2. What would you describe as the critical factors to consider about a continuing education program?

The critical factors are allowing a wide range of learning options while honoring the LQS and SLQS.

Flexibility - timing, content (based on roles and based on experience).

- ability to access in multiple formats - ability to access learning outside of CASS - accountability standards- participation vs submissions -

Practical Different modes of delivery Mentorship Community partnership Partnership with other school divisions to share ideas

Balancing 24/7 demands of the job against the authentic experiences to connect competencies with formal learning. Courses have to be very engaging and provide opportunities for reflection.

Accredited / established standard of facilitator

Ease of access, flexibility, multiple entry points, and time constraints need to be considerations. What are we earning hours or credits, and is there a cost to this? What is the criteria for acceptable professional development?

Some kind of accreditation, for example could you partner with universities to make this more robust, so instead of an internal certificate you may also get university credits. What about a list of approved providers for accreditation If you are working on education of your own (PhD, etc), could this count? What about sessions taken through ARPDC? Timing and sequencing of courses/learning would be important - how to help folks build learning hours not only on own time What about the designing off the modules - could that count as learning credits, the actual designing of learning cost also needs to be considered... for example, the cost of the ASBOA modules are significant

Relevance to the educational realities. Align to/address both SLQS and LQS. Within each strand, relevant components for the year must be identified, and individuals can select the most pertinent to their work and professional growth (reflection is key). Support for NEW roles.

Having professional learning topic vs PL focused on role/job title. May roles differ across divisions however the issues are similar.

- Aligned to objects in professional practice profiles. - Needs to be relevant to ever changing individual context (division as well as provincial). - Needs to be flexible in terms of time delivery for very busy individuals.

Flexibility, time, credit hours, alignment to the practice, accountability (verifiable), evidence based,

Flexibility Relevance Cost Accessibility

Alignment with legistation outcomes. Aling with current trends . Have choice in the sessions that can be taken. Partnerships, links.

Ongoing, choice and consideration of current time and relevancy.

Multiple entry points for new members (role) and ongoing members (long term role).

*Topic relevancy *Flexibility, different options for delivery *Reasonable demand- balance *current and engaging *Cutting edge, innovative

Relevant Real Accessible Practical Related to the tile and applies directly Not just for the sake of continuing education. Not a time waste

The critical factors are: time commitment, relevant to the work we are doing and the credibility of presenter. Collaborative research that is related to our system!

Flexible format (online/in person) Practical Research based

Collaboration. The ability to work in teams. Applicable to our roles. Focused on current problems of practice.