STRIVE Int’l Technical Asst joins NOSHS for First One-School Try-Out for SPPD

To facilitate the process of developing a training plan for program designs, Strengthening implementation of Basic Education in the Visayas (STRIVE) International Technical Assistant, Louise Quinn joined and worked with the Negros Occidental Science High School Faculty Members headed by Mr. Michell Acoyong, for developing a training plan for Professional Development, the School Plan for Professional Development (SPPD), last December 4, 2008 at Negros Occidental High School, Victorias City.

With Quinn were Dr. Twila Punsalan, National Technical Assistant for Training and Development, Dr. Purita Bilbao, Technical Adviser, Teacher Education Development Program-Training and Working Group (TEDP-TWG), Jonathan Batenga, Education Development Project Implementation Task Force (EDPITAF) Training and Development counterpart, Jose Freddie Mocon, STRIVE Division of Negros Occidental Project Coordinator, and Marsette Sabbaluca, Training and Development chair, Division of Negros Occidental and representatives of Regions 6, 7 and 8

“I am happy since Negros Occidental Science High School was prepared to support STRIVE”, Quinn said.

The training was focused on the developing the school’s plan for professional development, a major blueprint that directs and influences all activities related to professional development of the school’s teaching and non-teaching staff over a given period.

The said SPPD is accomplished to enable a school to plan and prioritize the teachers’ professional development activities.

The planning was first tried in NOSHS and it gained positive impressions and support from both the teachers and STRIVE people.

“It is the first time we have tested this process and we are hoping that this process is something that can be used not only across Regions 6, 7 and 8 but as well as across the Philippines, “ Quinn pointed out.

“So it is very important and we are pleased to be here,: Quinn added.

The process worked was developing a training plan and the next step is to take that plan and develop it into program designs for specific needs that are identified in the plan and after the STRIVE will be working on developing and supporting the delivery of those development programs.

Quinn said that STRIVE will work through the whole system waves that include Training Needs Assessment (TNA), Individual Professional Development Plans (IPDP’s), planning and design, and extra-delivery system.

However, when asked about her impressions about Victorias City and the faculty and staff of NOSHS, Quinn said, “Well, Victorias people are very hospitable, and the teachers…I was impressed with their maximum participation and used of technology especially the laptops in which everyone has.”

“And that’s a great help for the teachers’ work since everything is electronic-based, so they can easily do their work fast,” she added.

On the other hand, Mr. Bernard Belleza, a faculty member said that with the support of everybody “I guess” this will benefit not only the teachers but for the students as well.

Mr. Michell Acoyong, Science Education Supervisor of the Division of Negros Occidental, Training and Development Co-Chair of STRIVE of the division and OIC of NOSHS expressed optimism and enthusiasm about the process.

“I am very optimistic about it and I believe it will bring new and progressive results,” Acoyong said.
-by: Josanio M. Caldera