Teacher (T) Knowledge Base

(6600-T-P) Optima Professional Development Certification Program (PDCP) - Program Candidate

Optima is the first Charter School Management Organization operating in the state of Florida that has received state approval for a proprietary professional development certification program (Optima PDCP). The Optima PDCP admits superior teacher candidates who have been identified as showing potential for success in the teaching profession. The program ensures high-quality field and clinical experiences, including feedback and support for each candidate, and prepares candidates to instruct students to meet high standards of academic achievement and the ability to positively impact student learning growth. These aims will be accomplished through the following program components:
  • Mentorship
  • Required readings
  • Group instruction
  • Individual instruction
  • Self-reflection
  • Observation
  • Goal tracking
  • Demonstration
Program Candidate – an individual who has been admitted to and is currently enrolled in, but has not completed a teacher preparation program (in this case, the Optima PDCP) that prepares instructional personnel to meet the qualifications for a Florida Professional Educator’s Certificate. (Rule 6A-5.066)
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    Indicator 1.1 Admission Requirements

    1. Program candidates seeking admission to the PDCP must possess his or her state-issued temporary certificate and must be employed in an instructional position within one of Optima’s charter schools. The program candidate’s temporary certificate will be verified through the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE). The School Leader will determine if the candidate may participate in Optima’s PDCP. There are no additional admission requirements imposed by the program.
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    Indicator 4.1 Program Progress and Performance Monitoring

    1. Optima will collect and utilize multiple sources of data to measure and monitor the impact of student learning, mastery of the UCC and the overall quality and effectiveness of the Optima PDCP.
      • Program Leader will assess overall teacher performance for program candidates using the Optima Instructional Employee evaluation tool, which utilizes the FEAPs.
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    Indicator 4.4.1 Continuous Improvement Process - Responsibilities

    1. The stakeholders involved in the continuous improvement process include: Program Candidate- an individual who has been admitted to and is currently enrolled in, but has not completed a teacher preparation program (in this case, the Optima PDCP) that prepares instructional personnel to meet the qualifications for a Florida Professional Educator’s Certificate (Rule 6A-5.066). 
      • Program Candidate feedback will be collected via a survey and the candidates’ performance during the program and post-completion will be analyzed for continuous improvement initiatives as described in Criterion 4.1.1.Mentor Teacher (MT) - a trained master teacher with demonstrated achievement results who is paired with program candidates to observe, provide guidance and support, establish individualized goals and professional development plans, and track the candidates’ progress throughout the program. The Program Leader receives feedback from Mentor Teachers and Program Candidates on the school campus via surveys and/or group discussion.