The MPUSD Blueprint for Success has identified Professional Development as one of the four essential strategies for achieving our goal of 100% of our students meeting or exceeding district standards. The MPUSD professional development plan provides opportunities to actively engage all members of the school community in continuous professional growth designed to increase the success of all students. All district employees will have opportunities to increase knowledge, improve performance, and enhance professional satisfaction.

To ensure that MPUSD teachers possess the necessary skills, we are committed to designing programs based on scientific research on high-quality professional development in accordance with the guidelines established by the National Staff Development Council. We define high quality professional development by the following criteria:

CONTENT

• Is determined by student and teacher needs
• Incorporates knowledge of content and teaching pedagogy

PROCESS

• Closely related to concrete classroom practice
• Involves opportunities for collaboration with colleagues
• Involves opportunities for observation, critique, and reflection

CONTEXT

• Is embedded in the daily routine of teachers
• School leaders have the knowledge and skill set to support the implementation of new teaching content and pedagogy

The California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) is a powerful tool for use in grades 5-12 that can help schools and districts accurately identify areas of student and school strengths and weaknesses, and address related needs. It is a comprehensive data-driven decision-making process used to guide efforts toward improving school climate, learning supports and engagement, as well as identifying and increasing the quality of effective health, prevention, and youth development programs.

**Surveys will be administered from March 1-11th; please contact your school counselor for additional information.