Grant Wood Area Education Agency
Professional Development
Study Group Guidelines
Study group forms have recently been redesigned. Please read the entire guidelines listed below. Registrations are now limited to an electronic process requiring credit cards. No hard copies are needed and checks/cash will not be accepted.
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Complete the proposal and submit to GWAEA Professional Development Coordinator at least three weeks prior to start date.
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The study group concept presents a way for educators to work in cooperative groups to identify issues and goals, research professional literature, share experiences, and problem solve real situations related to student achievement. Study groups serve as a useful strategy for creating a network of information, communication and commitment to support school improvement.
Study groups are an alternative structure for accomplishing the goals of what would otherwise be approved as a traditional course for licensure renewal credit. They allow for some flexibility in designing on-site professional development within the parameters established by the Board of Educational Examiners for educator renewal credit. In determining an appropriate topic for a study group ask yourself, “Would this topic be approved as a regular course?” The emphasis is on new learning. Topics that are appropriate for study groups include:
- New approaches, techniques for instruction
- Educational research and implementation
- Systems for approaching school related topics such as classroom management, parent involvement, assessment, classroom organization, curriculum, leadership, social, emotional, and behavioral
- Learning Theories
Study groups are not appropriate for activities within the educator’s normal responsibilities such as textbook selection, committee work, curriculum development, developing software skills and attendance at conferences/workshops.
Criteria for Credit:
Clearly identify the issues or strategies to be addressed describing how they align with district school improvement plans or building goals. To insure the integrity of the study group format for renewal credit and to maintain the quality of its intended purpose the following criteria has been established:
- A study group must consist of a minimum of 15 contact hours with individual sessions of at least 1 hour to 5 hours in length per session. Group processing replaces the contact time with an instructor; therefore one must attend and participant in at least 15 hours for credit to be awarded. Missed time cannot be made up outside of the group meeting times. It is a good idea to schedule more than 15 hours to allow for absences.
- The facilitator acts as a leader and coordinator for group activities but is not an instructor. This person has the responsibility for submitting paperwork for approval, recording attendance, coordinating meeting logs, scheduling and communicating with the group members and the Grant Wood AEA Professional Development Coordinator and submitting completion materials. Facilitator Checklist
- 4 – 10 members including the building level facilitator are recommended.
- Study Group Proposal must be typed, completed by the facilitator and submitted to the Professional Development Coordinator. Directions for Completing the Proposal
- Participant Form must be completed and signed by each group member. They also must indicate whether they want license renewal credit.
- Alignment with School Improvement Plan Form must be completed by district/building administrator and attached to Study Group Proposal.
- Materials including the Study Group Proposal, Participant Form and Alignment with School Improvement Form must be submitted at least three weeks prior to study group start date. No activity can be implemented prior to approval of the proposal.
- The Grant Wood AEA Professional Development Coordinator will review and approve the proposal and notify the facilitator of approval.
- The Grant Wood AEA Professional Development Office will send to the facilitator, attendance roster, registration information, copy of meeting log template, and evaluation form.
- One hour of teacher or administrator renewal credit through Grant Wood AEA is available for $25. NEW - Online registration for all participants and payment for those wanting credit must be made within one week after the start of the study group. No registrations will be accepted after the one week time frame.
- A pre-printed attendance roster indicating everyone who is registered will be sent to the facilitator.
- A meeting log for each meeting must be maintained to document time and activities and included with the final report. These logs must be signed by a district/building administrator as verification of participation of group members.
- A final product is required by participants and is due to the Professional Development Coordinator two weeks after the final study group meeting. Suggestions for final product are included with the study group directions.
- In addition to the final product(s) the facilitator must submit the Study Group Completion Form and Study Group Evaluation.
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