What is a PGAP course?
Professional Growth Activity Program (PGAP) is a subcommittee of the Curriculum Coordinating Council (CCC). The purpose of this program is to provide quality professional development to all District #301 certified staff. Courses are offered based on the needs of District staff members. Participants are given the option of receiving PGAP credit or a stipend for every successfully completed PGAP course.
How many credits can I earn?
Professional Growth Activity Program classes (PGAP) must have a minimum of 15 hours of instruction. Participants are expected to be present at all sessions and to complete all assignments. Absence of more than 20% of instructional time will result in loss of credit for that course. Teachers participating in the program will be granted one hour of equivalent credit for each 15 hours of instruction successfully completed. A maximum of 8 equivalent credit hours may be earned in this manner during the course of one school year. A school year is considered from September 1st to August 31st. Teachers participating in the approved PGAP will be granted credit for salary schedule movement at the rate of one (1) hour of equivalent graduate credit for each fifteen (15) hours of instruction successfully completed. Teachers who elect not to take the PGAP credit will be given a stipend of $150.00 for every PGAP hour earned up to a maximum of $1200.00 per year.
What is the registration process & the cost?
Teachers who wish to participate shall pay a $50 registration fee per PGAP class (made payable to CCUSD 301) which shall be refunded to the teacher only if he/she successfully completes the course in the original allotted time period. (i.e., teachers who withdraw after the registration deadline or do not complete the course shall forfeit the $50 registration fee). In order for your registration to be complete the $50 registration fee must be submitted by the deadline date for each of the PGAP classes you have signed up for (Please provide separate checks for each PGAP you have registered for). A non-refundable fee of $25.00 is charged to each participant which will be due at the beginning of each PGAP course taken. In addition, each participant shall be responsible for the cost of any possible course books, materials, and/or other supplies.
How do I sign up?
Complete the registration form(s) below. If you have questions, please contact Kate Micheletto (kathryn.micheletto@central301.net) or call (224) 990-7051.
Course Schedule
Understanding and Addressing Challenging Behavior:
Registration Deadline: August 16, 2024
Registration Link: Understanding and Addressing Challenging Behavior
Ability Unleashed: A Fun and Interactive Training for Inclusive Education
Registration Deadline: August 19, 2024
Registration Link: Ability Unleashed: A Fun and Interactive Training for Inclusive Education
Inclusive Strategies for any Classroom
Registration Deadline: August 23, 2024
Registration Link: Inclusive Strategies for any Classroom
Curriculum, Collaboration and Canva
Registration Deadline: September 13, 2024
Registration Link: Curriculum, Collaboration and Canva
Mastering the Mind: A Guide to Executive Functioning Excellence:
Registration Deadline: October 11, 2024
Registration Link: Mastering the Mind: A Guide to Executive Functioning Excellence
Personalized Learning for All Educators:
Registration Deadline: December 13, 2024
Registration Link: Personalized Learning for all Educators
Stop, Collaborate and Listen:
Registration Deadline: January 10, 2025
Registration Link: Stop, Collaborate and Listen
Reading and Writing Strategies Across the Curriculum:
Registration Deadline: February 14, 2025
Registration Link: Reading and Writing Strategies Across the Curriculum
Course Information
Understanding and Addressing Challenging Behavior:
Instructor: Kim Paulus
Intended Participants: K-12
Session Schedule: September 3, 5, 10, and 24
Time: 4-6:30 p.m.
Location: CMS
1 PGAP Credit
Materials Needed: Laptop
Description: In a world where interactions can be complex and unpredictable, understanding and managing challenging behavior is a crucial skill. This course will look into the nuances of challenging behavior, providing participants with the knowledge, strategies, and practical tools necessary to effectively address and mitigate such behaviors. We will explore the underlying causes and triggers of behavior, encompassing factors such as environmental influences, developmental considerations, communication barriers, and individual differences to help our teachers prepare for their classrooms.
We will leave with strategies for managing challenging behavior effectively as well as have time to develop a toolkit for addressing challenging behavior in a compassionate, informed, and effective manner.
Ability Unleashed: A Fun and Interactive Training for Inclusive Education:
Instructor: David Brannstrom and Elizabeth Zurava
Intended Participants: K-12
Session Schedule: September 9, 11, 18, and 25
Time: 4pm – 7pm (3 hours blended)
Location: CMS Collab Room
1 PGAP Credit
Materials Needed: Computer
Description: Do you often wonder what/why your students are behaving in certain ways? Do you often question how to best support students with disabilities? Join us dive deeper into how to support and how disabilities such as autism, adhd, specific learning disabilities, and other common disabilities impact our students. Teachers will gain insights through the use of activities and simulations that demonstrate in order to gain the perspective of our students in the classroom through a least restrictive environment.
Inclusive Strategies for Any Classroom:
Instructor: Jessica Arneson
Intended Participants: K-12
Session Schedule: September 12, 19, 26 October 3, 10
Time: 5-8 p.m.
Location: CHS LMC
1 PGAP Credit
Materials Needed: Laptop
Description: “Inclusive Strategies for Any Classroom” is a dynamic professional development opportunity designed to empower educators with the knowledge and skills needed to cultivate inclusive learning environments. In this course, participants will explore practical strategies and pedagogical approaches tailored to meet the diverse needs of students in any classroom setting. Through interactive discussions, articles on best practice, and hands-on activities, educators will delve into topics such as fostering a culture of respect and belonging, designing inclusive instructional practices, and promoting equitable access to learning opportunities for all students. Drawing on the latest research and best practices in inclusive education, participants will develop a toolkit of strategies to create supportive learning environments where every student feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or new to the field, this course will provide valuable insights and resources to enhance your practice and promote positive outcomes for all learners.
Curriculum, Collaboration and Canva:
Instructor: Leah Herold and Rachel Priola
Intended Participants: All
Session Schedule: Oct 1, 7, 8, 21, 28 Nov 18
Time: 4-6 p.m.
Location: CMS Collab Room
1 PGAP Credit
Materials Needed: Laptop
Description:In this dynamic course, educators will embark on a journey to master the art of Canva, a powerful design platform, to inspire and engage students like never before. From captivating presentations to stunning infographics, discover how to integrate Canva seamlessly into your teaching toolkit. Learn innovative strategies for fostering collaboration, enhancing critical thinking, and promoting digital literacy through hands-on design projects. Join us and unlock a world of endless possibilities as you empower your students to become confident creators in today’s visual age.
Mastering the Mind: A Guide to Executive Functioning Excellence:
Instructor: David Brannstrom
Intended Participants: All
Session Schedule: Oct 30, Nov 4, 7, 13
Time: 4-7 p.m.
Location: PKMS Collab Room
1 PGAP Credit
Materials Needed: None
Description: Executive functioning consists of many different processes that allow individuals to manage their everyday lives. It’s the skills we acquire that allow us to plan and organize our lives while managing ourselves emotionally. Without control of our executive functioning skills, we struggle to activate ourselves to take action, to stay focused and retain information to our long-term memory, to regulate our emotions and manage our frustrations. Our students require intense and explicit instruction in these areas more than ever before. Teachers will learn about each of the key components of executive functioning, the challenges of teaching executive functioning, and strategies to teach executive functioning skills in the classroom. This class will include 12 in-person hours with an additional 3 hours of blended practice in the classroom
Personalized Learning for All Educators:
Instructor: Kim Paulus
Intended Participants: All
Session Schedule: Jan 7, 9, 15 and March 4, 19
Time: tbd
Location: CMS
1 PGAP Credit
Materials Needed: Laptop
Description: Personalized learning shouldn’t just be for our students; it should also be for our teachers! This course is specifically designed for teachers who want to investigate instructional practices for their own classrooms or work assignments. Teachers who sign up for this course will work over the course of semester investigating, researching, and implementing new instructional practice of their choosing. Participants will engage in a variety of whole group, virtual, and one-on-one meetings during the course in this blended model of instruction.
Stop, Collaborate and Listen:
Instructor: Leah Herold and Katie Normoyle
Intended Participants: All
Session Schedule: Jan 28, 30 Feb 4, 6, 11, 25
Time: 4-6pm
Location: CMS Collab Room
1 PGAP Credit
Materials Needed: Laptop
Description: Collaboration is fundamental in today’s learning environment. Often, we assign collaborative tasks to students without explaining the key elements for success. This session is designed to unravel the core of collaboration and how it can be incorporated into the classroom. Through this course, educators will explore effective methods for teaching students to collaborate with their peers and develop collaborative practices themselves. Participants will also have opportunities to experience digital and hands-on activities to promote and practice collaboration. Together, let’s make sure we’re supporting our learners to become strong collaborators for the classroom and beyond.
Reading and Writing Strategies Across the Curriculum:
Instructor: Amy Bender
Intended Participants: All
Session Schedule: March 6, 20 April 10, 16, 24
Time: 4-7pm
Location: PKMS Room 163
1 PGAP Credit
Materials Needed: none
Description: In this PGAP, participants will learn about various reading and writing strategies for the content areas. Participants will also be exposed to quality mentor texts for all areas to assist with writing. The classes will be spread out, giving participants time to read, attend classes, work with the instructor and/or in small groups, and practice what we learned. Participants will learn about multiple strategies and get a chance to implement 3 within their own classroom. They will also share a reading or writing strategy that is their favorite.