WVUSD: 2016/2017 Year-End Results
Mini-University 4.0 provided the WVUSD community with an opportunity for fellowship and
learning. Approximately 1,300 certificated and classified staff members attended the event in
February 2017 at Walnut High School. The keynote speaker was Dr. Anthony Muhammad who
spoke on the achievement gap and provided insightful information on transforming school
culture. Over 80 professional and personal development sessions were offered to attendees.
The presenters included WVUSD staff and external vendors.
Professional Teacher Time (PTT) across the District has been identified as a Future Focus
item. This includes carving-out time during the school day for collaboration and teacher
planning. The consideration of instructional minutes and bell schedules has been a part of the
discussions as schools and the District analyze information and plan next steps. C.J. Morris
Elementary School implemented a weekly late start for teachers during the 2016/2017 school
year. It is serving as a model school for the other elementary schools to work on plans for
future implementation. Educational Services staff and members of the PTT Committee will
continue conducting an analysis of other similar size sc hool districts’ collaboration structures
and practices.
Educators at the elementary and middle school levels continue to receive training to increase
their knowledge of Common Core based instructional practices. This includes Lesson Design
training and “Learning Walks/Peer Observations” that gather data for further instructional
conversations by the site teams.
The Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment Program (BTSA) continued to support new
teachers during their first two years by pairing them with a trained mentor, who meets with them
weekly. Through the induction process, new teachers investigate and implement effective
teaching strategies, collaborate with peers across local districts, attend individualized
professional development, and reflect on the impact of their practice on student achievement,
all of which enable them to earn their clear professional credential.
The collaboratively written plan for professional development was implemented during the
2016/2017 school year and will continue into the 2017/2018 school year. Funds from the
Educator Effectiveness Grant ($350 per person) were set aside for all certificated staff to
participate in professional development activities, including conferences or other trainings
events, and related materials. Additionally, certificated staff may attend two District designed
professional development days each year.
Walnut Elementary School successfully implemented the initial year of the Dual Language
Immersion (DLI) program for 5 th grade during the 2016/2017 school year. This Mandarin
language program began with the Kindergarten class in the 2011/2012 school year.
Educational Services worked with Walnut Elementary School and South Pointe Middle School
to design the program for continuation into 6 th grade for the 2017/2018 school year. Parents
and staff visited middle schools and DLI programs in Pasadena, California and Portland,
Oregon, to determine the best pathway for successful implementation. Parent meetings were
held throughout the year to give information, as well as gather parent feedback regarding the
middle school program.
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