For more information, contact Mary Barr, LPDC Recorder at mary_barr@duesc.org, or 740.548-7880, Ext. 3462

Jan Robbins, Chair (Big Walnut)
Dr. Pam Noeth (Delaware-Union ESC)
Kim Goelz (Delaware-Union ESC, NOTES Program)
Rebecca Saunders (Delaware City Schools)
Kelly Lean (Olentangy)
Mary Barr, Recorder (Delaware-Union ESC) (Non-voting member)

To learn about some professional development opportunities, be sure to visit the Delaware-Union ESC link to Professional Development. We now offer online learning opportunities!

The Local Professional Development Committee (LPDC) assists professional staff employed by the Delaware-Union Educational Service Center in developing clear, professional goals that guide career development. In that regard, professional development is a lifelong process of gaining new knowledge, insights, and skills for the purpose of improving practice. Instructional and school improvement efforts are centered on the corresponding improvement of individual professional practice, and LPDC goals are designed to support professionals as they take control of their own learning and providing a systematic method that expects, promotes, and supports their efforts. In Ohio, LPDCs are charged with the process of guiding staff to identify clear goals that are accomplished through the performance of professional activities. These activities assist in enhancing the performance of professionals, and, when placed within the context of a multi-year plan, form the basis of a systematic approach to professional development that results in systemic improvement.

According to the National Staff Development Council and the Ohio Department of Education, quality professional development is defined in seven guiding principles:

Results-Oriented – Increases capacity of educators to improve student achievement
Individualized – Addresses educators’ varied experiences and learning needs
Job-Embedded – Relevant to and embedded in the work we perform
Collaborative – Creates learning communities that support inquiry, collaboration, and growth
Research-Based – Applies knowledge from learning theory and research to design sound educational practice
Data-Driven – Based on student data, aligned with district and building goals, and focused on a specific set of targeted improvements in student learning
Systemic – Occurs over time with system support for acquiring new skills and incorporating them into practice (from Quality Professional Development: A Guide for Ohio’s Educators)

A Message from The Ohio Department of Education (ODE):
Please be advised that the Ohio Department of Education is ready to change its licensure renewal procedures as a result of the recently enacted HB 79 legislation.

Effective March 29, 2007 a BCI fingerprint check will be required for the renewal of any license or permit issued by the Ohio Department of Education. This requirement includes applications for transition from certification to licensure and includes any professional, instructional aide or other paraprofessional licenses issued by ODE. Evidence of a current BCI fingerprint check (no older than one year) will be required for both initial and licensure renewal. If an individual has not lived continuously in Ohio for the last 5 years, a current FBI background check will also be required.

Previously, a criminal background check was required only for initial licensure in Ohio. Now, the law requires a background check at each renewal interval. Rules for those holding permanent ODE certificates will be announced in the next several months. Those individuals who will be renewing their licenses from March 29 on will need to complete the Web Check electronic fingerprint process and have the results sent electronically to ODE Educator Licensure by BC. Paper copies of BCI records may not be utilized.

Individuals renewing their licenses from the March 29 launch date and onward will be required to have an appropriate background check. The cost for background checks at DUESC are BCI $30 and FBI $45. Individuals needing both are offered at a $65 rate.

School district LPDCs will also be making this information available to all staff who are in the licensure renewal process.