Professional+Development

Aim High School is committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities. This is achieved by supporting the continuous development of highly skilled and reflective teaching staff.
 * __Aim High Staff Professional Development Policy__**
 * __Rationale__**

The Staff Performance and Professional Development Policy is designed to ensure that teachers have the opportunity to gain new knowledge and skills in order to continually improve their standards of professional practice. This Policy provides a framework for staff to develop their professional knowledge, professional practice, and professional engagement in learning.
 * __Policy statement__**

Aim High School will
 * __Implementation__**
 * have staff engage in performance appraisals on an annual basis. These apprasials will determine strengths and areas for improvement for individuals. These appraisals will also identify future professional development needs of staff.
 * have all staff maintain a Professional Development Plan (PDP) that will be regularly discussed and supported by colleagues during scheduled meetings.
 * provide staff access to a range of professional development opportunities. These will include activities within the school environment, as well as externally run programs.
 * ensure professional development opportunities and PDPs address the requirements for the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) registration requirements.
 * ensure all staff are supported financially and through time release options to engage or participate in professional development opportunities on an equitable basis. This will be subject to the available resources within the Aim High School community.
 * prioritize professional development activities that address current needs and identified areas for improvement. This will also be in accordance with the culture and values of the Aim High School community.
 * ensure all professional development activities undertaken by staff are given the broadest possible audience to facilitate the sharing of new knowledge and practice with colleagues. Time for sharing will be allocated and built into the school program.


 * __Evaluation__**
 * Evaluation of the Staff Performance and Professional Development policy will be closely aligned with the outcomes identified from discussions regarding the effectiveness PDPs.
 * Feedback collected from staff regarding professional development activities will be incorporated into tailoring future activities to achieve the best results and continuous improvement.
 * The Staff Performance and Professional Development Policy will be assessed against any new initiatives in the VIT standards for professional practice.

This policy will be reviewed by the Aim High School Council according to the three year cycle for staff performance and professional development policy matters. Issues that require immediate attention will be brought before School Council. Council will then determine if an appropriate strategy for a sub review needs to occur. A decision to revise the entire policy within the three year time frame may occur under the direction of School Council.
 * __Review__**

__Academic Rationale__ Academic References