2-3 topics of interest of which teachers could choose which they will attend. Sample topics will be, wikis, interactive lessons, lesson plans that use technology, using software such as moodle, etc.

At the end of each PD session teachers will be asked to complete an evaluation form and give comments/suggestions which will help with preparation for the next topics to be offered. Since the teachers responding will be of varying levels of ability, the responses should reflect what they feel should be modified and what other topics need to be covered.

Student training will take place during their content classes. If a teacher isn't comfortable doing it alone, arrangements will be made to combine classes with a more experienced teacher leading the training.

__Who conducts professional development opportunities?__ Professional development opportunities will be provided by district technology support personnel at the onset. Ongoing professional development will be provided by teacher leaders who have agreed to train. 