In 2012, a district committee recommended the adoption of the CEL 5D+ model for the district’s adoption of TPEP or PGES. The district has engaged in extensive staff training to prepare teachers for the Professional Growth and Evaluation System or PGES. Teachers were provided training during Spring 2013 on the eVAL online data collection and documentation tool to support their professional growth goal setting and evaluation.

Teachers have consistently said that training and time for teaching teams to work together was essential. Supported by the Washougal Association of Educators, this concept has become a reality. In 2007-08, training on how to work effectively in teams was provided to teachers. In addition, with the help of parents and staff, the school calendar provides weekly time for teachers to work together in teams to plan instruction for the varied needs of all students. Professional learning communities continue to thrive in Washougal as principals collaborate with staff to hone teams’ skills through training in faculty meetings and in-service days continue to stress the importance of professional learning communities in our success.

All elementary and middle school teachers who change levels in the district or are new to the district have the opportunity to attend professional development in the science standards and instructional materials. Additionally, three elementary teachers and two middle school teachers participate in the ESD 112 Science Liaison program. In that program, they gain valuable information that they share at their respective schools.

The district is offering professional development and trainings throughout the school year. Topics are generated from teacher interest surveys, and use WSD staff as the facilitators.  In October staff have put together a Technology Symposium event which staff can attend, get clock hours, and fulfill staff development requirements.  This event features dozens of teacher led classes, and provides staff development to more than 100 teachers. Many teachers take advantage of these opportunities and learn both productivity applications as well as programs and resources that they can use to increase student use of technology in their own classrooms.

Washougal School District is fortunate to be participating in the Beginning Educator Support Team (BEST) Grant through the Educational Service District 112 during the 2014-2015 school year. Each first and second year teacher is assigned a mentor who has received training through OSPI on mentoring practices. New teachers and mentors have the opportunity to attend classes at the ESD. This grant allows our new teachers to receive the support they need during this important time in their careers.

Jemtegaard and Hathaway school personnel are being trained in Positive Behavior Intervention Supports. The purpose of this training is to assist school teams in developing a comprehensive system to address students with behavioral concerns, primarily focusing on providing services sooner rather than waiting for the behavior to become so problematic that it adversely affects learning for the student or fellow classmates.