The learning does not stop for IUSD’s staff and teachers over the summer! In addition to preparing for the new school year, our outstanding IUSD staff also participated in a series of annual professional learning and planning meetings to continually improve our teaching and learning practices and how we serve students and families. This included the Administrative Advance, our districtwide Professional Learning Day, Professional Learning Communities at each school site, the 2024 Summit on Disability and Inclusion, and the AVID Summer Institute among many other opportunities. Thank you to our dedicated team who love learning!
Districtwide Professional Learning Day
Each year, prior to the start of the traditional school year, our incredible certificated instructional staff participate in the District's professional learning day, which is organized and led by our Education Services team. This active, full-day training provides opportunities for IUSD teachers and staff throughout the District to collaborate with their peers on strategies for meeting the needs of all students through equitable instructional practices to help ensure students have access to similar learning experiences. From Arts Education to Nutrition Services, IUSD team members attended one of 37 sessions hosted at schools throughout the District. Thank you again to our staff for their passion for education and their commitment to continuous improvement in the service of IUSD students and families!
IUSD Administrative Advance
In advance of each traditional school year, the District hosts its Administrative Advance, which is organized and led by Education Services and Human Resources. More than 200 District and site leaders spent dedicated time together to focus on leadership skills and practices. This year's Advance was centered around "Crucial Conversations" to create a foundation of improved communication and collaboration to better serve the IUSD community. Staff engaged in exercises to help navigate sensitive topics, manage disagreements and foster understanding.
2024 Summit on Disability and Inclusion
IUSD's Education Department attended the 2024 Summit on Disability and Inclusion hosted by the Thompson Policy Institute at Chapman University. The vision of the institute is to support educators in their work toward a world in which all people in the disability community thrive. The summit focused on current research and practices in the areas of policy, inclusive education, transition services and teacher education. Our Special Education team was proud to be a part of this important and inspiring event.
AVID Summer Institute
IUSD’s Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) teachers and staff participated in the AVID Summer Institute, a dynamic 3-day event that featured an interactive community experience with a rigorous curriculum designed to elevate student achievement and set the course for their success. Superintendent Terry Walker, alongside Board Members Jeff Kim and Katie McEwen, also took part in AVID Institute’s Regional One-Day District Leadership Communities of Practice event. This gathering brought together district leaders to explore innovative strategies for implementing AVID as a comprehensive system, ensuring college and career readiness for all students. AVID is one of our powerful tools to help us foster unique learning journeys for each student and cultivate success for now and in the future!
Professional Learning Communities
In preparation for the start of school and throughout the year, IUSD-certified staff participates in Professional Learning Communities or PLCs. Through PLCs, teachers work in groups to assess their effectiveness by looking at evidence of student learning and giving feedback to one another. Teachers work to meet the needs of every student in their classrooms, to help ensure they are learning at the highest levels possible. This may include supports for students who have not yet mastered the standards or enrichment supports for students who have surpassed the standards, to working with students who are at grade level.
Professional Learning Opportunities
Over the summer, IUSD offered an extensive array of professional learning opportunities online and in-person. Across various departments, from Early Childhood & Primary Instruction to Technology, staff engaged in targeted training sessions designed to enhance their skills and knowledge in specific areas. With 45 unique courses, including workshops on advanced learning strategies, data and assessment, literacy, mental health, special education, STEM and more, our educators were provided with the latest tools and best practices to support student success.
We are looking forward to a great year ahead!