A Professional Development Unit Is Action Research Learning Designed to Motivate Teachers

What is a PDU? A Professional Development Unit is action research learning designed to motivate teachers or student services providers to acquire skills on topics that directly relate to their classrooms or work environment in order to increase their knowledge and instruction in their discipline.

PDU Action research: The process by which participants examine their own practice systematically, using techniques of research (Ferrance, 2000). Implicit in the term action research is the idea that teachers will begin a cycle of posing questions, gathering data, reflecting, deciding on a course of action, documenting results, and sharing findings with colleagues and the school community.

Professional Development Units have 3 components – Study, Demonstration, and Reflection which are completed in 3 to 9 months during the school year. The action research project involves study of a topic that will benefit student growth, demonstrating the implementation of the best instructional practices and reflecting on learning, change in practice and student performance.  The Study component options may include multiple inquiry methods such as: district PD, college courses, online classes, review of educational research, seminars, conferences, etc.  For the Demonstration, you apply what you have learned (Study) in your classroom or practice. Include pre/post and progress monitoring data results.  The Reflection Component includes a final self-reflection power point, presentation and attendance at a Final Peer Review Session.  PDU plans are reviewed using a PDU checklist. You will be provided feedback, support, and notification of approval of your proposal.

Types of PDUs--Personal PDU * Small School Group PDU * School Wide PDU * Central District Dept. PDU Completing a PDU is an option. There is no limit on the number of PDUs you may complete each school year. Completed and banked PDUs do not expire. You can only be paid an incentive for one completed PDU each school year.

PDU Payment (2014-15 $775.32) The ProComp incentive for a completed PDU is 2% of the index. http://static.dpsk12.org/gems/newprocomp/DPSProcomp20139x104pg202.pdf

ProComp employees are eligible for a base building salary increase for completing a PDU each school year from the 1st through the 14th year of credited service in DPS. ProComp employees who are beyond the 14th year of credited service are eligible for a bonus (2% of index) for each completed PDU.

ProComp Website: http://denverprocomp.dpsk12.org

- PDU Forms & Information

CONTACT INFORMATION: Karen Ruzycki: [email protected] 720-423-6581

Mark Arseneau: [email protected] 720-423-6583 What is a PDU?