1. State Model of Professional Development: Rhode Island
Panel Discussion
State Model of Professional Development: Rhode Island

2. Outcomes Participants will develop an understanding of:
the role of the State Federation in building a strong PD system, supporting locals, and developing partnerships
how to integrate PD with state and local priorities
how to build and sustain a local PD program
the importance of labor-management collaboration in PD

3. Rhode Island Context The RIFTHP represents half of RI educators
represents 14 K-12 locals
is geographically advantaged
works closely with the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) and institutions of higher education
has a strong influence on educational policy, legislation and PD in the state
is facing the same issues & challenges as our colleagues nationwide

4. RIFTHP Professional Issues
Built on ER&D
LSC Networking
Trainers’ Support
State & Local PD Offerings
Connections to State & National Initiatives & Mandates

5. Role of the State Federation
Coordination and Support
Locals and union leaders
LSCs and Trainers
Course Offerings
Customized PD
“Modulized” traditional offerings
Made connections to CCSS and Ed. Eval.
Integrated technology
Created new modules (i.e., Tech Tools for Teachers)

6. Role of the State Federation
Connections
Between locals
Cross-local Training
Shared Trainers (w protocols)
With state & national initiatives i.e.
Educator Evaluation
Reading First
SWD & ELL
With state and local administrators i.e.
Evaluator leadership structure
Higher Education
Policy and legislation
Trainers are also union activitists

8. West Warwick Context Small, urban ring community 7 schools
3500 students
335 certified staff
50% of students receive free/reduced lunch
20% receive special education services
1:1 computing

9. “Back in the Day” Professional Development Academy established in 2002
Incorporated into CBA
PDA Director (bargaining unit position)
PDA Board of Directors
30 paid hours outside of the school day
Based on ER&D model &
Connectionsto RIFTHP Network
PDA Board consists of WWSC member, WWTA member appointed by our EB, a parent, the Supt and union president

10. Over the Years... Continue to build our PD cadre of trainers
Strengthened the WWTA Ed. Committee
Budget constraints necessitated contractual changes
Professional Development staff has grown
PD designed to meet targeted needs
Scaffolded Literacy
Inclusive Classrooms
CCSS Implementation
Educator Evaluation
Note that many of our PD staff are EB members

11. PD Today in WWPS Still governed by PDA Board and Director
PD Menu Options:
Traditional “embedded” PD
Lab Classroom PD
Unit/Lesson Support
Common Planning Time
Looking at Student Work
Targeted Classroom visits
Real time and asynchronous

12. Administrator’s Perspective
Distributive Leadership
Communication
Culture of Trust
Shared Vision
Shared Ownership of Outcomes
Relief and support for principals
School/District Plan Connectedness
Transition to Keith - give his perspective on why this approach has benefitted - administrator's’ point of view as a principals/ local
Keith - History - 9 years ago on the verge of bankruptcy, poor test scores, “dropout factory” - worked to overcome - admin alone could not take on the leadership needed
DL = three legged stool - SIT Chair, Union Rep, Principal
Communication = include stakeholders to ensure collective vision in pd, curriculum decisions, etc.
Culture of Trust = check egos at the door, district mission and vision is bigger than self
Shared Ownership = celebrate success together (btw - team recognizes individual roles because we all like an “attaboy”
Relief and Support = principals cannot move mountains alone - paradigm shift takes a village - eval and pd - the “power” is being central to the big picture and influencing successful outcome
Plan Connectedness = Building and District teams are often one in the same

13. Benefits of a Collaborative System
State
Leads to a well rounded relationship with locals and local leaders
Stronger voice for the State Federation with RIDE, legislature and state leaders
Local
Shared problem solving
Shared accountability
Shared pride

14. Helpful Tips State Local
Establish a structure for coordination and support
Identify priorities based on member, local and state needs
Develop partnerships
Local
Identify common goals
Establish a leadership structure
Be respectful of distinct rights & responsibilities
Check our egos at the door
Management retains distinct responsibilities (Title 16) Budgets, Class/subject/room assignments, Disciplinary actions. The WWTA retains collective bargaining rights (Title 28) Working conditions & Duty of representation

15. Questions
For You:
If you are representing a state federation, what are you doing / what can you do to support your affiliates’ involvement in union sponsored & collaborative PD?
If you are representing a local, what do you need from your state federation to grow and/or strengthen your local PD program?
For Us:
Contact Info:
Colleen Callahan
Pat D’Alfonso
Keith Remillard