 |
Welcome to Professional Learning & Training |
All teachers who are new to Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)—including counselors, clinicians, therapists, librarians, psychologists, and social workers—are required to attend three days specifically set aside for orientation to FCPS during the first year of employment. Many learning opportunities are scheduled for these three days, and attendance is required as a condition of employment. The schedule for teachers at both modified and traditional calendar schools follows. 2008 FCPS New Instructional Employee Orientation (Traditional Calendar) At the one-half day FCPS New Instructional Orientation session, teachers are greeted by the Superintendent and attend workshops focusing on instruction, special programs, and classroom inclusion. The orientation is scheduled at Hayfield Secondary School 7630 Telegraph Road, Alexandria, VA 22315. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m., and the program begins at 8:30 a.m. 2008 FCPS New Instructional Employee Orientation (Modified Calendar) School-Based Orientation
Questions about the FCPS welcome and instruction orientation should be sent to Elma Hinson, Department of Professional Learning and Training at Elma.Hinson@fcps.edu or contact her at 703-204-4002. 2008 Human Resources Orientation At the human resources orientation, new employees will receive important information about pay, benefits, employee and employer responsibilities, and an overview of FCPS. Completion of critical paperwork is also part of this session. All newly hired instructional employees must preregister for one of the many sessions offered throughout the summer by visiting the New Employee Orientation website and registering online at http://www.fcps.edu/DHR/applicants/neo/index.htm. Orientation sessions are held 3‑4 times a week throughout the summer. Questions about scheduling your human resources orientation should be sent to Orientations@fcps.edu or call 571-423-3024. For information about the school-based orientation day, classroom planning, or preparation time, contact an administrator at your assigned school. . .
This is just a reminder that the deadline for submitting applications for the 2008-2009 Washington Post Vincent E. Reed Principals Leadership Institute is approaching fast! All applications must be received no later than 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9th. Eligible principals can send their applications to The Washington Post Vincent E. Reed Principals Leadership Institute at 1150 15th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20071 or fax (202) 334-4963. Please encourage any principals you know to apply. .
The Support Services Institute (SSI) is sponsored by Department of Professional Learning and Training, is designed for support employees (US 13-19) who have demonstrated leadership skills and a desire to further their professional development. Participants are selected through an application process. Any questions regarding the program may be directed to Delores Herndon, DPLT at 703-204-4054. Download the 2008 Application and Statement of Interest Forms: SSI Application (PDF)
Please find attached is a copy of the program that will be presented at the 81st Annual Virginia Middle and High School Principals Conference and Exposition, June 29 – July 2, 2008, at The Homestead, Hot Springs, Virginia. This instructional leadership, administrators, and policy conference is jointly sponsored by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and the Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals (VASSP). Conference Program (PDF) The pre-registration deadline is June 24, 2008. Conference registration and hotel accommodation forms are posted on the VDOE Web site and the following VASSP links: If you have questions related to the conference or the forms, please contact Dr. Randy D. Barrack, Executive Director/CEO, Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals, at 804-355-2777 or via e-mail at rbarrack@vassp.org .
NBPTS Statement on “Assessing Accomplished Teaching: Advanced-Level
Certification Programs” Complete News Release (PDF)
VAESP and the Virginia Department of Education are pleased to invite you to attend a workshop in your area. "EIMS, RtI, and Teaching the SOLs Across the Content Area: A Seminar for Principals and Teachers" will be held Monday, June 9, 2008 at the Frederickburg Hospitality House (download Fredericksburg registration brochure) and on Thursday, June 12, 2008 at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon (download Abingdon registration brochure). Registration forms can be faxed to VAESP at 804.355.1196.
Principals Leadership Institute Seminar Information:
Seminar Application (PDF) Application Deadline: No later than 5:30 pm on Wednesday, July 9, 2008 .
Beginning June 16, 2008, all FCPS employees will have the opportunity to complete the required Discrimination & Harassment Awareness Training. All employees are required to complete the training by October 1, 2008. All FCPS Non-Supervisory Personnel All FCPS employees are required to complete the Discrimination and Harassment Awareness Training by October 1, 2008. Listed below are three ways to complete this training. Each principal or supervisor will determine the method his/her employees should use to complete this mandatory training. The on-line training is totally paperless and does not require any clerical support to manage the training. Types of Training available:
All non-exempt US-19 and below employees (employees eligible for overtime) are required to complete the training during regular work hours to comply with Fair Labor Standards Act requirements. Exempt employees, US-20 and above (employees ineligible for overtime) who elect to take the training during non-working hours may do so. If you think you have already completed this training, you can verify this by viewing your My PLT transcript. You must have the course titled Discrimination & Harassment Awareness Training on your transcript. Courses taken with a similar title do not meet this requirement. Please contact the Office of Equity and Compliance (OEC) at (571) 423-3050 if you are an individual with a disability and require an accommodation in order to complete this training. All FCPS Supervisors To assist supervisors in determining if the on-line training is appropriate for their employees, My PLT will open the on-line training for them on June 13, 2008 at noon. Once the supervisor logs on, he/she should select the link in the REQUIRED section for supervisors. Selecting the training from the required box will connect them to Discrimination and Harassment Awareness Training for Supervisors. The first three units of this training are identical to the Discrimination and Harassment Awareness Training for Non-Supervisors. The fourth unit in the supervisor's training discusses specific information for supervisors and is not included in the non-supervisors training. This training will take approximately 30 minutes. It is paperless and the training will be recorded on the employee's transcript at the completion of the training. This training is self-paced and it usually takes approximately 25 -30 minutes and is available on My PLT. Supervisors would select the Discrimination and Harassment Awareness Training For Supervisors. The on-line training is totally paperless and does not require any clerical support to manage the training. The training may be found by clicking on the link in the required training box on your home tab.
Old Dominion University has partnered with Virtual Education Software to offer continuing education courses for K-12 educators on CD-ROM for undergraduate or graduate credit. The interactive courses provide expert instruction at a pace that fits your schedule. Additional information can be found at: http://www.virtualeduc.com/newsletters/odu/odu.htm .
The deadline for submitting tuition reimbursement requests for eligible coursework completed during the 2008 fiscal year (July 1, 2007, through June 30, 2008) is June 30. Only requests received by Professional Learning and Training or postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service by June 30 will be considered for reimbursement. Tuition reimbursement request forms are available online at http://www.fcps.edu/plt/treimbursement.htm. .
Apple Federal Credit Union, Teacher Grant Awards Summary 2007-2008 School YearWe appreciate the Apple Federal Credit Union, Education Foundation’s continued support of the grant program coordinated by the Department of Professional Learning and Training. The Foundation generously supported 16 schools representing 30 teachers with $31,053 in grant funding for the 2007-2008 academic school year.The curricular areas covered by the grants included language arts, technology and physical education, grades kindergarten through twelve. In a unique collaboration, three Middle Schools wrote grants that focused on literacy learning using non-fiction texts. We also had three schools (listed below) focus on English as Second Language learners.
What follows is a chart showing the schools, grant amount awarded, primary teacher contact, principal, curricular focus and grant title. .
Knowing how to build trusting relationships with
key stakeholders is vital to school leaders at every level. This third annual institute for school leaders
will be facilitated by Hank Rubin, a national leader
in educational collaboration. Using three distinct
"Creating Learning Conversations" July 25, 2008; 8:30 am - 3:45 pm featuring: Jim Knight, Staff Developer, Author and Researcher Event Flyer
The summer Academy Course Catalog is now available for viewing and download at http://www.fcps.edu/plt/academycourseprogram/index.html and http://www.fcps.edu/plt/catalogs.htm.
FCPS is offering an Educational Leadership program beginning in summer 2009 in collaboration with George Mason University. The program is for employees who want to obtain the administrative endorsement necessary for consideration for school-based administrative positions of assistant principal, principal, and student activities director. Enrollment will be limited to 30 people.
June 29-July 2, 2008, 81st Virginia Middle and High School Principals Conference & Exposition, The Homestead, 1766 Homestead Drive, Hot Springs, VA This four-day conference, co-sponsored by the Virginia Department of Education that provides middle and high school principals and assistant principals with opportunities to interact with State Department staff and get an overview of state education priorities, new policies and required administrative procedures for implementation. It also allows participants to be exposed to “best practices” that have been implemented in successful schools and hear state and national general session speakers on the cutting-edge of instructional leadership and public policy. A pre-conference School Law Clinic is featured. The participants may receive 3-hours of graduate credit through Virginia Commonwealth University. Registration deadline: June 16, 2008 Visit http://www.vassp.org/conference_schedule.htm for more information.
Historical training data from UConnect has been converted to My PLT. This includes historical data from all training completed through the UConnect system from the summer of 1998 to the spring of 2007. My PLT is the FCPS central repository for communicating and tracking professional development and training. To view your training history that was listed in UConnect, log in to http://www.fcps.edu/plt/MyPLT/index.html and click “View My Transcript” on your home tab.
FCPS’ Department of Professional Learning and Training wants to make you aware of an opportunity for education leaders who are currently in, or aspire to, leadership careers. The George Washington University's new doctoral program in Educational Administration will be offered at GW’s campus in Ashburn. The program will begin in Spring 2009 and is an accelerated, supportive, cohort model, meeting Friday night and Saturday one weekend per month. This academically rigorous, 48-credit-hour post-Master's program can be completed in 3 - 4 years.
Representatives from The George Washington University will provide information about the program, application and selection process, coursework, and degree requirements at information sessions on April 24 and May 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the GW Loudoun Campus, 44983 Knoll Square, Ashburn, VA 20147. (Participants from FCPS who participate in the doctoral program will pay their own tuition, fees, and books.)
The Department of Professional Learning and Training will hold two additional information meetings regarding the 2008-2009 Assistant Principal Portfolio Program. If you are interested, please log onto My PLT to register for one of the following sessions:
To be eligible for this program, you must have served at least one year as an assistant principal (appointed no later than November 30, 2007), a final evaluation indicating meets or exceeds on all guidelines of the FCPS Evaluation Standards of Performance, and a signed letter of intent (submitted no later than May 1, 2008 at 12:00 pm to the Office of Leadership Development). The signed letter of intent shall represent a recommendation and full support of your current principal.
Attention all school principals! On April 30th from 8 - 11:30 AM at Dunn Loring Center, we are offering My PLT Course Administrators Training designed specifically for school principals to learn the benefits and overall functionality of the district-wide learning management system. Participants will learn how to run reports, access employee transcripts, and receive a high level overview of My PLT. This course is taught in a non-technical, welcoming manner and focuses on accommodating any and all questions. Participants will understand the different user roles and focus on best practices. The goal is for learners to be acquainted with the features of the software, run reports and benefit from class discussion. Space is limited, so register today by logging into My PLT at http://www.fcps.edu/plt/MyPLT/index.html.
K - 12 Administrative Internships As part of the LEAD Fairfax initiative for aspiring administrators, administrative internships will be available for the 2008-2009 school year. Interns will participate in standards-based leadership training, experiential learning, and professional development. Internships are for one year. To qualify, an applicant must currently be employed with Fairfax County Public Schools, have a minimum of five years teaching experience, with a minimum of three years teaching experience in FCPS. Applicants must be within 12 credit hours of completing an endorsement in educational administration OR must have already completed that endorsement. Interested applicants should submit a resume with a cover letter indicating their interest, endorsement, and level preference (elementary and/or secondary) to Debra Reeder, Director of Employment Services in the Department of Human Resources (Gatehouse Administration Center), no later than COB March 18, 2008. An information session will be offered at the Pathways to Leadership Conference on March 11, 2008. The conference will be held at Falls Church High School from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm (networking will begin at 3:30pm). For more information, contact Stephanie Hicks in the Office of Leadership Development at (703) 204-4087. Accelerated Certification Cohort Program LEAD Fairfax will sponsor an accelerated certification program for prospective administrators. The one-year program will have a heavy emphasis on experiential learning, developing strategies for leading people and leading learning, as well as a core curriculum focusing on administration. To apply, an applicant must be currently employed with Fairfax County Public Schools, have a minimum of five years teaching experience, with a minimum of three years of teaching in FCPS.
All FCPS support staff, regardless of unified scale grade, are invited to the Support Employee Career Fair sponsored by the Department of Professional Learning and Training. This event provides information about FCPS career growth and development. After a welcome from Terri Breeden, Assistant Superintendent, Professional Learning and Training, and guest speaker Dean Tistadt, Chief Operating Officer, Department of Facilities and Transportation, attendees will have opportunities to:
.
High School Reform:
The Moral and Economic Imperative of
Addressing the Dropout Crisis Seminar Flyer (PDF)
Every three years, the commonwealth of Virginia requires all school districts to conduct a census of their residents. The census data are used to help determine equitable distribution of the portion of the state sales tax revenues designated to support public education programs. Fairfax County Public Schools also uses the data to help forecast future school enrollment and new funding requirements. With such vital economic and planning issues at stake, it is critical that all households respond to the census—whether or not they have school-age children. Visit www.fcps.edu/news/census.htm to learn more about the 2008 VA School Census and why your response is important.
Each year Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) holds a Leadership Conference for all central office and school staff US-20 and above. As FCPS continues to build on its rich heritage as a school system of excellence, it is important to reflect on why FCPS is seen as visionary, on the cutting edge of education, and strives to build rapport with our communities, our parents, our neighbors, and our students. We continue to demonstrate dedication and teamwork as we teach and encourage Fairfax County students and ensure that every child reaches his or her full potential. We also aspire to attain high levels of student performance. Save the Date Flyer (PDF)
Want to engage students? Want to raise test scores? Want teacher-friendly strategies to implement tomorrow? This workshop is for you! You’ll experience cutting edge teaching structures to create classroom success now and forever! In addition, you’ll learn management tips, how to form effective teams, strategies for creating a cooperative class through team building and classbuilding, and why cooperative learning produces gains when group work often fails. Finally, a class that has practical, hands-on ideas grounded in sound research and theory. There is a $159.00 registration fee. Register immediately to reserve your seat. Workshop Flyer (PDF) Registration Form (PDF)
George Mason University would like for any interested principal to attend a Inaugural Conversation about their plans to begin a Northern VA School Leadership Center (NVSLC). The date for the conversation is April 4, 2008, from 8:00 AM to 11:45 AM. The location will be announced later. The NVSLC has plans to develop three program areas: A Fellows Program, A Research Program, and a Conference and Leadership Development Service. Save the Date
This catalog provides a special emphasis on Professional Learning Communities (PLC) to enhance student learning across Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). The catalog offers multiple seminars, led by colleagues and consultants, supportive of the big ideas and tenets of Professional Learning Communities. The Department of Professional Learning and Training invites you to join us for one or more seminars to discover how to make Professional Learning Communities part of our culture of continued excellence in education in FCPS. Professional Development News Flash The spring 2008 Leadership Academy Seminars Catalog is now available via the FCPS Internet Site: http://www.fcps.edu/plt/catalogs.htm
Online registration for spring 2008 ACCESS courses will be available beginning at 4:30 p.m. on January 9, 2008. All employees must register for courses through My PLT. Follow these steps to use My PLT for the first time:
If you have problems with your user name or password, contact the IT Service Desk at 703-503-1600 or ITServiceDesk@fcps.edu. .
FCPS is very proud to announce that 49 teachers recently achieved their National Board Certification [NBC], “a voluntary assessment program designed to identify, recognize, and reward accomplished teachers who meet high and rigorous standards based on what teachers should know and be able to do. NBC is an advanced teaching credential. It complements, but does not replace, a state’s teacher license. It is valid for 10 years, after which NBCTs can seek certification renewal. As part of the certification process, candidates complete 10 components that are assessed by trained teachers in their certificate area. The components consist of four portfolio entries featuring teaching practice and six constructed response exercises that assess content knowledge.” [NBPTS] FCPS provides support for teachers pursuing the candidacy process by providing an NBPTS Orientation Course and an NBPTS Support Seminar. Candidates who complete the Orientation Course are eligible for County funding [$2565 – depending upon budget availability]. Retake candidates are also supported through an NBPTS Advanced Candidate Support Seminar. The Orientation Course and Support Seminars are available via MyPLT. The current breakdown of NBCTs in FCPS and the state of Virginia is as follows:
|
