Welcome to PD Center

After completing this course, you should be able to define structured literacy and describe the rationale for structured literacy; explain the importance of structured literacy; identify and describe the six key features of structured literacy; and identify and describe the elements of structured literacy.

The purpose of this module is to introduce the key features and content of the Structured Literacy approach to Pennsylvania educators. The goal is to understand the underpinnings of this approach, to deepen literacy instruction knowledge, and to examine/align current instructional practices to Structured Literacy. Recent legislation in Pennsylvania has mandated changes in preservice training and in the professional development section of local education agencies’ (LEAs) Comprehensive Plans. 22 Pa. Code § 49.14(4)(i) requires the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) to identify competencies and develop associated standards for educator training in structured literacy. Structured literacy supplements core instruction with an increased focus on the five essential components of reading (phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension). Act 55 of 2022 (Section 1205.8). The continuing professional development plans of each school entity must include training in structured literacy competencies/standards for the five specified certification programs.

This module will introduce you to Pennsylvania’s approach to trauma-informed schools with a goal of developing common language and providing a comprehensive introduction to trauma and trauma-informed schools.

This module will discuss child development through a neurodevelopmental focus.

This module will discuss Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) with a focus on how they can impact development and learning, as well as introduce you to the concept of resiliency.

This module emphasizes the foundation for creating a classroom of mutual respect, care, and trust. Participants will explore the qualities that characterize effective, caring teachers and identify the ways in which their beliefs and expectations about teaching and learning can inform and sustain their leadership abilities.

After completing this course, you will know and understand the purpose of the Pennsylvania Family Engagement Birth through College, Career, Community Ready Framework, identify the key components included in the Framework, and identify ways that the Framework is relevant and is a tool for your work and specific roles.

This module explores how teachers can use questioning to advance student learning. Participants will discover how to ask perception, induction, analysis, and same/different questions that encourage students to analyze information. They will also analyze how to teach students to ask and identify questions and reflect on peer comments to deepen their understanding. PLEASE NOTE: Questions That Gather Information is the FIRST in a series of three prerequisite modules. Since each subsequent module relies on the previous module's content and assessments, you need to take them in this order: Questions That Gather Information, Questions That Work With Information, and Questions That Facilitate Taking Action.

The objectives for the course are to understand the role of data in creating positive learning environments, identify trauma-informed values, and develop skills to integrate these practices in your schools.

This module will discuss self-care from an organizational and individual perspective.

In this 3-hour module, you will: understand the purposes and rationale of various types of assessments and data collection processes, as well as the link between these assessments and individualized instructional planning; apply multiple types of data collection strategies; and use strategies and methods to collect accurate data.

The Pennsylvania Standards Aligned System (SAS) is a collaborative product of research and good practice that identifies six distinct elements which, if utilized together, will provide schools and districts a common framework for continuous school and district enhancement and improvement. In this course, participants will learn about the six components of the SAS, how to utilize the SAS Portal, and how to use the information to develop an action plan on the use of SAS and the SAS Portal. The focus will be on maximizing instructional effectiveness and providing targeted resources for individual students that are standards-based, promote active engagement, and reflect effective instructional strategies.