Staff development

Problem:  The number of special education students that are not meeting performance standards on the TAKS tests. 

1.  Start by forming a support team, including the superintendent and his board members. 
     Assess the core values of the school district and its readiness for change.
     A contract/agreement should be signed amongst the strategic leadership team and the superintendent and
     board members.

2.  Create a starter leadership team
     Hold a retreat to develop enthusiasm and dynamic within the team and about the methods of change.
     The team will go over the systemic change process, design, mental models and time lines.
     Enhance the community and district's capacity for change.

3.  The starter team will expand into the Strategic Leadership team.
     The team becomes facilitators, inviting all the stakeholders from the school district and surrounding
     community creating a new vision, mission and plan.
     Design an enrichment program to provide students with a new class schedule offering a double block of
     math or reading for special needs students who were unsuccessful on previous benchmarks and TAKS
     tests.

4.  Discuss unforeseen problems and possible solutions.
     Examine data and have regular meetings to review students results and performance.
     Continue to modify or change the schedule when needed and monitor students results.


University offices:

1.  Baylor University

Baylor has faculty development for a variety of learner needs.  It is located under the Executive Vice Presidents office.  They offer a faculty mentoring program that helps members in reaching tenure. They have a Summer Institute for faculty.  This allows members to become knowledgeable in a diverse teaching style, research and a number of other things.  There are also opportunities in fellowship programs and seminars.

2.  The University of Texas in Austin

UT has faculty development and is located under the Vice President's office.  It also provides many different types of Seminars some that take place in April for tenured members and some in August for newer members.

3.  Stephen F. Austin State University

SFA offers faculty development.  You can find theirs under the Vice President's office.  They provide new faculty orientation and different seminars for its members.