WVUSD: 2019/2020 Year-End Results
Additional leadership training was provided in a variety of areas, including team-building,
communication, political awareness, implementation of state policy, empathy, building trust, and
fiscal responsibility. Leadership Team members were invited to attend the monthly
Distinguished Speakers’ Series in Pasadena.
Instructional leadership continued as a core developmental area for school leaders. Leadership
Team members attended a full-day training at Cisco in Irvine with a focus on technology, and
advancing teaching and learning in a manner that promotes problem solving and critical thinking
skills. As a follow up, the team participated in an Escape the Conference Workshop. Principals’
Meetings were held twice per month and included topics such as data-driven leadership, leading
students with special needs, social and emotional learning, student writing, and leadership for
the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Principals and other instructional leaders
attended professional development opportunities at school sites where they were able to
observe teaching and learning, and engage in collaborative conversations regarding curriculum
and instruction.
Elementary principals continue to participate in regularly scheduled Elementary Principals’ PLC
(Professional Learning Community) Meetings. Furthermore, all principals are assigned a
District-level Coach with whom they work on a regular basis and all “new” principals are assigned
an Executive Coach who is from outside the District. Principals participate in Cabinet Meetings
on a rotational basis, thus exposing them to a more global perspective of the School District
while also ensuring a “principal voice” in Cabinet-level decisions.
Teachers and staff members received leadership development opportunities across the District
and at their work sites. This year’s version of Mini-University allowed for site collaboration,
professional development, and fellowship. At the District-level, for the sixth year in a row,
approximately 40 employees attended the monthly Leadership Development Seminar (the
District is currently investigating rescheduling the traditional culminating Gettysburg Battlefield
experience, which was postponed due to school closures).
To promote growth and career opportunities from within the organization, WVUSD continued the
Aspiring Administrators’ Academy. This group met regularly throughout the year and was
attended by approximately 15 employees. The Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Council,
which applies current research and proven trends to a Districtwide plan that addresses the needs
of students, parents, and staff, welcomed a new group of cohort members.
Teachers throughout the District are also afforded the opportunity to serve on a variety of
leadership groups focusing on curricular topics, school safety, and budgetary leadership
(including the LCAP Committee). Veteran teachers participated in the Teacher Induction
Program by serving as mentor leaders for new teachers. The leadership within the Walnut Valley
Educators’ Association (WVEA) and the California School Employees’ Association (CSEA)
continued to work collaboratively with the District leadership and Board of Trustees. Members
of both WVEA and CSEA participated in the Arbinger Institute’s Outward Mindset training.
Finally, for the seventh consecutive year, WVUSD provided diversity training for employees
facilitated by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). Students from the high school level also had
the opportunity to attend ADL training this year.
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