The Annual Fall Comer SDP Team Retreat is designed to enhance the professional growth and development of school teams in any school within Prince George’s County as well as teams from across the United States.  This is a specialized in-service opportunity planned for members of School Planning and Management Teams (SPMT/SIT), Student and Staff Support Teams (SSST/IEP), Parent Teams (PTA/PTO/PTSA, etc.), as well as Departmental, Grade Level, Central Office and Student Leadership Teams.  The school teams are comprised of instructional and support staff, parents and community members, administrators and students (at the secondary level). 

At the Annual Comer SDP Team Retreat participants have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the School Development Program, the nationally recognized model for comprehensive school reform that focuses on promoting the application of child and adolescent growth and development theories and positive human relations strategies and principles to encourage active engagement and collaborative partnerships between families, schools and communities in planning and implementing programs to improve student achievement.  They learn that as a systemic approach to school improvement, the School Development Program draws on the talents, strengths, skills, and interests of parents, school staff and students as collaborative decision makers and brings these important stakeholders together to develop policies, procedures, programs and practices that promote academic excellence for all students.

Retreat coordinators, attendees, presenters, and facilitators include central office staff, school administrators, teachers, support staff, students, parents, university colleagues, community leaders, and business partners who volunteered to share research-based best practices in comprehensive school reform to focus on improving student outcomes.  Over 500 Prince George’s County Public School teachers, administrators, parents and students have come out and eagerly participated.  Educators and parents from other school districts both locally and across the United States also attended.

Additionally, over 20 sessions are offered with topics such as the theories and application of  child/ adolescent development, NCLB, Special Education, cultural diversity, change theory and much more.  The day also host vendors and school displays as well as student performances by “Colours”.  The day is an exciting event highlighting just some of the premier features of Prince George’s County Public Schools, the 18^th largest school district in the nation and 2^nd largest in the state of Maryland.

Retreat significance: the Department of School Development has been recognized for excellence for continuously providing this high quality training and professional development opportunity, and since 1994 has served as one of only four Regional Professional Development and Training Centers for the Yale University Child Study Center’s National School Development Program. 

Reporters, journalists and photographers are invited to cover this outstanding event. 

For more information, please contact  Mrs. Sheila Jackson, Director, at 301-583-2100.