University programs fall under the umbrella of teacher preparation and is considered the preservice level of your career. At this stage you have been exposed to introductory pedagogy and foundational educational theories as well as lesson plan development and assessments. AVTI is an induction program, predicated on the belief that teachers grow professionally as they embed inquiry into their practice as driven by the California Standards for the Teaching Profession and the student content standards (Common Core) in their subject areas.
The 2015 induction standards call for emphasis on mentoring according to your individual learning needs. This means that documentation in the induction program has been significantly reduced. However, the CTC requires an Individual Learning Plan in which you will still record evidence of having addressed the program standards. Your AVTI documentation tools are designed to function as a professional portfolio. Your mentor’s role is to support you in a variety of ways, including classroom observations followed by reflective conversations. At the end of the year, you will have a chain of evidence that reflects your teaching practice.
All PTs in the AVTI program will use Google Classroom, allowing you to complete/ upload your Individual Learning Plan, evidence for CSTPs, and Continuum of Teaching Practice (CTP). Also, any evidence that you gather throughout the year will be turned in digitally through Google Classroom. Refer to the induction timeline completion form to assist you with the organization and pacing.
This is an incredible time to be a teacher because of the complexity and dynamic nature of the job. AVTI is about setting goals for professional growth, designing lessons, examining and analyzing student work, reflecting on your instruction, and collaborating with colleagues. Focusing on the formative assessment events IS a focus on teaching. The work you do with your mentor allows you to have support in your quest for excellence. Former AVTI (BTSA) teachers often say ALL teachers should be doing the work in the formative assessment system! Think of your experience in AVTI as an opportunity to pursue truly individualized and job-embedded professional growth.
The relationship between the mentor and AVTI participant is key to professional growth. If, for ANY reason, the relationship with your new mentor is strained, please call the program coordinator at 948-7655 X246. You may also complete the hard copy concern form or online at http://tinyurl.com/AVTIConcern. We will make changes to ensure that the support you request is being provided.
How often do I attend induction meetings and where are they held? Induction meetings are held once per month at the District Office Board Room (176 Holston Dr., Lancaster, CA 93535). Meetings begin at 4:00 p.m. and end at approximately 6:00 p.m. See calendar for specific dates.
Induction meetings include “networking” opportunities and professional development workshops geared toward AVTI teachers on topics that relate to formative assessment and induction program standards. The AVTI program offers these workshops as a courtesy to you and if you do not attend, you must show evidence that you have acquired the same content, tailored to induction. Regular review of the nuts and bolts of program requirements is also included in these workshops.
The ILP is your Individual Learning Plan. You will address the components of this plan throughout the induction process. This is your opportunity to do action research on a focus area of your instructional practice, using resource materials from the Internet, professional development workshops, and collaboration with your colleagues and Mentor, among other items. In your first year, you will do one inquiry and two during your second year.
The colloquium is a time for professional sharing, and is one of the best meetings that you will attend in the AVTI program. When you share your growth as a teacher at the colloquium, you are demonstrating your commitment to collaboration as a member of a learning community. Since you join other teachers in your content area, you are also likely to get some new ideas from your colleagues.
Yes, the program offers an Early Completion Option (ECO). If you fit the criteria described in the policy (see ECO Eligibility Information handout), you may apply to complete the program in 1- 1.5 years.
Yes, upon completion of the AVTI program and recommendation for the clear credential, you may apply to California State University, Bakersfield or University of the Pacific for 8 units of graduate credit. The coordinator, upon verification of AVTI completion, will send your request, whenever applicable to the university. You may also purchase units through the University of the Pacific or any other university that will allow you to purchase them.
Our induction program uses an individualized approach to professional learning through micro-credentials that focus on instructional context, self-assessment, inquiry and reflection. The Continuum of Teacher Practice (CTP), embedded with the CSTPs and content standards, guide the framework of formative assessment. In addition, the program provides access to professional development events and conduct collaborative studies from books like Teach Like A Champion and How to Teach Children that Don’t Look Like You.
As observed on the AVTI organizational chart, the Board of Trustees is the ultimate decision maker of the program, according to set criteria in California’s Program and Common standards, along with Article 16 of the collective bargaining agreement. The Learning to Teach Committee, comprised of curriculum coordinators, site administrators and mentors, serves as the advisory board. The committee identifies program needs and makes recommendations for improvement each year. The AVTI coordinator makes the decision on recommendation of the participating teachers to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing at the end of the induction process.
That depends on the circumstances. If you started AVTI and are unemployed full time because of budget cuts or non-reelect status, you may resume AVTI at the time that you re- gain full employment as long as it is within the 5-year period. Illness or extenuating circumstances on a case-by-case basis may also be considered for program extension. If you neglect to fulfill AVTI requirements and do not complete the program within two years, you will be charged for any period that exceeds the two-year allotted period.
Yes, the CCTC requires that you complete advanced professional learning in your authorization beyond your credential program. According to the state, you will “select appropriate professional development … to expand [your] skills by the Clear Credential Preparation Program and the employing school district.” These skills should be designed to enhance [your] teaching abilities for the current teaching assignment. The district will provide a menu of options for professional development for your unique selections.