Michael A. Hurd Asst. Superintendent of Schools 70 Waterford Street, Gardner, MA 01440 Telephone (978) 632-1000, x-5803 FAX (978) 632-1164

Gardner Public Schools 2009-2011 Professional Development Effective Instruction Research-based factors of highly effective teachers Ongoing basis for evaluation of teachers No surprises/Clear performance expectations Common Practices to enhance effectiveness Student talk (levels of questioning; application and transfer) Visualization and Verbalization techniques Understanding by Design Assessing for understanding Project based learning/Culminating activities Enhance student engagement/Foster ownership for learning Data Analysis Annual MCAS analysis by building and grade to inform instruction and plan Analyze growth data Galileo (1-5) and Measured Progress (6-8) benchmark assessments in ELA/math Training in Cognos platform Study Island, Lexia Kurzweil Category 1-4 Trainings Teachers of ELL students All staff need to be trained in 1, 2, and 3 In-house trainers (embedded trainings) High School Transition Personalization strategies (Teaming in gr.9) Credit Recovery Frosh study skills Math Increase teacher content knowledge (Elementary) New math series (K-5) Identify performance benchmarks PreK-12 Identify Power Standards at all grades Vertical alignment Develop/refine local common assessments Content literacy (4-12) ELA Identify performance benchmarks PK-12 Identify Power Standards at all grades Vertical alignment Define writing expectations for all grades (Collins, etc.) Develop/refine local common assessments Using AR to direct instruction (elementary) Embedded pd for balanced literacy program (1-8) Content literacy (4-12) Fundations (K-3) Science Realign scope and sequence K-8 Identify performance benchmarks PK-12 Identify Power Standards at all grades Vertical alignment Identify required math skills and time taught Content literacy (4-12) Social Studies Realign scope and sequence of topics K-8 Identify performance benchmarks PK-12 Identify Power Standards at all grades Vertical alignment Identify required math skills and time taught Content literacy (4-12) Special Education Interpreting testing results Using Accelerated Reader (elementary) Co-Teaching/inclusive practices ABA training (paras and staff) Phys. Ed, Art, Music Meet with NAWWG constituents on early release Vertical alignment of instruction/content PK-12 Benchmarks of student performance Technology Rediker (admin and secretaries) Grade-Quick (GHS and GMS) Edline (GHS and GMS) Excel PowerPoint Web inquiry Other Harassment Civil Rights Blood Borne Pathogens Confidentiality Title 1 504 Crisis Plans Physical Restraint (De-escalation techniques) Lab Safety First Aid