The Board understands and supports the important connection between educator professional development and improved student achievement. The school's professional development system should enable teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, and board members to broaden their knowledge and skills in order to contribute effectively to the achievement of the goals and strategies articulated by the school action plan.

School priorities for professional development should be directly linked to student performance goals identified in the annual action plan. Professional development that increases educators' knowledge of content, pedagogy, and effective learning environments should ultimately enhance student performance.

Date Warned: March 1, 2002

Date Adopted: March 12, 2002

Legal Reference(s): 16 VSA § 215 (Challenge to Excellence Grants)

16 VSA § 165 (Public School Quality Standards)

21 VSA § 1721 et seq (Labor Relations)

Vermont State Board of Education Rules §§ 2120.4, 2120.5