District presenters updated the Sheboygan Area School District Board of Education on the midyear status of the 2024-25 professional development plan, saying the district has shifted from early-release Wednesdays to full professional development days and is emphasizing research-based practices.

At the Feb. meeting, a presenter recapped the plan's goals: "we want to nurture our staff growth. That's what professional development is all about," and highlighted two main strategies the district is emphasizing this year: the science of reading and professional learning communities. Presenters named Rachel, Kelly Bloom and Jim Rizzelman as leads involved in planning and execution.

The presentation detailed how the district is supporting implementation: teachers have completed online modules tied to Act 20 requirements; consultants and in-person modeling have been added to translate video learning into classroom practice; and principals are conducting learning walks and monthly reviews of team action plans to track fidelity. "We're asking teams to develop and implement action plans based on the professional development that they were receiving," one coordinator said, noting teams self-assess and calibrate their work.

Board members asked whether staff buy-in and workload were concerns after moving to full PD days. Presenters and administrators acknowledged mixed feedback: some staff found the new full day schedule "a lot" initially, but leaders said teams are settling into the model and are adjusting how time is allocated. Elementary-focused presenters noted that some Act 20 PD hours are mandated, but that combining video work with consultant-led hands-on sessions has increased perceived usefulness.

Presenters said success will be measured by completion of planned trainings, evidence of classroom implementation, quality of PLC action plans, and ongoing monitoring through learning walks and coaching sessions. They also described plans to evaluate common-assessment development and to continue building instructional leadership through principal and coach supports.

The board did not take formal action on the plan at this meeting; presenters said they will return to the board in March with an update on Act 20 requirements and additional details about assessments and progress.