A new online system for managing PLD went live on 14 February, the first in a series of improvements for PLD in 2020.
From 14 February, schools, kura and Kāhui Ako can apply online for locally-focused professional learning and development (PLD) through the new, simpler system for managing PLD.
The Ministry of Education is replacing the manual PLD Journal of Excel spreadsheets with a single online solution to manage the application, allocation and planning processes for locally-focused PLD.
“The whole PLD process needs to be as smooth, reliable and accurate as possible for everyone involved. It’s all part of making sure our teachers can access the learning and development support they need to help them meet the range of needs of their diverse learners,” says Pauline Cleaver, Associate Deputy Secretary Curriculum, Pathways and Progress.
The new cloud-based system is going live nationally in three releases for school leaders and PLD staff, regional staff, providers and allocation panels to use in the Term 1 allocation round.
The first release on 14 February allows schools, kura, clusters and Kāhui Ako to develop and submit their Term 1 PLD proposals.
The second release is expected to be released on 28 February, and will support sector area allocation panels to review proposals ahead of the wānangatia or area allocation panel meetings.
A third release is expected to be released on 27 March 2020. This release will enable schools, kura, clusters and Kāhui Ako to be notified about the outcome of their PLD proposal through the system and Statements of Work (SOW), plans and reports to be produced for allocated PLD.
A number of schools have already tried the system as we tested, refined and piloted the application system in Terms 3 and 4 2019.
“Our testers were excited about the way the new system makes the process smoother. The old system required manual interventions at each step, adding time, user burden, and a higher risk of errors,” says Phil Walker, Senior Manager, Sector Capability, Pathways and Progress.
One PLD Lead said: “I found the process really easy from start to finish, and much clearer than the excel doc we had previously used. I think the information provided is helpful and clear, and I believe anyone would be able to follow the steps to complete their application.”
Schools, kura, clusters and Kāhui Ako can now access the new system on the PLD website(external link). You will note the website has been updated.
An Education Sector Logon (ESL) is needed to use the new online PLD system. If you need support in getting an ESL logon visit the Apply for PLD(external link) page on the PLD website or contact the ESL support website(external link).
There will be ongoing updates to the PLD website(external link) through 2020, including adding information about the new PLD priorities that start in Term 3.
The Ministry of Education started delivering training in late January for PLD Leads for schools, kura, clusters and Kāhui Ako.
Support materials, including user manuals and screencasts, are being published on the Help and Guides(external link) page of the PLD website to coincide with the system releases. Resources are available in both te reo Māori and English.
The allocation round for locally-focused PLD in Term 1 2020 allows schools, kura, clusters and Kāhui Ako to become familiar with using the new system to apply for PLD online.
The next step comes in Term 3 2020 when a new set of national priorities for locally-focused PLD will replace existing priorities. Schools, kura, clusters and Kāhui Ako will be able to apply for PLD against these new priorities in the online system.
The revised set of seven PLD priorities across English and Māori medium settings aim to strengthen critical teacher and kaiako capabilities, and align with the focus on curriculum, progress and achievement.
More information on the new PLD priorities starting in Term 3 is available on the Education Conversation website(external link).
BY Education Gazette editors
Education Gazette | Tukutuku Kōrero, reporter@edgazette.govt.nz
Posted: 3:47 pm, 17 February 2020
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