Strategy 1: Develop a CJUSD Comprehensive Professional Learning Plan

CJUSD will develop and implement a comprehensive Professional Learning Plan (PLP) derived from and guided by the CJUSD Vision.  The PLP will be based on improvement science (a problem-solving approach centered on continuous inquiry and learning) so we can develop a system that is focused on data, research, results, feedback, and best practices to ensure that we have success in our implementation.  To implement our PLP, we will ensure that adequate time, space, and resources are made available to create an environment that is conducive to learning.  Our staff and education partners will be provided with clear, transparent data to guide the plan for their professional learning.  In addition, they will have access to data and metrics specific to improvement following the implementation of their professional learning.  CJUSD will leverage external expertise and partnerships in our professional learning to build a train-the-trainer model.

Action Steps:

• We will develop a PLP team (certificated, classified, site admin, and district staff) who will study the improvement science model (PDSA, Action Learning, Appreciative Inquiry) and review research on successful PLPs to design a comprehensive plan for CJUSD.

• The PLP team will:

• Establish a process to identify the needs of each school site, department, and education partner group.

• Review calendars, bargaining unit contracts, and so forth, to design a comprehensive schedule for annual and weekly professional learning and collaboration opportunities. 

• Look for opportunities within employee calendar for nonstudent days or time within the school day to allow  professional learning to take place.

• Develop a clear set of data and metrics to be used to guide and inform the decision-making process for professional learning.

• Routinely seek out, research, and go through an established vetting process, identify and maintain a readily accessible list of internal and external expertise to provide high-quality resources for professional learning.

Obstacles:

• The PLP team will need to develop schedules that allow for time to plan for professional learning.

• There will need to be funding to support costs associated with planning. 

• The PLP team will need knowledge of what is available and access to those data

• There will need to be an environment where “expert” team members have a motivation to share information and teach others.

• Best practices need to be identified for each division/department.

• A safe environment needs to be created for people in various roles so they do not feel vulnerable for stepping away from their primary duties as outlined in  their job description.

• District staff who may be opposed to or uncomfortable with change will need to be motivated and engaged in professional learning.  

• The PLP team will need to demonstrate follow- up and consistency with behavior of valuing staff time and commitment.