INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM SUMMARY

The goal of the instructional program in SUSD #30 is to provide each student with a solid academic foundation in fundamental academic skills, effective individualized instruction, and opportunities for development of strong character. This goal is achieved in multiple program components.

-- Instruction that is formally aligned with the Articulated Arizona Academic Standards (documented annually in updated curriculum maps.)
--Strong initiatives to recruit and retain highly qualified, dedicated, and caring professional educators
--Comprehensive professional development program.
--District initiative in Data Driven Structures for Success
--Ongoing, research formulated, benchmark assessments to facilitate effective instructional planning and also individualized instruction.
--District volunteer program to recruit, train, and support committed volunteers in a supplemental education role.
--Formal, annual program review to guide selection of current and effective instructional resources.
--Identification of scientifically based instructional initiatives to support maximum academic growth. For example, Sopori School is an Arizona Reading First School.
--Technology integration to support regular student assessment and instructional programs.
--Comprehensive student recognition programs at the district and school levels to reinforce the importance of strong character traits such as honesty, responsibility, perseverance, kindness, and respect.
--Complete Title I supplemental instruction program to support academic progress for identified students in need of additional support.

STAFF DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM SUMMARY

"The teacher-and what the teacher knows and can do-is the determining factor in student achievement" --Dr. Harry Wong

Dr. Wong's words are strongly supported in empirical research studies. In fact, one of the largest recent studies on teacher effects concluded with strong statistical support that, "teachers are the single most important influence on student progress" (Sanders, 1996).

In order to recruit and retain the highest qualified, most dedicated, and student centered professional educators in service to the children of the Sahuarita community, staff development is a cornerstone of the organizational values.

All teachers new to the district are placed in a comprehensive new teacher induction program. This multifaceted program includes six days of intensive training on the professional decision making model in Essential Elements of Instruction. Second, these teachers receive formal instruction about the history, culture, and values of the District. Furthermore, each new teacher is assigned a trained mentor/coach. This colleague is generally a master teacher in the new teacher’s general area and provides formal cognitive coaching and also informal support in successfully transitioning to the professional demands of the teaching field.

The District sponsors a districtwide Teacher Inservice Day each Fall. The Professional Development Team (PDT) plans an engaging and motivating program that is aligned with instructional practice and District curricular initiatives.

The Governing Board of SUSD30 authorizes early release days each week. These dates are formally aligned with a focus on new teacher support, differentiated professional development for teachers at all levels of experience, and district initiatives such as data driven structures for success.

Recently, the District identified Mr. Kevin Harcourt as the Staff Development Coordinator. This is a milestone in the District strategic plan to expand the district commitment to formal structures of quality staff development with a wide array of meaningful offerings, follow up coaching, and support for teachers at all levels of their professional careers.

References:

Sanders, William L. (1996). Cumulative and residual effects of teachers on future student
academic achievement. Knoxville, TN: University of Tennessee Value-Added
Research & Assessment Center.

Wong, H. K. (2003). New teacher induction: how to train, support, and retain new
teachers. Mt. View, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications.