How would the professional development session fit in with the overall training plan for the school?
Can this session be expanded to meet school training goals over an extended period of time?
Do the provided materials and resources fit with the school’s needs?
Do the strategies and techniques used in this session fit with the school or district’s policies and procedures?
Does this session follow the required state/federal laws and policies?
Following your field experience, write a 250-500 word reflection summarizing the interview and how you will use this information to develop your year-long plan.
Yes, this session can be expanded because you can never talk about communication enough, nor can there ever be too many practices that exhibit how to effectively communicate.
Full Answer Section
Expanding the Session:
- Explore how the communication skills training can be expanded into a multi-session workshop series that builds upon the initial session's foundation.
- You could incorporate role-playing scenarios, practice sessions with video feedback, or peer coaching opportunities.
- Align the expanded training with specific grade level needs or address different communication styles (verbal, written, nonverbal).
Material and Resource Suitability:
- Evaluate the provided materials and resources to ensure they are age-appropriate, culturally relevant, and address the specific communication challenges faced by the school staff.
- Consider incorporating technology tools or online learning modules alongside traditional in-person sessions.
Alignment with Policies and Procedures:
- Ensure the strategies and techniques align with the school district's policies and procedures regarding communication with students, parents, and colleagues.
- For example, some districts may have specific protocols for email communication or conflict resolution strategies.
Compliance with Legal Requirements:
- Verify that the session content and practices comply with state and federal laws related to student privacy, cultural competency, and non-discriminatory communication.
Using the Information for Year-Long Plan:
- Based on the interview and your reflection on the professional development session, identify specific communication skill areas that need further focus throughout the year.
- Use this information to develop a year-long training plan with a sequence of workshops or activities that progressively build upon each other.
- Consider offering differentiated professional development opportunities to cater to the specific needs of teachers at different grade levels or subject areas.
- Integrate opportunities for ongoing practice, feedback, and reflection to ensure communication skill development is sustained.
Example:
If the initial session focused on active listening skills, the year-long plan could include follow-up sessions on assertive communication, conflict resolution techniques, and effective communication with diverse stakeholders (parents, students from different backgrounds, etc.).
Conclusion:
By reflecting on the professional development session and its potential for expansion, you can utilize the information to create a comprehensive year-long training plan that addresses the specific needs of your school and facilitates effective communication across all levels. This will contribute to a more positive and collaborative learning environment for both staff and students.