CT Reopens Adapt, Advance, Achieve | Page 49

45 Adapt, Advance, Achieve: Connecticut’s Plan to Learn and Grow Together Professional Development Requirements • Prioritize mandatory training for staff, before the beginning of the school year, that covers signs and symptoms of COVID-19, Standard Public Health protocols, Hygiene Practices, PPE, Reporting Illnesses, and supporting SEL. Plan ongoing trainings as changes occur in recommendations and public health data. Guidance • It is recommended that Professional Development & Evaluation Committees (PEDCs) meet (virtually or via phone) to make recommendations about professional learning, resources, and supports for paraeducators, teacher, and administrators. • Beyond training for the health and safety related needs of the school community, plan to provide teacher and staff professional development related to use of technology platforms, training on supporting and giving feedback to students training on the accessibility needs of students with disabilities, and training on effective student engagement (by grade level) within online/hybrid learning environments. Include substitute teachers when possible. • Provide professional learning to build educators capacity to support students’ SEL and also support their own mental health and wellness. Sessions can be led by mental health staff on topics such as active listening, compassion, relationship building. One such mental health related training option is Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR).