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Pennsylvania Department of Education

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Department of Education
333 Market Street
Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333

Professional Education Report


Thursday, September 10, 2009
(Last Last Approved: Friday, April 20, 2007)

Entity: Northwestern Lehigh SD


Address: 6493 Route 309
New Tripoli, PA 18066-2038
Phone: (610) 298-8661 Ext: 1225
Contact Name: Susanne Meixsell
Professional Education Planning Committee

Name Affiliation Membership Category Appointed By


Bender, Anne Northwestern Lehigh High Ed Specialist - Educational Specialists
School Instructional Technology
Bleam, Community Representative Community School Board
Deborah Representative
Carnahan, Northwestern Lehigh High Secondary School High School Teachers
Tari School Teacher
Cartier, Renee Weisenberg Elementary Administrator Administrative Team
Fitzgerald, Northwestern Lehigh Middle Middle School Teacher Middle School
Sara School Teachers
Foucek, Northwestern Lehigh High Ed Specialist - School Educational Specialists
Andrea and Middle Schools Psychologist
Gates, Northwestern Lehigh Middle Middle School Teacher Middle School
Elisabeth School Teachers
Gensits, Northwestern Lehigh High Secondary School High School Teachers
Stephen School Teacher
Huber, Nancy Business Representative Business Representative School Board
Johnston, Northwestern Elementary Elementary School Elementary Teachers
Marsha Teacher
Klein, Northwestern Lehigh Middle Middle School Teacher Middle School
Christopher School Teachers
Meixsell, Central Office Administrator Administrative Team
Susanne
Nickischer, Northwestern Lehigh High Administrator Administrative Team
Amy School
Piescienski, Community Representative Community School Board
Marci Representative
Reiss, Pamela Northwestern Lehigh High Secondary School High School Teachers
School Teacher
Scott, Mark Central Office Administrator Administrative Team
Stark, Beth Weisenberg Elementary Elementary School Weisenberg
Teacher Elementary Teachers
Stitzel, LeAnn Central Office Administrator Administrative Team
Suter, David Business Representative Business Representative School Board
Venusto, Parent Parent School Board
Cathy
Yadush, Parent Parent School Board
Aileen

Needs Assessment

Reflections

• Legacy Dataview 371


Concern Last Modified: 5/18/2009
The District continues its commitment to increasing the reading proficiency rates for
special education students. This continues to be an area of challenge in that the regular
education students are meeting with AYP, but not all of the special education students
are meeting with AYP. Over the course of the previous plan, the K-12 Language Arts
curriculum was reviewed and rewritten with regular and special education teachers to
achieve complete alignment with the PA Academic Standards and Assessment
Anchors. As a result, a new reading series with a research based component paralleling
the general education curriculum, has been implemented at the elementary levels over
the past two years.

Additionally, the 5th Grade will be returning to the elementary level in September of
2009. As part of this realignment, the 5th grade language arts curriculum has been
mapped and is being revised to reflect differences in delivery systems and instructional
practices between the Elementary and Middle Level programs.

Reading benchmark tests as well as the use of DIBELS, Developmental Reading


Assessment and Study Island data is being utilized to identify and remediate reading
deficiencies very early for individual students. The District is also renewing its focus on
improving the use of Differentiated Instruction approaches through increased staff
development.
The Northwestern Lehigh School District has assessed the staff development needs of the
professional educators relevant to instructional and technology skills through the use of the
Professional Development Council Needs Assessment, the Technology Needs Assessment
Survey, and staff development/course evaluations. This data was analyzed to develop a course
of action for the Strategic Plan as well as professional development needs to support all areas of
growth.
The Middle States Accreditation for Growth continues to serve as a key piece of data in
identifying needs for the High School and District. Additionally, current PSSA results and
benchmark assessments have been analyzed to identify targeted areas for improvement and
more focused staff development. Through the analysis of all this data, it was very clear to the
Strategic Planning Committee that focused and integrated goals for improvement to sustain adult
learning are critical.

Additional resources that were considered in designing the Professional Development Plan were
the following:

• District Mission Statement


• District Vision of 2012
• District Shared Values
• Student Achievement Data
• Educational Technology Plan
• Special Education Plan
• Student Services Plan
• Academic Standards and Assessment Plan
• Student Demographic Data
• Ongoing input from District administrators as well as teaching staff
• PATI surveys
• Parent Advisory Councils and Parent Teacher Organizations
• State and Federal Regulations such as IDIEA, Chapter 16, and Chapter 12
• Act 48 regulations

The Northwestern Lehigh School District maintains the philosophy that teachers and
administrators need to learn side-by-side so that both groups can strive for improved student
learning. While teachers are applying their knowledge and skill to the classroom environment,
administrators can more effectively supervise and support teacher professional growth. District
administrators must also continue their own professional growth in the areas of supervision, legal
issues, policy development, data-driven decision-making, personnel, program evaluation,
curriculum mapping, leadership, and facility planning.

Through this comprehensive analysis the following specific areas for professional development
will be addressed by this plan. Teachers, administrators, and pupil services staff are expected to
attend these sessions. Support staff such as teacher aides, secretaries, and substitute teachers
are also invited to attend.

Technology Skill Development


Use of Datawarehouse
Discovery Education Streaming
Kid/Teen Biz
Web 2.0 tools
Technology Integration in the Classroom
Webpage Development
Sapphire Grading System, Parent Portal, and IEP Writer
Blackboard course software
Study Island for Math, Language Arts, and Science grades 2-12
Interactive Whiteboards & Mobis
Cyber Instruction
Using tech peripherals, i.e. digital camera, scanner, projector, handhelds, classroom performance
systems

Pedagogical Development
Grading Practices/ Purposes K-12
Differentiated Instruction workshops and training for K-12
Writer’s Workshop for grades K-8
Guided Reading for grades K-5
Advanced Placement teaching techniques for grades 9-12
Principles of Coaching K-12
ESL and Gifted Training K-12
Curriculum, Standards, and Assessment Anchors K-12
Literacy Interventions and fidelity in administering Assessments K-5
Data-driven instructional decisions K-12
Curriculum Mapping K-12
Benchmark Assessment Training K-12
Response to Intervention methods and techniques, K-5

Safety and Security


CPR/AED/Basic First Aid K-12
Cyberbullying and Internet Safety K-12
Bullying Prevention K-12
Best practices in school nursing
Crisis Response Training K-12
Crisis Prevention Intervention Training K-12
Student Assistance Program Training K-12

Student Services Staff


Navigating County Agencies
Mental Health Services
Understanding Asperger's Syndrome
Interventions for Students with Conduct Problems
Behavioral Health and Education — Bridging the Gap
Mandated Reporter Training — Recognizing Child Abuse
Kids and Drugs, Part 1 — Elementary School Level
Kids and Drugs, Part 2 — Secondary School Level
Teen Nutrition, Body Image and Eating Disorders
Depression and Suicide
Bullying Prevention K-12

New Teachers
Crisis Prevention Intervention
CPR, AED, and First Aid
Technology Usage at Northwestern Lehigh
Curriculum, Standards, and Assessment Anchors
Professional Code of Conduct
Gifted, ESL, and Special Education Training
Curriculum Mapping
Differentiated Instruction

Administrator Specific Trainings


Supervision
Use of the Datawarehouse
Instructional Leadership for Differentiated Instruction
Data-Driven Decision Making
Curriculum Mapping
Program Evaluation
Policy Development
Personnel Management
Facility Planning
PIL-Approved Courses

Professional Education Action Plan

Goal: Academic Proficiency

Description: All students will be proficient in all core subject areas (reading, math, science, and
social studies) leading to successful academic transitions from elementary to middle to high
school and beyond.

Strategy: Align Curriculum to Academic Standards and Anchors

Description: District instructional staff will align all planned coures to the PA Academic
Standards and Assessment Anchors.

Activity: Standards and Anchor Training


Description: Instructional staff will be trained on use of the PA Academic Standards and
Assessment Anchors.

Person Responsible Timeline for Resources


Implementation
Stitzel, LeAnn Start: 6/5/2006 $3,000.00
Finish: 8/3/2012

Professional Development Activity Information


Number of Hours Per Total Number of Estimated Number of Participants
Session Sessions Per School Per Year
Year
6.00 4 180
Organization or Institution Type of Provider Provider’s Department of
Name Education Approval Status
Training will be completed in- • School Entity Approved
house (Northwestern Lehigh • Intermediate Unit
School District) as well as at
the Carbon Lehigh IU #21.
Knowledge and Skills Research and Best Designed to Accomplish
Practices
Staff will gain an understanding The Standards Aligned For classroom teachers, school
of the PA Academic Standards Systems incorporates all counselors and education specialists:
and Assessment Anchors, and areas that are required to
will learn how to use the enhance performance of • Increases the educator’s
Standards Aligned Systems in our students. teaching skills based on
curriculum alignment and research on effective
lesson planning. practice, with attention given
to interventions for struggling
students.

For school and district


administrators, and other educators
seeking leadership roles:

• Provides the knowledge and


skills to think and plan
strategically, ensuring that
assessments, curriculum,
instruction, staff professional
education, teaching
materials and interventions
for struggling students are
aligned to each other as well
as to Pennsylvania’s
academic standards.

Educator Groups Which Will Participate in this Activity


Role Grade Level
• Classroom teachers • Early childhood
• Principals / asst. (preK-grade 3)
principals • Middle (grades 6-
8)
• Elementary
(grades 2-5)
• High school
(grades 9-12)

Follow-up Activities Evaluation Methods


• Creating lessons to • Classroom observation focusing on factors such as
meet varied student planning and preparation, knowledge of content,
learning styles pedagogy and standards, classroom environment,
instructional delivery and professionalism.
• Student PSSA data
• Standardized student assessment data other than the
PSSA
• Classroom student assessment data
• Review of participant lesson plans

Status: In Progress — Upcoming

Strategy: Benchmark Assessments

Description: District instructional staff will use benchmark assessments in all core subject areas
aligned to the PA Academic Standards and Assessment Anchors.

Activity: Training to Utilize Benchmark Assessments

Description: All teaching staff in grades 2-12 and District administration will be trained in using
the selected benchmark assessment tool.

Person Responsible Timeline for Implementation Resources


Stitzel, LeAnn Start: 9/7/2009 $8,000.00
Finish: 9/3/2012

Professional Development Activity Information


Number of Hours Per Session Total Number of Sessions Per Estimated Number of
School Year Participants Per Year
6.00 2 30
Organization or Institution Type of Provider Provider’s Department of
Name Education Approval Status
Northwestern Lehigh School • School Entity Approved
District
Knowledge and Skills Research and Best Practices Designed to Accomplish
Teachers and administrators will Data teams at each building will For classroom teachers,
learn how to use the benchmark analyze benchmark assessment school counselors and
assessments in Study Island, data to determine appropriate education specialists:
and will work in teams to interventions for struggling
analyze the data from these students and possible program • Provides educators
assessments. changes. with a variety of
classroom-based
assessment skills and
the skills needed to
analyze and use data
in instructional
decision-making.

For school and district


administrators, and other
educators seeking leadership
roles:

• Provides leaders with


the ability to access
and use appropriate
data to inform
decision-making.

Educator Groups Which Will Participate in this Activity


Role Grade Level
• Classroom teachers • Early childhood (preK-
• Principals / asst. grade 3)
principals • Middle (grades 6-8)
• School counselors • Elementary (grades 2-5)
• Other educational • High school (grades 9-
specialists 12)

Follow-up Activities Evaluation Methods


• Team development and • Classroom observation focusing on factors such as
sharing of content-area planning and preparation, knowledge of content,
lesson implementation pedagogy and standards, classroom environment,
outcomes, with instructional delivery and professionalism.
involvement of • Student PSSA data
administrator and/or • Standardized student assessment data other than the
peers PSSA
• Classroom student assessment data

Status: In Progress — Upcoming

Strategy: Curriculum Review Cycle

Description: District staff will revise the curriculum cycle to incorporate subject area integration,
utilize curriculum mapping database software as a curriculum analysis tool, and allow for annual
review of curriuclum.

Activity: Curriculum Mapping Training

Description: District administrators, building principals, department and curriculum chairs will be
trained in Heidi Hayes Jacobs' approach to curriculum mapping.

Person Responsible Timeline for Resources


Implementation
Stitzel, LeAnn Start: 9/1/2009 $12,000.00
Finish: 9/1/2012

Professional Development Activity Information


Number of Hours Per Session Total Number of Estimated Number of Participants
Sessions Per School Per Year
Year
3.00 2 5
Organization or Institution Type of Provider Provider’s Department of
Name Education Approval Status
Northwestern Lehigh School • School Entity Approved
District
Knowledge and Skills Research and Best Designed to Accomplish
Practices
Educators will be trained in how To effectively evaluate For classroom teachers, school
to effectively map their and improve curriculum, counselors and education specialists:
curriculum in order to analyze existing curriculum must
areas of overlap and gaps. first be mapped using a • Provides educators with a
consistent model. variety of classroom-based
assessment skills and the
skills needed to analyze and
use data in instructional
decision-making.

For school and district


administrators, and other educators
seeking leadership roles:

• Provides the knowledge and


skills to think and plan
strategically, ensuring that
assessments, curriculum,
instruction, staff professional
education, teaching
materials and interventions
for struggling students are
aligned to each other as well
as to Pennsylvania’s
academic standards.

Educator Groups Which Will Participate in this Activity


Role Grade Level
• Classroom teachers • Early childhood
• Principals / asst. (preK-grade 3)
principals • Middle (grades 6-
• Superintendent / asst. 8)
superintendents • Elementary
• School counselors (grades 2-5)
• Other educational • High school
specialists (grades 9-12)

Follow-up Activities Evaluation Methods


• Team development and • Participant survey
sharing of content-area • Review of written reports summarizing instructional
lesson implementation activity
outcomes, with
involvement of
administrator and/or
peers

Status: In Progress — Upcoming

Strategy: Parent Communication for Academic Performance

Description: All District instructional staff will utilize the Internet and community portal to
communicate academic and performance data on a regular basis to parents.

Activity: All staff will learn how to utilize the web site to post weekly
assignments.

Description: Staff will be required to communicate lessons via the web as part of their
professional responsibilities.

Person Responsible Timeline for Implementation Resources


Uplinger, Brian Start: 9/7/2009 -
Finish: 6/11/2012

Professional Development Activity Information


Number of Hours Per Total Number of Sessions Per Estimated Number of
Session School Year Participants Per Year
3.00 2 25
Organization or Institution Type of Provider Provider’s Department
Name of Education Approval
Status
Northwestern Lehigh School • School Entity Approved
District
Knowledge and Skills Research and Best Practices Designed to Accomplish
Teaching staff will learn how to Teacher websites have become a vital For classroom teachers,
create/update their website communication link between school school counselors and
and will review and families. Using the websites, education specialists:
policies/procedures regarding families can access student grades,
required information. assignments, homework, and • Empowers
procedures. educators to work
effectively with
parents and
community
partners.

For school and district


administrators, and other
educators seeking
leadership roles:

• Instructs the
leader in
managing
resources for
effective results.

Educator Groups Which Will Participate in this Activity


Role Grade Level
• Classroom teachers • Early childhood (preK-grade
3)
• Middle (grades 6-8)
• Elementary (grades 2-5)
• High school (grades 9-12)

Follow-up Activities Evaluation Methods


• Peer-to-peer lesson • Website analysis (Analysis of teacher websites by
discussions building administrators)

Status: In Progress — Upcoming

Strategy: Use of data

Description: Staff will utilize appropriate data for comprehensive analysis of academic
performance data. All instructional staff will be trained on the use of a data warehouse or a
comparable solution as with the Sapphire Suites. Staff will analyze benchmark assessment data
against other variables such as PSSA data, grades, and demographic data.
Activity: Training

Description: Instructional and adminstrative staff will receive training on effective data analysis.

Person Responsible Timeline for Resources


Implementation
Uplinger, Brian Start: 8/20/2009 $24,000.00
Finish: 5/31/2012

Professional Development Activity Information


Number of Hours Per Session Total Number of Sessions Estimated Number of
Per School Year Participants Per Year
6.00 2 30
Organization or Institution Name Type of Provider Provider’s Department of
Education Approval Status
Northwestern Lehigh School • School Entity Approved
District
Knowledge and Skills Research and Best Designed to Accomplish
Practices
Educators will learn how to Data teams will be formed to For classroom teachers, school
effectively analyze data from meet and discuss data and counselors and education
multiple sources. make informed decisions specialists:
regarding students and
programs. • Provides educators
with a variety of
classroom-based
assessment skills and
the skills needed to
analyze and use data
in instructional
decision-making.

For school and district


administrators, and other
educators seeking leadership
roles:

• Provides leaders with


the ability to access
and use appropriate
data to inform
decision-making.

Educator Groups Which Will Participate in this Activity


Role Grade Level
• Classroom teachers • Early childhood
• Principals / asst. principals (preK-grade 3)
• Superintendent / asst. • Middle (grades 6-8)
superintendents • Elementary (grades
• School counselors 2-5)
• Other educational • High school (grades
specialists 9-12)

Follow-up Activities Evaluation Methods


• Team development and • Classroom observation focusing on factors such as
sharing of content-area planning and preparation, knowledge of content,
lesson implementation pedagogy and standards, classroom environment,
outcomes, with instructional delivery and professionalism.
involvement of • Student PSSA data
administrator and/or peers • Standardized student assessment data other than the
PSSA
• Classroom student assessment data
• Participant survey

Status: In Progress — Upcoming

Goal: Highly Qualified Effective Teachers

Description: All students will learn from highly qualified and effective teachers.

Strategy: Professional Development

Description: A comprehensive staff development plan for instructional and administrative staff
will include a focus on differentiating instruction and technology for the next three years.

Activity: A professional development action plan for Differentiated


Instruction training will be developed and implemented.

Description: A team of teacher leaders and administrators from each building will work to
develop a detailed action plan for rolling out D.I. training to all of our teaching staff over the next
three years.

Person Responsible Timeline for Resources


Implementation
Stitzel, LeAnn Start: 9/15/2009 -
Finish: 9/11/2012

Professional Development Activity Information


Number of Hours Per Total Number of Sessions Estimated Number of Participants
Session Per School Year Per Year
3.00 7 10
Organization or Institution Type of Provider Provider’s Department of
Name Education Approval Status
Northwestern Lehigh School • School Entity Approved
District
Knowledge and Skills Research and Best Designed to Accomplish
Practices
Teacher Leaders and Building Differentiated Instruction For classroom teachers, school
Administrators will work as a has been identified as a counselors and education
team to develop a detailed, main focus area for specialists:
long-term action plan for professional development
Differentiated Instruction for the next three years for • Increases the educator’s
training for all teaching staff all teaching staff, K-12. teaching skills based on
beginning in the 2010-2011 research on effective
school year. practice, with attention given
to interventions for
struggling students.
• Provides educators with a
variety of classroom-based
assessment skills and the
skills needed to analyze and
use data in instructional
decision-making.

For school and district


administrators, and other educators
seeking leadership roles:

• Provides the knowledge and


skills to think and plan
strategically, ensuring that
assessments, curriculum,
instruction, staff professional
education, teaching
materials and interventions
for struggling students are
aligned to each other as well
as to Pennsylvania’s
academic standards.
• Empowers leaders to create
a culture of teaching and
learning, with an emphasis
on learning.

Educator Groups Which Will Participate in this Activity


Role Grade Level
• Classroom teachers • Early childhood
• Principals / asst. (preK-grade 3)
principals • Middle (grades 6-8)
• Elementary (grades
2-5)
• High school
(grades 9-12)

Follow-up Activities Evaluation Methods


• Team development • Classroom observation focusing on factors such as
and sharing of content- planning and preparation, knowledge of content,
area lesson pedagogy and standards, classroom environment,
implementation instructional delivery and professionalism.
outcomes, with • Classroom student assessment data
involvement of • Review of participant lesson plans
administrator and/or
peers
• Creating lessons to
meet varied student
learning styles
• Lesson modeling with
mentoring

Status: Not Started — Upcoming

Activity: All educators will increase their proficiency in using technology at


the point of instruction.

Description: Teachers will integrate technology in their lessons, as appropriate, on a regular


basis. There will be assistance from our K-12 Technology Integration Specialist.

Person Responsible Timeline for Implementation Resources


Stitzel, LeAnn Start: 9/8/2009 -
Finish: 6/4/2012

Professional Development Activity Information


Number of Hours Per Session Total Number of Sessions Per Estimated Number of
School Year Participants Per Year
6.00 11 120
Organization or Institution Type of Provider Provider’s Department of
Name Education Approval Status
Northwestern Lehigh School • School Entity Approved
District
Knowledge and Skills Research and Best Practices Designed to Accomplish
Educators will learn skills using The content within these For classroom teachers,
specific technology that they have training days is part of our school counselors and
available for use in the classroom. overall plan to incorporate education specialists:
They will learn how to use the differentiation at the point of
equipment/software, and how it instruction. Technology is a tool • Increases the
can be integrated into their daily that can be used to differentiate educator’s teaching
lessons. in the classroom. skills based on
research on effective
practice, with
attention given to
interventions for
struggling students.
• Provides educators
with a variety of
classroom-based
assessment skills
and the skills needed
to analyze and use
data in instructional
decision-making.

For school and district


administrators, and other
educators seeking leadership
roles:

• Empowers leaders to
create a culture of
teaching and
learning, with an
emphasis on
learning.

Educator Groups Which Will Participate in this Activity


Role Grade Level
• Classroom teachers • Early childhood (preK-
• School counselors grade 3)
• Other educational • Middle (grades 6-8)
specialists • Elementary (grades 2-
5)
• High school (grades 9-
12)

Follow-up Activities Evaluation Methods


• Creating lessons to meet • Participant survey
varied student learning • Review of participant lesson plans
styles
• Peer-to-peer lesson
discussions

Status: In Progress — Upcoming

Activity: On-line staff development opportunities will increase.


Description: Using BlackBoard course management system, available through our membership
in Blended Schools, staff development workshops will be added to the on-line environment.
Opportunities for staff to learn and receive Act 48 hours through this on-line environment will
increase.

Person Responsible Timeline for Resources


Implementation
Stitzel, LeAnn Start: 9/8/2009 -
Finish: 9/4/2012

Professional Development Activity Information


Number of Hours Per Session Total Number of Sessions Estimated Number of
Per School Year Participants Per Year
6.00 4 30
Organization or Institution Name Type of Provider Provider’s Department of
Education Approval Status
Northwestern Lehigh School District • School Entity Approved

Knowledge and Skills Research and Best Designed to Accomplish


Practices
Educators will receive training in Providing opportunities for For classroom teachers,
technology, differentiated instruction, online learning for our school counselors and
best practices, etc. via online teaching staff models best education specialists:
courses delivered through PDE practices in differentiation,
and/or courses that are developed as well as online teaching. • Increases the
by our own staff. educator’s teaching
skills based on
research on effective
practice, with
attention given to
interventions for
struggling students.

For school and district


administrators, and other
educators seeking leadership
roles:

• Empowers leaders to
create a culture of
teaching and
learning, with an
emphasis on
learning.

Educator Groups Which Will Participate in this Activity


Role Grade Level
• Classroom teachers • Early childhood
• Principals / asst. principals (preK-grade 3)
• Superintendent / asst. • Middle (grades 6-8)
superintendents • Elementary (grades
• School counselors 2-5)
• Other educational specialists • High school (grades
9-12)

Follow-up Activities Evaluation Methods


• Analysis of student work, • Participant survey
with administrator and/or • Review of written reports summarizing instructional
peers activity
• Journaling and reflecting

Status: In Progress — Upcoming

Activity: Staff development opportunities related to technology use and


integration will be maintained and expanded as needed.

Description: Staff will be offered training opportunities related to technology including, but not
limited to web-based software such as First in Math, Study Island; data analysis; Sapphire
Grading Program and Community Portal; Classroom Performance System; Discovery Educator
Tools; Microsoft Office; Web Site pages; Integration of Technology.

Person Responsible Timeline for Resources


Implementation
Stitzel, LeAnn Start: 9/8/2009 $28,500.00
Finish: 8/31/2012

Professional Development Activity Information


Number of Hours Per Total Number of Sessions Estimated Number of Participants
Session Per School Year Per Year
6.00 12 180
Organization or Type of Provider Provider’s Department of Education
Institution Name Approval Status
Northwestern Lehigh • School Entity Approved
School District
Knowledge and Skills Research and Best Designed to Accomplish
Practices
Staff will learn how to use This is related to our For classroom teachers, school
and effectively implement District's goal to provide counselors and education specialists:
District-wide hardware and more differentiation in all
software programs into classrooms. Technology is • Increases the educator’s
their lesson plans. one way that this can be teaching skills based on
accomplished. research on effective practice,
with attention given to
interventions for struggling
students.
• Provides educators with a
variety of classroom-based
assessment skills and the skills
needed to analyze and use
data in instructional decision-
making.

For school and district administrators,


and other educators seeking leadership
roles:

• Provides the knowledge and


skills to think and plan
strategically, ensuring that
assessments, curriculum,
instruction, staff professional
education, teaching materials
and interventions for struggling
students are aligned to each
other as well as to
Pennsylvania’s academic
standards.
• Provides leaders with the ability
to access and use appropriate
data to inform decision-making.

Educator Groups Which Will Participate in this Activity


Role Grade Level
• Classroom • Early childhood
teachers (preK-grade 3)
• Principals / asst. • Middle (grades 6-8)
principals • Elementary (grades
2-5)
• High school (grades
9-12)

Follow-up Activities Evaluation Methods


• Creating lessons • Participant survey
to meet varied
student learning
styles

Status: In Progress — Upcoming

Annual Review Process


The District Professional Development Council meets twice annually to assess staff development
needs, evaluate program effectiveness, and plan for addressing the staff development needs.
This Council also oversees the Professional Development Plan of the Strategic Plan. The
following specific activities occur to review, revise, and amend the plan as may be necessary:

• monitor accomplishments of strategic planning goals


• determine additional needs
• select and schedule professional development activities
• evaluate each professional development event
• set priorities for conference attendance
• evaluate District compliance and record-keeping relevant to Act 48

The Professional Development Council uses an evaluation tool for each professional
development event. The evaluation tool contains standard items requesting feedback with a
numeric rubric for the following items:

• course objectives
• organization of the course
• quality of the content
• relevant learning experiences to master the content
• relevancy to the participant's assignment
• ability of the participant to turn-key the learnings
• quality of the instructor
• effectiveness of the instructor's teaching strategies
• knowledge and preparedness of the instructor

The remainder of the evaluation tool is developed specifically with the course content in mind.
Examples of this type of feedback are:

• list the three ways in which the participant will apply the specific knowledge
• how did the specific activity contribute to your professional growth
• how will you share this knowledge with your grade level partners or colleagues in your
department
• what other learnings are now essential as a result of this session

The Professional Development Council reviews all of the course evaluations annually to
determine a course of action based on this feedback.

Supporting Documents

Supporting Documents - Attachment

• Professional Development Needs Survey

Contact Information
Appendix B

Entity Information Page


Entity: Northwestern Lehigh SD

Address:
6493 Route 309
New Tripoli, PA 18066-2038

Superintendent or Chief Administrative Officer: Susanne H. Meixsell


E-mail: meixsells@nwlehighsd.org
Telephone: 610-298-8661 x1225
Fax: 610-298-8002

Professional Education Committee Chairperson: LeAnn M. Stitzel


E-mail: stitzell@nwlehighsd.org
Telephone: 610-298-8661 x1275
Fax: 610-298-8002

Act 48 Reporting Contact: LeAnn M. Stitzel


E-mail: stitzell@nwlehighsd.org
Telephone: 610-298-8661 x1275
Fax: 610-298-8002

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