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District adopts professional learning plan aligned to strategic priorities and DESE standards
Summary
The committee accepted a Professional Learning Plan presented by Mr. Baratta that aligns professional development to the new strategic plan, emphasizes job-embedded learning, and offers a publicly available PD catalog and tracking system; committee members praised its inclusivity and use of grant funds.
Mr. Baratta presented the Taunton Public Schools Professional Learning Plan on June 18, telling the School Committee the plan aligns to the district’s strategic priorities and to DESE standards.
The plan emphasizes job-embedded learning rather than only off-site sessions, provides orientation for new staff and training across job categories (teachers, paraprofessionals, custodians and other staff), and includes a publicly available PD catalog and a Professional Learning Proposal Form to request offerings. Mr. Baratta said the district tracks PD impact through classroom observation and participant feedback and that ineffective offerings will be refined or discontinued.
Mrs. Chaves noted the district’s prior investment in professional development and praised the plan’s inclusivity—allowing all staff to attend—and the use of grant funds to expand offerings. Mr. Loura asked how training locations are determined; Mr. Baratta said the district uses participant numbers, available space and school tiers to select sites.
The committee voted to accept the Professional Learning Plan presentation and the plan was described as a 'living document' to be updated as needs change.
