CODE: 4131
SECTION: INSTRUCTIONAL AND SUPPORT PERSONNEL
STAFF DEVELOPMENT: IN-SERVICE EDUCATION/VISITATIONS/CONFERENCES
The West Milford Board of Education recognizes its obligation to provide in-service activities to further the ability of the teaching staff to progress toward achievement of district goals and objectives. It is of particular concern to the Board that continuing education for teaching staff provide demonstrable contributions toward student achievement of the Core Curriculum Content Standards.
The Superintendent of Schools or designee shall develop a comprehensive management system for staff professional improvement and shall assist staff members in the area of professional improvement by providing relevant information regarding workshops, professional meetings and course offerings.
To be in compliance with state requirements, each teacher employed in this district as of the effective date specified in code shall complete 100 clock hours of state-approved continuing professional development and/or in-service every five years. Appropriate steps toward achieving this goal shall be included in the content of each teaching staff member's annual professional improvement plan.
The 100-hour requirement may be satisfied through a combination of state-approved experiences including: formal courses and conferences sponsored by colleges, district boards of education, professional associations, training organizations or other entities recommended by the Professional Teaching Standards Board and approved by the Commissioner of Education. Part or all of the 100-hour requirement may be satisfied through an in-service program that has been approved by the County Professional Development Board under standards established by the Commissioner based on the recommendation of the Professional Teaching Standards Board. Completion of each actual hour of approved training shall satisfy the requirement for one hour of continuing education.
In accordance with administrative code, the West Milford Board of Education shall establish a Professional Development Committee in order to assess in-service needs and professional development opportunities and to plan and implement professional development programs to assure that the students of this district achieve the Core Curriculum Content Standards. This committee shall be comprised of four teachers, elected by the instructional staff through its majority representative and two administrative staff appointed by the Superintendent of Schools. The committee shall include the Superintendent of Schools as an ex officio member and shall solicit input from parents, community members and local business leaders. Plans developed by the committee shall be submitted for approval to the County Professional Development Board and then to the board of education. The West Milford Board of Education reserves the right to deny any plan that, in its judgement, fails to advance district goals and objectives; is not conducive to student achievement of the Core Curriculum Content Standards; or contravenes current negotiated agreements, other board policies, student safety and well-being, continuity of the instructional program, or budgetary constraints.
Staff participation that may require released time and/or financial reimbursement from the board will be determined by the West Milford Board of Education after recommendation by the Superintendent of Schools.
Staff members who participate in out-of-district programs at board expense shall submit a written report highlighting the main thrust and ideas observed by the participant.
Mandated In-Service Programs
The Superintendent of Schools shall arrange development of appropriate in-service presentations, seminars and/or workshops on affirmative action/equity, special education, child abuse, drug/alcohol abuse awareness, handling blood and body fluids, possible hazardous substances in the workplace and other topics specifically required by federal or New Jersey law. These required presentations, seminars and/or workshops shall not count automatically toward the required 100 clock hours of continuing education every five years.
First Reading: December 12, 2000
Adopted: December 19, 2000