|
Health and Wellness
|
| What is the maximum portion of the employee's health insurance premium paid by the employer? |
95%
p. 8.
Past Policy
100%
p. 7.
|
| What is the maximum portion of the employee's dependents' health insurance premium paid by the employer? |
53%
p. 8.
Past Policy
57%
p. 7.
|
| Does the employer specify a dollar cap for the portion of the premium they cover? If so, what is the cap? |
yes, $325 annually
p. 8.
|
|
Pensions/Retirement
|
| Are there incentives for a teacher to take early retirement? |
Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
| By what date must a teacher give notification that he/she intends to resign or retire? |
resignation: 45 days before 1st day of instruction of following school year, in accordance with state law; retirement: issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Board Policy DFE (legal), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/364
Past Policy
"reasonable notice"
Garland ISD Board Policies: BP DFE (Local)
|
| Does the district offer an incentive to the teacher who notifies the district before the deadline that he/she intends to resign/retire at the end of the school year? |
Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
| Is there a penalty for a teacher who fails to notify the district that he/she intends to resign/retire by the district's deadline? |
District acknowledges state law
, the State Board for Educator Certification may impose sanctions against a teacher who fails to give proper resignation notice
Board Policy DFE (legal), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/364
|
| Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much? |
Yes
up to 20 days of leave at the daily rate at the time of retirement
The employee shall be reimbursed for each day of unused state and local leave, to a maximum of 20 days, at the employee’s daily rate of pay immediately preceding retirement.
Board Policy DEC (local), p. 6: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/364
|
| Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much? |
Yes
The employee shall be reimbursed for each day of unused state and local leave, to a maximum of 20 days, at the employee’s daily rate of pay immediately preceding retirement.
Board Policy DEC (local), p. 6: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/364
|
|
Tuition Reimbursement
|
| Is tuition reimbursement offered to teachers? |
Yes
District website: http://bit.ly/1VBJMKi
|
| Can a teacher receive financial support to cover National Board certification fees? |
issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
|
School Year
|
| STUDENTS: How many days are students in school? |
177
|
| STUDENTS: How many hours, minimum, are students scheduled to be in school each year? |
1,260 (total) in accordance with state law
Board Policy EB (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/364
|
| TEACHERS: How many days are teachers in school? |
187
|
| TEACHERS: How many days is the teacher required to be on-site without students? (including half or partial days) |
10
|
|
School Day
|
| How long is the school day for elementary students? |
elementary: 7 hours, 10 minutes (total), middle: 7 hours (total)
|
| How long is the school day for secondary students? |
7 hours (total)
|
| How long is the scheduled workday for teachers? (total time scheduled on-site, including lunch) |
issue not addressed in the scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
| How much time is the teacher required to be on-site beyond the length of the student day? (This does not include time for meetings) |
issue not addressed in the scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
|
Preparation Time
|
| How much planning time does an elementary teacher receive? |
at least 450 minutes in each two-week period (not less than 45 minutes within the instructional day) in accordance with state law
Board Policy DL (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/364
|
| How much planning time does a secondary teacher receive? |
at least 450 minutes in each two-week period (not less than 45 minutes within the instructional day) in accordance with state law
Board Policy DL (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/364
|
| How much teacher planning time is designated for collaborative planning? |
issue not addressed in the scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
|
Structure of the Salary Schedule
|
| What type of salary schedule is in use? |
New hire salary schedule
p. 3.
|
| What is the average percent increase in pay earned for each additional year of experience? |
0.5% (based on new hire schedule)
p. 3.
Past Policy
0.6% (based on new hire schedule)
p. 3.
|
| Teachers in most districts earn a raise for each additional year of experience and an annual adjustment for cost of living and other factors. What is that average annual adjustment? (reported as a percentage of change from the previous year) |
2.0% (based on new hire schedule)
p. 3.
p. 3.
Past Policy
n/a; in 2015-2016 there is a schedule specific to new hires but there was not such a schedule in 2014-2015
p. 3.
Past Policy
previous salary schedule unavailable
|
| What is the average total change in salary accounting for both earning an additional year of experience and an annual adjustment for cost of living and other factors? (reported as the percentage of change from the previous year) |
2.6% (based on new hire schedule)
p. 3.
p. 3.
Past Policy
n/a; in 2015-2016 there is a schedule specific to new hires but there was not such a schedule in 2014-2015
p. 3.
Past Policy
previous salary schedule unavailable
|
| What is the average difference between the master's and bachelor's salary? |
$1,300 (based on hew hire schedule)
p. 3.
|
| How many lanes (or columns) based on advanced degrees or credit attainment are on the teacher's salary schedule? |
3: BA, MA (stipend pay), PhD (stipend pay)
pp. 3, 22 & 23, D.3.
|
| In what year of service will a teacher with a bachelor's and/or master's degree reach the maximum salary (assuming no step freezes)? |
25 (based on new hire schedule)
p. 3.
|
|
Annual Salary
|
| What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a bachelor's degree? |
$51,500 (based on new hire schedule)
p. 3.
Past Policy
$50,000 (based on new hire schedule)
p. 3.
Past Policy
$49,501
Past Policy
45,000
2010-2011 Salary Schedule
|
| What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience? |
$52,970 (based on new hire schedule)
p. 3.
Past Policy
$51,805 (based on new hire schedule)
p. 3.
Past Policy
$49,850
Past Policy
46,109
2010-2011 Salary Schedule
|
| What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule? |
$58,963 (based on new hire schedule)
p. 3.
Past Policy
$58,140 (based on new hire schedule)
p. 3.
Past Policy
$66,680
Past Policy
61,955
2010-2011 Salary Schedule
|
| What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a master's degree? |
$52,800 (based on new hire schedule)
p. 3.
Past Policy
$51,300 (based on new hire schedule)
p. 3.
Past Policy
$50,696
Past Policy
46,288
2010-2011 Salary Schedule
|
| What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree and 5 years of experience? |
$54,270 (based on new hire schedule)
p. 3.
Past Policy
$53,105 (based on new hire schedule)
p. 3.
Past Policy
$51,362
Past Policy
48,004
2010-2011 Salary Schedule
|
| What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule? |
$60,263 (based on new hire schedule)
p. 3.
Past Policy
$59,440 (based on new hire schedule)
p. 3.
Past Policy
$72,433
Past Policy
66,493
2010-2011 Salary Schedule
|
| What is the maximum annual salary available to teachers? What are the education requirements for this salary? In what year of service will a teacher receive this salary? |
$60,963; PhD; 25 (based on new hire schedule)
pp. 3, 22 & 23, D.3.
Past Policy
$60,140; PhD; 25 (based on new hire schedule)
pp. 3, 22 & 24, D.3.
Past Policy
$75,605; PhD; 44
Past Policy
69,372; PhD; 44
|
|
Performance Pay
|
| Is annual salary increase tied to evaluation rating? |
Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
| If an annual salary increase is tied to evaluation rating, how do annual salary increases work? |
Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
| Aside from annual salary increases, are other aspects of a teacher’s pay based on evaluation rating? |
issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
| Do teachers earn performance pay for factors other than evaluation ratings? |
issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
In accordance with state law, if the district participates in the Educator Excellence Award Program/District Awards for Teacher Excellence, qualifying employees may receive bonuses.
Board Policy DEAA (legal), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/364
|
|
Other Differentiated Pay
|
| Can a teacher earn additional pay by working in a school classified as "high-needs"? |
issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
In accordance with state law, the district can apply to the Commissioner for grants to pay year end stipends to master teachers in identified high need campuses.
Board Policy DEAA (legal), p. 4: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/364
|
| Can a teacher earn additional pay by teaching subjects deemed 'hard to staff'? |
Yes, secondary math and science teachers earn an annual stipend of $3,000. Certified bilingual teachers earn an annual stipend of $4,000 and lead bilingual / ESL teachers earn annual stipends of $1,120.
In accordance with state law, the district can apply to the Commissioner for grants to pay year end stipends to master teachers of reading, math, technology or science.
pp. 19 & 21.
Board Policy DEAA (legal), p. 4: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/364
|
| Can a teacher who has National Board certification earn additional pay? |
issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
| What compensation is offered to a teacher who serves as a department head at the secondary level? |
$937.50 (if the teacher is not given an extra conference period)
p. 19.
|
|
General Salary Information
|
| Are uncertified teachers paid less than fully certified teachers? |
Uncertified teachers cannot be the teacher of record
District acknowledges state law
Board Policy DBA (legal), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/364
|
| Can a teacher get credit on the salary schedule for subject-related work experience? How many years of experience are awarded for subject-related experience? |
yes, the Commissioner's rules determine placement on the salary schedule, in accordance with state law
Board Policy DEA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/364
Past Policy
district acknowledges policy which is mandated by state law
Garland Board Policy: DEA Legal
|
| Are teachers eligible for a longevity bonus? If so, in what year(s) of service is a teacher eligible? |
issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
|
Evaluation System
|
| What is the teacher required to be evaluated on? |
Professional Practice (Planning; Instruction; Learning environment; Professional Practices and Responsibilities)
In accordance with state policy. The state does not require that student growth be a component of the evaluation until 2017-2018. Beginning 2017-2018, it will count 20%. (Student Growth Overview) Teachers are required to have a Professional Development Plan as a component of the evaluation process, however they are not rated on the plan.
pp. 4, 15, 17.
Past Policy
School-wide student growth/achievement
Professional practice (Active, successful student participation in the learning process, Learner-centered instruction, Evaluation and feedback on student progress, Management of student discipline, instructional strategies, time and material, Professional communication, Professional development, Compliance with policies, operating procedures and requirements)
pp. 47-51.
|
| Do impartial third parties from outside the school serve as evaluators? |
Optional
District staff may act as evaluators.
p. 12.
Past Policy
No
pp. 26 & 27.
Past Policy
District acknowledges state law.
|
| Is peer review a component of teacher evaluation; what is the nature of the review? |
other
Yes-optional, teacher leaders may act as evaluators
p. 12.
|
| Does the evaluation include student input? |
Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
| What kind of feedback does a teacher receive following a formal observation(s)? |
Conference with evaluator
p. 24.
Past Policy
Written report, conference upon request
p. 22.
Past Policy
District acknowledges state law.
|
| What kind of feedback must the teacher receive following an evaluation? |
Conference with evaluator
p. 30.
|
| How many categories of ratings are there? |
5: Distinguished, Accomplished, Proficient, Developing, Improvement needed
p. 29.
Past Policy
4: Exceeds Expectations, Proficient, Below Expectations, Unsatisfactory
p. 18.
Past Policy
district acknowledges state law
|
| Are evaluators required to give notice of an observation? |
Other
at the discretion of the district, unclear what Arlington has chosen to do
p. 8.
Past Policy
Yes
, teachers must be given a 3-week window during which observation will occur
Board Policy DNA (local), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/364
Past Policy
Yes
teachers must be given a 3-week window during which observation will occur
DNA (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/364
Past Policy
District acknowledges state law.
|
|
Role of Student Achievement in Teacher Evaluation
|
| How is student growth/achievement calculated for teachers of tested subjects? |
N/A (effective 2017-2018, student growth/achievement will count 20%, methodology for calculating is unclear)
Student growth is not a required component until 2017-2018. Texas gives the district four options to measure student growth: Student Learning Objectives; portfolios; district-level pre-and post-tests; Value-added measures. Districts are not required to use VAM, even for teachers of tested subjects. Currently, it is not clear if Garland will require VAM in 2017-2018.
pp. 4, 15, 17.
|
| How is student achievement/growth calculated for teachers of non-tested subjects? |
N/A (student growth/achievement will count effective 2017-2018)
Student growth is not a required component until 2017-2018. Texas gives the district four options to measure student growth: Student Learning Objectives; portfolios; district-level pre-and post-tests; Value-added measures.
pp. 47-51.
|
|
Evaluation Requirements for non-tenured Teachers
|
| How frequently do non-tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating? |
Once a year
Board Policy DNA (local) & DNA (legal), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/364
|
| What is the minimum number of times a non-tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation? |
1
The state has a requirement of a minimum of one observation. It is not clear if Garland has chosen to require additional observations.
p. 24.
|
| What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the non-tenured teacher? |
Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
| What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the non-tenured teacher? |
15 days before last day of instruction in accordance with state law
DNA (legal), p. 5: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/364
|
| What is the required minimum length of the formal observation for a non-tenured teacher? |
45 minutes
DNA (legal), p. 9: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/364
|
|
Evaluation Requirements for Tenured Teachers
|
| How frequently do tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating? |
Other
once a year unless teacher is eligible for less frequent evaluation: must have worked under term contract for at least two years at same school in same assignment in which case, 1x/5 years with annual review in off years
Board Policy DNA (legal), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/364
|
| What is the minimum number of times a tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation? |
1
The state has a requirement of a minimum of one observation. It is not clear if Garland has chosen to require additional observations.
p. 24.
|
| What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the tenured teacher? |
Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
| What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the tenured teacher? |
15 days before last day of instruction
DNA (legal), p. 5: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/364
|
| What is the minimum length of a tenured teacher's formal observation? |
45 minutes
Board Policy DNA (local), p. 9: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/364
|
|
Consequences of a Negative Evaluation
|
| Following an unsatisfactory final evaluation, how much time must a tenured teacher (or annual contract where tenure nonexistent) be in formal remediation before s/he may be dismissed or non-renewed at the end of the school year? |
Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
| Does the district assign a mentor or support team to the teacher in remediation? |
Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
| How many classroom observations (minimum) are required during remediation? |
Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
| How long is the remediation process? |
Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
| Can the teacher file a grievance or formally appeal an evaluation rating if there are no acknowledged procedural violations? |
Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Policy references the grievance procedure but it does not say if the teacher may grieve or appeal a rating if there are no procedural violations.
Board Policy DNA (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/364
|
| Can a teacher request a second evaluation from a different evaluator? |
Yes
in accordance with state law
Board Policy DNA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/364
|
|
Layoffs
|
| Must nontenured teachers be laid off before tenured? |
Other
no if RIF occurs during the term of a non-tenured teacher's contract; issue not addressed if RIF occurs at end of year
Board Policy DFFA (local), pp. 1 & 3: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/364
|
| Aside from program and staffing needs, what are the criteria for laying off teachers? |
Other
multiple criteria in order: performance, qualifications for current and projected assignment, extra duties, professional background, district seniority
Board Policy DFFA (local), pp. 1 & 3: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/364
|
| In the case of a layoff, is seniority determined at the school level or district level? |
District level
Board Policy DFFA (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/364
|
| What is the notification deadline for teacher layoffs? |
issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Board Policy DFFA (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/364
|
| When the district needs to hire new teachers, are laid off teachers either given recall rights or preference? |
Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Board Policy DFFA (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/364
|
| How long does a laid off teacher retain recall rights? |
issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Board Policy DFFA (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/364
|
|
Sick & Personal Leave
|
| What is the total possible number of paid general leave days (sick, personal, and other days used for personal reasons) a teacher can get each year? |
7 (2 local leave [sick], 5 state personal)
Board Policies DEC (legal), p. 1 & DEC (local), p. 4: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/364
|
| What is the total number of paid sick and personal days a teacher gets each year? |
7 (2 local leave [sick], 5 state personal)
Board Policies DEC (legal), p. 1 & DEC (local), p. 4: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/364
|
| Can unused sick days carry over from one year to the next? |
Yes
both local and state personal leave carry over
Board Policies DEC (legal), p. 1 & DEC (local), p. 4: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/364
|
| Can unused personal days carry over from one year to the next? |
Yes
both local and state personal leave carry over
Board Policies DEC (legal), p. 1 & DEC (local), p. 4: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/364
|
| What is the maximum number of sick days a teacher can accumulate? |
no maximum
Board Policies DEC (legal), p. 1 & DEC (local), p. 4: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/364
|
| After how many days of absence does a teacher have to provide medical documentation for sick leave? |
5 consecutive days of personal illness or 3 consecutive days of family illness
Board Policy DEC (local), p. 3: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/364
|
|
Professional Development Leave
|
| Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much? |
Yes
professional leave to attend workshops, conventions, or meetings (number of days not specified); developmental leave (half of a school year at full salary, or one school year at half salary))
A board may grant a developmental leave of absence for study, research, travel, or other suitable purpose to an employee working in a position requiring a permanent teaching certificate who has served in a district at least five consecutive school years.
Board Policies DEC (legal), p. 4 & DMD (local), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/364
|
|
Other Leave
|
| Apart from general leave (sick, personal, and other leave for personal reasons) and professional development, what other types of paid leave does the district offer? |
military (15 days), assault leave, jury duty, court subpoena in accordance with state law
Board Policies DEC (legal), pp. 3 & 4 & DECB (legal), p. 2: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/364
|
| Is leave available for a teacher to attend union associated activities (not counting leave given to elected union representatives)? |
n/a; collective bargaining is not allowed in this state
Collective bargaining is not allowed in this state. The district's relationship with the union does not provide for traditional union privileges that are found in other states.
|
|
Attendance Incentives
|
| When are leave days restricted or subject to refusal? |
state-mandated assessment days, when employee's absence has an effect on the education program or district operations, availability of substitutes
Individual supervisors may also restrict the use of state personal leave for discretionary purposes on other days. These restrictions shall be communicated by individual supervisors to their employees
Board Policy DEC (local), p. 4: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/364
|
| Can a teacher earn additional pay or leave days for demonstrating good job attendance? How much? |
Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
| Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at the end of each school year? How much? |
Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
| Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at the end of each school year? How much? |
Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
| Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much? |
Yes
up to 20 days of leave at the daily rate at the time of retirement
The employee shall be reimbursed for each day of unused state and local leave, to a maximum of 20 days, at the employee’s daily rate of pay immediately preceding retirement.
Board Policy DEC (local), p. 6: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/364
|
| Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much? |
Yes
The employee shall be reimbursed for each day of unused state and local leave, to a maximum of 20 days, at the employee’s daily rate of pay immediately preceding retirement.
Board Policy DEC (local), p. 6: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/364
|
|
Transfers
|
| Are internal transfers given priority over new hires for vacant positions? |
issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
| Are principals and/or site selection committees allowed to select voluntary transfer applicants to hire? If not, then how are voluntary transfers assigned to schools? |
no, however principals must approve all appointments, in accordance with state law
Board Policy DK (legal), p. 4: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/364
|
| Separate from excessing, does the district allow school or district administrators to involuntarily transfer a teacher to another school? If so, for what reasons is he/she allowed to initiate such a transfer? |
issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
|
Identifying Involuntary Transfers Due to Excessing
|
| Are teachers identified for excessing in reverse order of seniority? |
Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
| How are teachers identified for excessing? |
issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
|
Placing Excessed Teachers
|
| How are excessed teachers assigned to schools? |
Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
The principal’s criteria for approval of campus assignments and reassignments shall be consistent with District policy regarding equal opportunity employment, and with staffing patterns approved in the District and campus plans. In exercising their authority to approve assignments and reassignments, principals shall work cooperatively with the central office staff to ensure the efficient operation of the District as a whole.
Board Policy DK (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/364
|
| If excessed teachers are not hired by mutual consent, what happens if there are no available openings? |
Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|