Improved/increased transparency regarding the board approved 2024-2025 school calendar
Dear Union Community School District Stakeholders,
In an effort to improve/increase transparency regarding the board-approved 2024-2025 school calendar, please find below a detailed explanation of the district’s professional development plan for next year. I hope that this information is helpful.
Elementary (grades K-5)
All elementary classroom teachers, special education teachers, and Title 1 reading teachers will be engaged in LETRS professional development for the next two years. LETRS stands for Language Essentials for Teaching Reading and Spelling. LETRS teaches the skills needed to master the foundation and fundamentals of reading and writing instruction – phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension and written language. LETRS is a framework, not a curriculum. The program consists of required reading, online Zoom sessions with skilled instructors, and Bridge to Practice activities. The amount of time needed to complete year 1 training consists of, at the top end, 87 hours. Teachers will have time during professional development to participate in required Zoom sessions as well as collaborate with colleagues on required readings and activities. The 2024-2025 calendar reflects the necessary time for teachers to complete the training.
Secondary (grades 6-12)
All teachers will spend professional development days immersed in learning and collaboration around SBG, which stands for Standards Based Grading and Capturing Kids’ Hearts. Standards Based Grading is a method of providing feedback that is purely academic in nature and a more accurate reflection of what the student(s) actually know and can do. Teachers began this work during the 23-24 school year. Teachers will continue to learn from Dr. Matt Townsley, UNI Professor, collaborate with colleagues, and work independently on reflecting and refining instructional units. Our plan is to have SBG fully implemented at the 6th-12th level in the near future. Capturing Kids’ Hearts, which was also started during the 2023-2024 school year, equips teachers to implement transformational processes focused on social-emotional wellbeing, relationship-driven campus culture, and student connectedness. By implementing these practices with fidelity, there is a high probability of decreased student discipline referrals, increased student attendance, graduation rates, and academic achievement. The goal for us is not only to experience these positive outcomes but to be a Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase School/District soon.
Paraprofessionals
All district special education paraprofessionals will also have multiple opportunities throughout the 2024-2025 school year to participate in professional learning specifically geared towards their positions. Paraprofessionals will meet with our Special Education Director, Hannah Hanson, to discuss best academic and behavioral practices, building student independence in the general education classroom, and provide social emotional support. Along with many elementary special education teachers, paraprofessionals will also be required to complete Mandt training. Mandt training is a behavioral crisis intervention training that provides teachers and paraprofessionals with best practices to recognize and evaluate potential student issues and also prepare these individuals to proactively intervene through de-escalation techniques and positive behavior supports.
Please know I want to thank the calendar committee, administration, teachers, support staff, Board of Education and all parents/guardians for the support of the 2024-2025 calendar. As you can easily decipher, the added professional development time is needed and will be effectively utilized to enhance the district’s overall learning environment. If you have any questions regarding the professional development plan for the 20234-2025 school year, please contact me.
Sincerely,
Corindy Stoakes
PK-12 Curriculum Coordinator