In fall 2000 a District Professional Development Steering Committee was formed. Teachers from the District Professional Development Committee (PDC) and administrators worked collaboratively to identify professional development needs and evaluate their effect. Working from the Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP) standards and the district’s Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP) the District Professional Development Steering Committee developed Pattonville’s Professional Development Areas of Emphasis. These areas of emphasis guide professional development in Pattonville. The areas of emphasis are: Implementing District Focused Instructional Strategies, Differentiating Instruction, Creating a Positive Learning Environment, Integrating Technology, and Leadership. The District Focused Instructional Strategies are:

• Analyzing student data
• Utilizing best instructional practices
• Engaging students in writing, reading, and critical thinking across the curriculum
• Using performance assessment to monitor and provide feedback to students

Based on feedback from the District Professional Development Committee, the same five Professional Development Areas of Emphasis with minor wording changes were adopted in March 2006.  The areas of emphasis will guide professional development from 2006-2011.