Verdugo Hills High School WASC Self-Study Page 1

Verdugo Hills High School WASC/CDE Self-Study Reportoccurring at Verdugo Hills. Professional Development is generally led byschool staff, though not exclusively, and is planned in collaboration with theschool leadership team, Instructional Cabinet, and the ProfessionalDevelopment Committee.FINDINGSQualified StaffVerdugo Hills High School prides itself on hiring a highly qualified staff thatcomplies with California State Credentialing standards. Whether completelycredentialed or still working to earn a clear credential, Verdugo Hills HighSchool administrators strive to hire staff that is committed to education andcontinued professional growth. Department chairpersons also assist in thebuilding of the master schedule to ensure the best match of instructor andcourse in order to provide students the best educational experience possible.InductionAll new teachers who participated in either a university or the District InternProgram to earn their preliminary credentials are allowed to participate inthe BTSA program to complete requirements for clear credential. New BTSAparticipants are paired with a mentor teacher, known as a support provider,who helps to guide new teachers through the District’s induction process.Meetings are held monthly to assist new teachers with Verdugo Hills HighSchool policies and procedures (i.e. attendance, grades), provide support forclassroom practices (classroom management techniques, lesson planning,etc.), and to acquaint new teachers with administrators and staff. Buildingrelationships that cultivate trust and respect between new and veteranteachers opens the way to building confidence and success in the classroom.Ongoing Professional DevelopmentVerdugo Hills High School schedules professional development days for allstaff on common planning day. These professional development days areopportunities for staff to work collaboratively, and they provide excellentopportunities for informal mentoring relationships between veteran andnovice teachers. Professional development opportunities offer strategies andVerdugo Hills High School WASC Self-Study Page 55