2009-2010 Self-Study WASC Action Plan - Julian Charter School

ORGANIZATION/LEADERSHIP AND STAFF
A4. To what extent does a qualified staff facilitate
achievement of the academic standards and the
expected schoolwide learning results through a system
of preparation, induction, and ongoing professional
development?
SUMMARY
• BTSA program supports all new teachers and counselors.
• One hundred percent of core class staffing meets NCLB
“Highly Qualified” criteria.
• Staff forums (professional development) held bi-monthly.
• PLCs meet monthly.
Findings
Evidence
PREPARATION, I NDUCTION, AND ONGOING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• Each year, a common theme is identified to guide
collaboration and ensure that staff remains focused
on student improvement. The overarching theme,
“Orchestrating Excellence and Harmony,” is part of
our focus on data analysis and decision making.
• Program assistant directors focus in-depth each year
on a specific area: site-based, classroom assessment;
K-8, parent-teacher professional development; high
school, common assessments; K-8 academies, childcentered
learning.
• Meetings, events, and other forums provide opportunities
for clarification and input as well as time to
discuss curriculum (current and potential).
• All qualified teachers take part in the BTSA program;
five (08-09) and seven (09-10) teachers are in BTSA.
• New teachers are assigned a mentor teacher at
academies/learning centers; assistant directors direct
mentoring of new staff in the home study program.
• Professional development is customized to meet staff,
department and individual needs (much one-on-one
mentoring by ADs, peers, and other teacher leaders).
• The staff includes numerous teachers who have home
schooled or are currently home schooling their own
children; these staff members provide an element of
authenticity and expertise for parent-teachers and
provide guidance for peers.
• PLC/forum agendas and
minutes
• June PLC presentations
• Data training agendas
• Classroom assessment
book study group agendas
• DC/CT agendas/minutes
• Change from monthly staff
meetings to PLCs
• PD focus areas
• BTSA participant binders
• BTSA lead interview
• BTSA participating teacher
interviews
• New teacher training
schedule
• Mentor/mentee interviews
• Parent feedback loops
Chapter 4: Self-Study Findings: Organization/Leadership and Staff
Julian Charter School Focus on Learning 2009-2010 49