DNA

I was truly impressed by the invaluable support offered by the PDS consultants. Their assistance made me feel truly valued, empowered, and exceptional. Overall, the teachers at my Elementary School felt that the PDS Consultant team was a mind-changer for them.

The teachers at Chisholm Elementary School were truly impressed by the invaluable support offered by the PDS consultants. They shared that our assistance made them feel truly valued, empowered, and exceptional. Overall, the teachers at Chisholm Elementary School stated that the PDS Consultant team was a mind-changer for them.

I enjoyed working with the teachers and students in grades three through five. On a couple of occasions, I had the opportunity to assist with hands-on math activities over fractions, quadrilaterals, and polygons. The energy and enthusiasm the students brought to the activity were contagious. The students were genuinely excited to explore and learn. One teacher reached out several times for assistance to ensure her lessons were meaningful and productive. She was often willing to collaborate. It was a joy to see how engaged the students were and how evidence of thoughtful instruction made the learning process both fun and effective.

As an interim superintendent (and later as a contract superintendent), I was able to collaborate with Professional Development Services, LLC and lead the school system out of intervention. The system also received a clean audit which has led to a stronger financial base for teaching and learning and relieved a risk to accreditation. My collaboration with Professional Development Services, LLC (PDS) was helpful in identifying calibration strategies in alignment with the system’s strategic plan. The executive coaching that I received from PDS as a thought partner was valuable and led to significant outcomes for continuous improvement.

"We wish you (PDS) were here sooner, we would have already passed Praxis". The sentiment of several teachers! "The benefit of the study group helped me become more focused on studying for the Praxis. My study partner motivated me to be consistent and accountable." "Being a part of this study group helped me see the importance of being certified. It was helpful to hear thoughts and exchange knowledge with others." "Having a study group allowed us to share study materials, discuss test taking strategies, and discuss different webinars that were helpful. Additionally, we discussed different topics that were seen on the test." "The study groups are helpful to find new strategies. Also, it helped me to feel more ready for the test, knowing others are also preparing for the test.

I have a better understanding of structure and consistency. The strategies have helped me with the struggling students. I have learned how to actively engage and maintain behavior during group time. The resources shared have been so helpful. I appreciate all the help from Mrs. Gandy and Mrs. Knight. You all helped me to not leave my job. I was ready to walk out the door before you came to our school and provided the needed classroom support. You all are like our family - Thank you for all you have done for the girls and boys.

Student achievement improved significantly with the consultancy of Professional Development Services, LLC (PDS). A contract with PDS was secured for the purpose of support with school turnaround in two schools. The weekly scheduled services of seasoned professionals in content areas and the executive coaching for building principals were invaluable to review and re-imagine teaching and learning functions. Professional development offered to auxiliary coaches provided added value for teaching, learning, and continuous improvement of the school system.

Consultants served as a "Boots on the Ground Team," providing support, including but not limited to leadership, instruction, professional growth, and Praxis exam preparation. Through our discovery process of data analysis, classroom observations and conversations with leadership we identified the school's greatest areas of need. Based on our findings, we provided targeted support for teachers through coaching, which helped to bridge the gap between theory and practice. As a result, we witnessed growth in both instructional practices and student achievement, especially with the first-year and non-certified teachers.

The consultancy with Professional Development Services, LLC resulted in the development, management, and oversight of an equity study for the school system; the revision of a student progression guide for enhanced stakeholder engagement; the implementation of side-by-side executive coaching; and the execution of an environmental scan, with focus on instruction, operations, leadership, and long-term solutions. The desired outcomes of all projects were met with professionalism, efficiency, and effectiveness.

PDS razor sharp strategic approach to identify compliance gaps greatly enhanced our awareness to gather critical evidence to support the use of federal funds. PDS focus on “team engagement” bridged the gap and created efficiencies among stakeholders to streamline processes that kept “eyes on” compliance requirements. PDS unique model designed to assist federal program managers to ensure compliance with multiple monitoring checklists, improved the assurance that school system funds were managed properly and spent in compliance with federal guidelines. We feel confident that our consultancy relationship with PDS greatly reduced the chance of findings from the State Department of Education monitoring team