To continually improve student performance, the Texarkana Independent School District is committed to providing dynamic and comprehensive professional/personal development that ensures high standards for all staff who affect student learning.

The purpose of staff development in the Texarkana Independent School District is to create a learning organization; an organization that is capable of realizing individual and shared visions and solving problems in a way that enhances and enriches the organization’s fundamental mission which is teaching and learning.

Texarkana Independent School District goals are as follows:

• To provide orientation to all new employees regarding district procedures

• To provide orientation for newly assigned employees regarding campus and/or department procedures.

• To provide staff development opportunities to all employees regarding district-wide goals and initiatives.

• To provide staff development opportunities which are determined by job expectations, job descriptions, individual needs, and system goals.

Staff Development in the district is defined as a process that fosters personal and professional growth for individuals within a respectful, supportive, positive organizational climate.  The ultimate goal of our staff development process is increased student learning and continuous, responsible self-renewal for all constituents.  This goal can best be accomplished by all stakeholders working together in partnerships to create a quality environment for learning.

It is important to think of professional development activities as encompassing a wide range of professional growth experiences.  Staff development refers to a systematically planned, comprehensive set of ongoing professional growth activities carried out over time to achieve specific district wide, school and department improvement objectives.  The comprehensive plan is built around four major focus areas:  written curriculum, instructional delivery, assessment and organizational improvement.