Polson School District

Professional Development Program 2024–2027

VISION STATEMENT

All employees will be offered and engage in continuous professional growth opportunities that enable them to improve their skills and knowledge, empowering them to create safe, thriving, and dynamic learning environments where all students can succeed.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Professional Development Program at Polson School District is to improve student learning by supporting professional growth that is directly connected to the work of teaching and the process of learning. Guided by current research, best practices, and our district’s strategic goals, professional development will:

  • Positively impact student achievement,
  • Meet the needs of adult learners,
  • Support equity and cultural understanding, and
  • Strengthen the skills needed for all staff to perform their responsibilities effectively.

TENETS AND CORE BELIEFS

We believe all employees…

  • Engage in the endeavor of student learning.
  • Can improve their knowledge, skills, and commitment to the profession.
  • Are lifelong learners who model curiosity and growth for students.
  • Support each other by sharing learning opportunities and expertise.
  • Engage in professional development that is sustained, collaborative, continuous, and job-embedded.
  • Use reflection, self-assessment, and data to guide professional growth.
  • Live out the district’s PRIDE values: Partnerships, Relationships, Integrity, Diversity, and Excellence.

STRUCTURES OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Professional development in Polson School District is guided by three main structures:

  • District Strategic Goals (2024–2027)
    • Student Readiness: By 2027, all graduating seniors will have engaged in meaningful post-secondary planning and senior projects (Pirate Pursuits).
    • Academic Growth: Increase student proficiency in Reading/ELA and Math by 10% by 2027 and reduce the achievement gap for Native American students by 10%.
    • Family & Community Engagement: Increase family/community engagement by 15% by 2027 through stronger communication, collaboration, and partnerships.
  • School-Level Continuous Improvement Plans
    • Each school creates a plan tailored to its specific needs, aligned with the district’s goals.
  • Individual Professional Growth Plans
    • Staff members set annual goals through the evaluation process (MT-EPAS) that guide individual and team learning.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES (2024–2027)

Professional learning will focus on:

  • Student Social-Emotional Needs & Climate
    • Implementation of CharacterStrong SEL curriculum.
    • Trauma-informed and resilience-building practices.
    • Strengthening family-school-community connections.
  • Student Achievement & Instructional Growth
    • Best practices in literacy and math instruction (Wonders, StudySync, Bridges).
    • AVID College & Career Readiness Framework and WICOR strategies.
    • Using assessment data (STAR, Aimsweb, MAP, ACT, etc.) to guide instruction.
    • Targeted interventions through MTSS/RtI.
    • Differentiation, inclusion, and culturally responsive teaching.
  • Graduate Profile & Career Readiness
    • Supporting teachers as mentors for Pirate Pursuits senior projects.
    • Expanding AP, dual enrollment, internships, CTE pathways, and Indigenous Immersion.
    • Building student digital citizenship, organizational skills, and communication.
  • Equity & Indian Education for All (IEFA)
    • Continued partnership with CSKT Tribal Education.
    • Infusing IEFA across all content areas.
    • Closing achievement gaps for Native American students.
  • Facilities & Safety
    • Training staff to effectively use new and modernized facilities funded by the 2023 bond.
    • Ongoing training in school safety and emergency protocols.
  • Family & Community Engagement
    • Professional learning on strategies for two-way family communication.
    • Building partnerships with parents, guardians, and community organizations.
    • Supporting advisory committees, student-led conferences, and inclusive engagement practices.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES

Professional development opportunities may include:

  • Workshops, conferences, and on-site presentations
  • AVID summer institutes and trainings
  • Action research projects, PLCs, and peer groups
  • Study groups, cadres, or in-depth topic exploration
  • Peer coaching and classroom observation
  • Reflection tools such as journals or learning logs
  • Continuous improvement and curriculum teams
  • University coursework, dual credit partnerships, and advanced training
  • Webinars and online learning modules
  • Family and community engagement workshops

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

The Professional Development Committee represents district leadership, building administration, certified staff, and classified staff. Committee membership may include:

  • District-level administrators (Curriculum, HR/IT, Special Education)
  • Building principals and assistant principals
  • Teacher representatives from each school
  • Classified staff representative
  • CSKT Tribal Education liaison

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

  • Recommend high-quality professional development aligned with district goals.
  • Maintain a 3-year plan aligned with the district strategic plan.
  • Assist with planning and designing activities to meet staff needs.
  • Monitor the impact of professional development and make adjustments as needed.
  • Ensure equitable access to growth opportunities for all staff.

PROCEDURES FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  • District Calendar: Seven full days and seven half-days are built into the calendar for professional development, with a balance of district and site-based activities.
  • Requests: Staff may submit requests for additional professional development, including funding and leave requests, using district-approved forms.
  • Trainer-of-Trainers Model: Staff attending external PD may be asked to share learning with colleagues.
  • Evaluation: All PD activities will be evaluated to measure effectiveness and impact on student learning. Data from these evaluations will guide continuous improvement.
  • Credit: License renewal credit may be offered for most activities.

  

Adopted June, 2006
Amended Jan. 10, 2011
Reviewed and amended Nov. 6, 2012
Reviewed and amended Nov. 3, 2015
Reviewed and amended Sep. 26, 2025