Learning Plans

Learning Plans: What are they Documents specifically what professional development opportunities would benefit employees to enhance their competencies and support achievement of program outcomes Documents milestones or achievements against which progress can be measured Developed and attainable within the specified contract term Developed collaboratively

Two types of learning plans Individual Detailed plan which outlines the competencies, strategies, and milestones specific to one person Developed in collaboration between the person and their supervisor Program High level plan which compiles the competencies, strategies, and milestones of the individual plans (Part A) Documents the number of staff who are interested in specific trainings (Part B)

Requirements for learning plans for programs with them in their contract Each CSC funded direct service provider and supervisor will develop and implement an individual learning plan The individual learning plans are kept in personnel files and available for Audit in FY Each program will develop, implement, and update (annually at a minimum) a program learning plan Program learning plans (Part A and Part B) are submitted to their Program Officer

Why have learning plans? What’s in it for me? Learning plans promote continuous learning and improvement. They are a much more comprehensive and holistic approach to professional development than a list of required trainings. By self-identifying strengths to further develop, you have ownership of your learning and can focus on what’s important to you in your career.

Individual Learning Plans: How to develop them Have staff conduct a self-assessment or reflect regarding competencies they would like to develop/improve upon over the next contract year and discuss this with them Ask what supports are needed to meet the competencies Build on strengths as opposed to focusing on weaknesses Less is more: focus on one or two competencies

Individual Learning Plans: How to develop them Think about trainings staff has already attended (ex: Touchpoints). How can program peers and supervisors support staff in the integration of learning into their daily work with families? What supports are needed from CSC? Identify the timeline and milestones for each component of the learning plan as well as who is responsible for completion of each piece.

Learning plans should not be limited to training.

Examples of approaches to professional development appropriate for learning plans Stretch assignments Training Coaching Communities of practice/Reflective practice Mentoring Reflective supervision Field observation Job shadowing This list is not all inclusive. Be creative. What does your staff need?

Professional Development vs. Training J. Huber, J. Marsh, N. Vickers, The University of Texas at Austin Professional Development Increases effectivenessSource to acquire new knowledgeAllows one to grow throughout one’s careerFocuses on the personLong term effectsContinuous learning Training Increases effectivenessSource to acquire new knowledge Allows one to grow throughout one’s career Focuses on the jobShort term effectsLimited timeframe of learning

Program Learning Plans: how to develop them Review the individual learning plans for the staff in your program Roll this information into a program learning plan Part A includes the competencies, strategies, and milestones your program is cumulatively working on Part B is a partial competency based training list on which you document how many staff would like to attend each

Transfer of learning best practice “The application of skills is much higher when professional development includes theory, demonstration, practice with feedback, and…coaching with follow-up.” Joyce, B. & Showers, B. (2002). Student achievement through professional development. Designing training and peer coaching: our need for learning. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

We have learning plans. Now what? Learning plans are implemented and periodically reviewed by the individual and their supervisor Because learning needs change and we are engaged in continuous improvement, learning plans should be updated yearly (at a minimum)

Got questions? Ask your Program Officer Contact Provider Professional Development ext 2236 Visit the FAQ section in the Provider Corner of the CSC website. If you don’t see your question there, ask it!