Wyandotte - Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools

VI. HIGHLY QUALIFIED STAFFHow will the school ensure instruction by highly qualified teachers?Teachers in the district are required to attend district wide training each quarter. Training involves the implementation ofdistrict-mandated programs. For the middle school, the math department focuses on best practices for teaching ConnectedMath and the reading department focuses on best practices for teaching Read 180, Read XL, and High Point. All of theother departments provide support for learning strategies used standards based lessons. All teachers will meet the stateand NCLB definition of Highly Qualified or will have a plan on file at the Professional Development office on how andwhen they will fulfill that requirement. Teachers who are teaching in an unendorsed area will also file a plan with theProfessional Development office on how and when they meet those requirementsOther:Describe strategies used to attract highly qualified teachersThe district initiative to First Things First is a major attraction for attracting highly qualified teachers. Lowering pupil /teacher ratio through Title I allows for smaller class sizes. Continuity of care allows the teacher to develop relationshipsand work with the same students over a period of years. The high, clear, and fair expectations for academics and behaviorset an atmosphere conducive to learning. Enriched and diverse opportunities to learn provide the teacher with methods forindividualizing instruction and meeting the needs of the students. Collective responsibility ensures collaboration amongthe teachers. The small learning community allows time for common planning. Wednesday afternoon staff developmentprovides the time needed to be able to work with other teachers in the same department. Instructional autonomy permitsteachers to be involved with decision-making. Teachers are actively involved with the decisions regarding the masterschedule and other decisions in their small learning community. Another district initiative is the Teaching Fellows. Thisprogram is provided for people in the community with degrees who would like to become certified in teaching. Duringthe completion of the Master’s program, the Fellow receives training and support from the district and is placed in ateaching position. At the end of the program, the Fellow acquires a teaching certificate.Ten percent of Title I funds and a portion of Tittle IIA funds are set aside for teachers who do not meet the HQ definitionto access for tuition and boox expenses. Teachers who do not mee the definition are sent letters and e-mails froim thedistrict office encouraging them to take advantage for these funds.Other:If applicable, describe how the school will ensure all paraprofessionals meet the qualifications of highly qualified.Paraprofessionals hired prior to No Chlid Left Behind must have passed the Para Pro Test by the end of the 2005 schoolyear. Paraprofessionals hired after NCLB must already meet the highly qualified requirements.Other:-- Kansas City, Wyandotte High School --Page 29 of 42