BP4131 Certificated Personnel Staff Development The Governing Board believes that in order to maximize student learning certificated staff members must be continuously learning and improving their skills. The superintendent or designee shall develop a program of ongoing professional development which includes opportunities for teachers to enhance their instructional and classroom management skills and increase their knowledge of academic content in the core curriculum. The program may include but is not limited to: Mastery of discipline-based knowledge, incluidng the state-adopted standards, and effective subject-specific pedagogical skills Teaching methods and strategies, including the use of technologies to enhance instruction Sensitivity to the needs of diverse student populations, including minorities, students with disabilities, English language learners and economically disadvantaged students, and ability to meet those needs Understanding of low academic and vocational instruction can be integrated and implemented to increase student learning; skill in evaluating and combining available instructional resources; opportunities to collaborate with other staff members in the alignment of academic vocational curricula Effective classroom management skills, ability to relate to students, understand their various stages of growth and development, and motivate them to learn Training related to student health, safety and welfare The Districtís staff development program shall provide maximum opportunities for staff participation without impacting the number of instructional days offered to students as required by law. The Board may budget funds for actual and reasonable expenses incurred by staff who participate in staff development activities. Legal References: Education Code 44032 Travel expense payment 44277-44279 Professional growth, requirements for maintaining valid credentials 44560 Inservice preparation in ethnic backgrounds 44630-44643 Professional Development and Program Improvement Act of 1968 44700-44705 Classroom teacher instructional improvement program Adopted: Revised: