WVUSD: 2016 / 2017 Year-End Results
The Diversity Think Tank( DTT) continues to meet and bring representatives from diverse groups together to share common goals. For a third consecutive year, District employees participated in full-day diversity training provided by the Anti-Defamation League. Survey feedback has demonstrated success among those who have participated, including new insights and practices.
The Social and Emotional Learning( SEL) Task Force has continued its work this past year, identifying current avenues of support for students and planning Districtwide next steps. A subcommittee visited District schools to investigate a program framework provided by Yale University. Secondary staff will be trained in the framework at Yale during the summer of 2017, and it will be implemented in the fall. This work follows early success at Diamond Bar High School and Walnut High School. The work of the Wellness Center at Diamond Bar High School, was presented at the annual California School Boards Association Conference in December 2016, by the Board President, the Superintendent, the Wellness Center Coordinator, and the Deputy Superintendent.
High schools have continued to collaborate on textbook adoptions, as have elementary and middle schools. A Language Arts adoption has been completed, and professional development and teacher edition issuance are occurring. Educator Effectiveness Grant funds are supporting the professional development process for this adoption.
Curriculum Councils have structured processes for curriculum discussions, by grade level and subject areas across the District. The teachers are brought together through a process facilitated by Educational Services. Vertical articulation between middle schools and high schools has also taken place this past year, and Title I elementary schools have worked together to implement best practices. Elementary principals have continued Professional Learning Community meetings on a regularly scheduled basis. A Counselors’ Network has been established, where best counseling practices have been shared.
Future Focus: Areas of future focus include the following:
• Continue through the cycle of classification studies for classified employees
• Continue to review and update Personnel Commission Rules and Regulations of the Merit System
• Continue to build an effective and diverse leadership team through the hiring process
• Continue to facilitate division and site collaboration on staffing
• Develop a systemic Professional Teacher Time( PTT)
• Continue to celebrate our successes as a school district community
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