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Professional Development

Teacher Professional Development

Yoakum Independent School District is committed to providing its staff with appropriate and meaningful professional development which enables the staff to meet the unique and individual educational needs of all students including services for gifted/talented students. It is important that all staff who are responsible for formally servicing these students obtain appropriate training for educating the gifted child.

  • The district will require the mandatory 30 hours training for all core are teachers in grades 6-12.
  • 30-hour training will be prior to the assignment or within the first semester to stay in compliance with Law and Rule.
  • In grades K-5 it is a best practice for the teachers to receive their mandatory training, but not a requirement.
  • Yearly the teachers who provide instruction and services that are part of the district’s defined gifted/talented program will receive a minimum of six (6) hours of professional development that is related to state teacher education standards.

Counselors and Administrators

Administrators and counselors who have authority for service decisions are required to complete a minimum of six (6) hours professional development- Nature and Needs for Administrators and Counselors. This is a one-time training.

Evaluation of Professional Development

Evaluation of professional development activities for gifted/talented education is ongoing and related to state teacher education standards. The results are used to make decisions regarding future staff development plans.