Atlanta Public Schools, Georgia

Compensation - Fringe Benefits questions

Health and Wellness
What is the maximum portion of the employee's health insurance premium paid by the employer?	not specified; only the employee contribution was noted
What is the maximum portion of the employee's dependents' health insurance premium paid by the employer?	not specified; only the employee contribution was noted
Does the employer specify a dollar cap for the portion of the premium they cover? If so, what is the cap?	no, district provides a chart listing employee contributions
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 is accepted at the time teacher tenders it to his/her supervisor p. 27. Board Policy GAO: http://www.atlanta.k12.ga.us/policy
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?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Yes Amount not specified. Administrative Regulation GARH-R(1): http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/aps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=9DGK564F8144 p. 27. Past Policy Yes 1/2 of the daily pay rate for day-by-day substitute teachers Board Policy GBA: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/aps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=9DGK564F8144 Past Policy Yes , 1/2 of the daily pay rate for day-by-day substitute teachers Administrative Regulation GARH-R(1): https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/PolicyOverview.aspx?S=4004&Sch=4004 Past Policy Yes , 1/2 of the daily pay rate for day-by-day substitute teachers Administrative Regulation GARH-R(1): http://bit.ly/OGOtfv Past Policy Yes Board Policy GBRIB-R: Board Policy GBRIB-R: https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/PolicyOverview.aspx?S=4004&Sch=4004
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	No; personal days are taken from sick leave. Administrative Regulation GARH-R(9): http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/aps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=9DGK564F8144
Tuition Reimbursement
Is tuition reimbursement offered to teachers?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher receive financial support to cover National Board certification fees?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Calendar questions

School Year
STUDENTS: How many days are students in school?	180
STUDENTS: How many hours, minimum, are students scheduled to be in school each year?	District acknowledges state board rule 160-5-1-.02. Board Policy IED: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/aps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=9DGK564F8144
TEACHERS: How many days are teachers in school?	191
TEACHERS: How many days is the teacher required to be on-site without students? (including half or partial days)	11
School Day
How long is the school day for elementary students?	district acknowledges state board rule 160-5-1-.02 Board Policy IED: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/aps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=9DGK564F8144
How long is the school day for secondary students?	district acknowledges state board rule 160-5-1-.02 Board Policy IED: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/aps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=9DGK564F8144
How long is the scheduled workday for teachers? (total time scheduled on-site, including lunch)	8 hours, of which at least 7 hours, 30 minutes must be on-site Board Policy GARB: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/aps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=9DGK564F8144 p. 14.
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)	30 minutes (at least 15 minutes before and 15 minutes after the student day) Board Policy GARB: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/aps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=9DGK564F8144
Preparation Time
How much planning time does an elementary teacher receive?	elementary: 1 hour, 30 minutes per week; middle: 2 hours per week Board Policy GARB: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/aps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=9DGK564F8144
How much planning time does a secondary teacher receive?	2 hours per week Board Policy GARB: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/aps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=9DGK564F8144
How much teacher planning time is designated for collaborative planning?	unspecified, collaborative planning is among the accepted uses of teacher planning/professional learning time Board Policy GARB-R(1): http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/aps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=9DGK564F8144

Class Size questions

Class Size Restrictions
What are the class size restrictions?	district acknowledges state board's policy District has submitted and received approval for a class size waiver to exceed the state's class size limits. District website: http://www.atlanta.k12.ga.us/Page/44789
What happens when the class size limit is exceeded?	District acknowledges policy mandated by state law District website: http://www.atlanta.k12.ga.us/Page/44789

Compensation - Salary questions

Structure of the Salary Schedule
What type of salary schedule is in use?	Traditional salary schedule (step and lane)
What is the average percent increase in pay earned for each additional year of experience?	1.6%
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)	0% Past Policy 2.0% Past Policy -1.2% Past Policy 0% Past Policy 0% Past Policy 0% Past Policy 0%
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)	1.5% Past Policy 3.6% Past Policy 0.4% Past Policy 1.6% Past Policy 1.6% Past Policy 1.64% Past Policy 1.6%
What is the average difference between the master's and bachelor's salary?	$5,826 Past Policy $5,760 Past Policy $5,647 Past Policy $5,675 Past Policy 5,675 Past Policy 5,675 Past Policy 5,675
How many lanes (or columns) based on advanced degrees or credit attainment are on the teacher's salary schedule?	4: BA, MA, Specialist, PhD
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)?	27 Past Policy 26 Past Policy 26 Past Policy 25 Past Policy 25 Past Policy 25 Past Policy 25
Annual Salary
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a bachelor's degree?	$45,600 Past Policy $45,198 Past Policy $44,312 Past Policy $44,312 Past Policy 44,312 Past Policy 44,312 Past Policy 44,312
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience?	$49,037 Past Policy $49,418 Past Policy $48,449 Past Policy $49,542 Past Policy 49,542 Past Policy 49,542 Past Policy 49,542
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$68,833 Past Policy $67,827 Past Policy $66,497 Past Policy $66,467 Past Policy 66,467 Past Policy 66,467 Past Policy 66,467
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a master's degree?	$49,718 Past Policy $49,718 Past Policy $48,743 Past Policy $48,743 Past Policy 48,743 Past Policy 48,743 Past Policy 48,743
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree and 5 years of experience?	$53,976 Past Policy $54,359 Past Policy $53,293 Past Policy $54,497 Past Policy 54,497 Past Policy 54,497 Past Policy 54,497
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$75,733 Past Policy $74,576 Past Policy $73,114 Past Policy $73,114 Past Policy 73,114 Past Policy 73,114 Past Policy 73,114
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?	$91,688; PhD; 27 Past Policy $90,237; PhD; 26 Past Policy $88,468; PhD; 26 Past Policy $88,468; PhD; 25 Past Policy 88,468; PhD; 25 Past Policy 88,468; PhD; 25 Past Policy 88,468; PhD; 25
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 Past Policy yes, teachers whose Teacher Effectiveness Measure (TEM) rating ranks in the top 10% of teachers' TEMS in the district will receive a one-time payment of $2,500, and those teachers receiving a summative assessment of at least a Level III and a Student Growth rating of at least a Level III are eligible for bonuses of not less than $1,000
Do teachers earn performance pay for factors other than evaluation ratings?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
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
Can a teacher earn additional pay by teaching subjects deemed 'hard to staff'?	Yes, special education lead teachers are paid on a higher salary schedule pp. 1 & 11.
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?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
General Salary Information
Are uncertified teachers paid less than fully certified teachers?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
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?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
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

Dismissal questions

Dismissals
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
What is the process for dismissal of an ineffective teacher?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Does a nontenured teacher have any recourse if his/her contract is not renewed?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
By what date must a nontenured teacher be notified of non-renewal of his/her contract?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
When must a tenured teacher be notified of his/her dismissal?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Evaluation questions

Evaluation System
What is the teacher required to be evaluated on?	Student growth/achievement (30%) Professional growth (20%) Professional practice (50%: Planning, Instructional delivery; Assessment of and for learning; Learning environment; Professionalism; Communication) Georgia uses a matrix that combines the student growth and professional practice scores to reach a final rating. pp. 6 & 8. Past Policy Student growth/achievement (approximately 50%) Student input (Surveys - Used to inform the practice and student growth/achievement scores) Professional practice(approximately 50%: Planning, Instructional delivery, Assessment of and for learning, Learning environment, Professionalism and communication) Georgia uses a matrix that combines the student growth and professional practice scores to reach a final rating. pp. 4, 7, Part I & p. 19, Part IV. Past Policy Student growth/achievement (50%) Student input (Surveys - Used to inform the practice and student growth/achievement scores) Professional practice(50%: Planning, Instructional delivery, Assessment of and for learning, Learning environment, Professionalism and communication) pp. 6 & 10.
Do impartial third parties from outside the school serve as evaluators?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Is peer review a component of teacher evaluation; what is the nature of the review?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Does the evaluation include student input?	Other Optional, at discretion of district (unclear if Atlanta has opted to use surveys) p. 3. Past Policy Student survey required-factors into evaluation rating p. 4, Part I & p. 13, Part II. Past Policy Student survey required-factors into evaluation rating p. 6, Part I. Past Policy Student survey required-factors into evaluation rating p. 6 Past Policy District acknowledges state law. Board Policy GBI https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/PolicyOverview.aspx?S=4004&Sch=4004
What kind of feedback does a teacher receive following a formal observation(s)?	Other Written commentary "strongly recommended"; conference not required immediately following observation, however, a mid-year conference which addresses the observation, is required. p. 12.
What kind of feedback must the teacher receive following an evaluation?	Conference with evaluator p. 14.
How many categories of ratings are there?	4: Exemplary, Proficient, Needs Development, Ineffective p. 20.
Are evaluators required to give notice of an observation?	Multiple observations - announced and unannounced at the discretion of the district It is not clear if Atlanta has elected to have announced or unannounced observations or a combination thereof. p. 11.
Role of Student Achievement in Teacher Evaluation
How is student growth/achievement calculated for teachers of tested subjects?	Student growth percentile measures provided by GA DOE(counts 30%) pp. 6 & 16. Past Policy Student growth calculated (counts 50%), methodology is unclear Past Policy yes (counts 50%) The 2013-14 student achievement/growth requirement is mandated by Georgia for Race to the Top districts. pp. 6 & 10, Part I.; pp. 26 & 27, Part II. Past Policy yes (counts 50%) The 2013-14 student achievement/growth requirement is mandated by Georgia for Race to the Top districts. pp. 6, 10, 26-27 Past Policy no ("yes" in 2013-14; it will count 50%) The 2013-14 student achievement/growth requirement is mandated by Georgia for Race to the Top districts. pp. 6, 10, 26, 27
How is student achievement/growth calculated for teachers of non-tested subjects?	locally developed measures (count 30%) LEA Determined Measure(s): For teachers of non-SGP grades and courses, this component is comprised of LEA Determined Measure(s) which may be Student Learning Objectives, the School or District Mean Growth Percentile, or another measure identified or developed and implemented by the LEA. It is not clear which measures Atlanta County has opted to use. pp. 6 & 16. Past Policy DOE-approved student learning objectives utilizing district-identified growth measures (counts 50%) pp. 4 & 5, Part I & p. 17, Part II. Past Policy DOE-approved student learning objectives utilizing district-identified growth measures (counts 50%) Atlanta is one of Georgia's Race to the Top districts and is, therefore, using the District-determined SLOs are content-specific, grade level learning objectives that are measureable, focused on growth in student learning, and aligned to curriculum standards. Each SLO must have a pre-assessment and post-assessment measure. pp. 6 &10, Part I.; pp. 26 & 27, Part II. Past Policy DOE-approved student learning objectives utilizing district-identified growth measures Atlanta is one of Georgia's Race to the Top districts and is, therefore, using the District-determined SLOs are content-specific, grade level learning objectives that are measureable, focused on growth in student learning, and aligned to curriculum standards. Each SLO must have a pre-assessment and post-assessment measure. pp. 6, 10, 26-27 Past Policy DOE-approved student learning objectives utilizing district-identified growth measures Atlanta is one of Georgia's Race to the Top districts and is, therefore, using the District-determined SLOs are content-specific, grade level learning objectives that are measureable, focused on growth in student learning, and aligned to curriculum standards. Each SLO must have a pre-assessment and post-assessment measure. pp. 25,29: http://www.doe.k12.ga.us/School-Improvement/Teacher-and-Leader-Effectiveness/Documents/TKES%20Handbook%207-18-2012.pdf
Evaluation Requirements for non-tenured Teachers
How frequently do non-tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year p. 5. Board Policy GARI: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/aps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=9DGK564F8144
What is the minimum number of times a non-tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	6: 2 formal (formative), 4 informal (walkthroughs) Walkthrough observations shall be at least ten minutes in duration based on a limited number of Performance Standards. Formative observations shall be at least thirty minutes in duration and are based on all ten performance standards. p. 11.
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the non-tenured teacher?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents There is a mid-year conference by which time presumably at least one observation will have taken place. (p. 9)
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the non-tenured teacher?	May p. 9.
What is the required minimum length of the formal observation for a non-tenured teacher?	30 minutes p. 11.
Evaluation Requirements for Tenured Teachers
How frequently do tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year p. 5. Board Policy GARI: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/aps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=9DGK564F8144
What is the minimum number of times a tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	2: 1 informal (walkthrough), 1 formal (formative) (recommended by state) The state requires two observations of the tenured teacher who was previously rated at least proficient (6 observations required for teacher previously rated less than proficient). Observations may be formal and/or informal at the discretion of the district. It is unclear whether Atlanta has opted to follow the state's recommendation of 1 formal and 1 informal. p. 12. Past Policy 6: 2 formal, 4 informal p. 10, Part I. Past Policy 2 formal, 4 informal pp. 16 & 23, Part I. Past Policy 2 formal, 4 informal pp. 16, 23 Past Policy district acknowledges state law Board Policy GBA
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the tenured teacher?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents There is a mid-year conference by which time presumably at least one observation will have taken place. (p. 9)
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the tenured teacher?	May p. 9.
What is the minimum length of a tenured teacher's formal observation?	30 minutes p. 12.
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?	No Board Policy GAE: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/aps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=9DGK564F8144
Can a teacher request a second evaluation from a different evaluator?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Layoffs questions

Layoffs
Must nontenured teachers be laid off before tenured?	No Where such factors as professional experience, performance evaluations, record of attendance and employee discipline records are determined to be equal among employees, other factors such as district seniority and other random tie breakers may be considered. Board Policy GAKA: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/aps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=9DGK564F8144
Aside from program and staffing needs, what are the criteria for laying off teachers?	Other multiple criteria including performance, professional experience, attendance and discipline records Where such factors as professional experience, performance evaluations, record of attendance and employee discipline records are determined to be equal among employees, other factors such as district seniority and other random tie breakers may be considered. Board Policy GAKA: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/aps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=9DGK564F8144 Past Policy Performance is the preponderant criterion. Policy states that the procedure for carrying out a RIF shall be done on a case by case basis and developed by the Superintendent. Policy would seem to place professional expertise, effectiveness/student growth, evaluation results, attendance and discipline record ahead of tenure and seniority as it states that seniority and/or random tie breakers may be used to break a tie in competence and expertise. Board Policy GBKA: http://bit.ly/OGOtfv Past Policy Performance is the preponderant criterion. Policy states that the procedure for carrying out a RIF shall be done on a case by case basis and developed by the Superintendent. Policy would seem to place professional expertise, effectiveness/student growth, evaluation results, attendance and discipline record ahead of tenure and seniority as it states that seniority and/or random tie breakers may be used to break a tie in competence and expertise. Board Policy GBKA: http://bit.ly/OGOtfv Past Policy Performance is the preponderant criterion. Policy states that the procedure for carrying out a RIF shall be done on a case by case basis and developed by the Superintendent. Policy would seem to place professional expertise, effectiveness/student growth, evaluation results, attendance and discipline record ahead of tenure and seniority as it states that seniority and/or random tie breakers may be used to break a tie in competence and expertise. Board Policy GBKA: http://bit.ly/OGOtfv
In the case of a layoff, is seniority determined at the school level or district level?	District level Board Policy GAKA: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/aps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=9DGK564F8144
What is the notification deadline for teacher layoffs?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
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 GBKA: http://bit.ly/OGOtfv Past Policy Yes-teachers given preference but are not guaranteed a position Board Policy GBKA: http://bit.ly/OGOtfv Past Policy Yes-teachers given preference but are not guaranteed a position Board Policy GBKA: http://bit.ly/OGOtfv Past Policy Yes-teachers given preference but are not guaranteed a position Board Policy GBKA: https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/PolicyOverview.aspx?S=4004
How long does a laid off teacher retain recall rights?	6 months Board Policy GAKA: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/aps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=9DGK564F8144 Past Policy 6 months The teacher is not guaranteed recall but is given preference in interviewing for open positions. Board Policy GBKA: http://bit.ly/OGOtfv Past Policy 6 months The teacher is not guaranteed recall but is given preference in interviewing for open positions. Board Policy GBKA: http://bit.ly/OGOtfv Past Policy 6 months The teacher is not guaranteed recall but is given preference in interviewing for open positions. Board Policy GBKA: https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/PolicyOverview.aspx?S=4004&Sch=4004 Past Policy 6 months The teacher is not guaranteed recall but is given preference in interviewing for open positions. Board Policy GBKA: https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/PolicyOverview.aspx?S=4004&Sch=4004

Leave questions

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?	12.5 (12.5 sick days, 3 of which can be used as personal days) Administrative Regulations GARH-R(1) & GARH-R(9): http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/aps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=9DGK564F8144
What is the total number of paid sick and personal days a teacher gets each year?	12.5 (12.5 sick days, 3 of which can be used as personal days) Administrative Regulations GARH-R(1) & GARH-R(9): http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/aps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=9DGK564F8144
Can unused sick days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes Administrative Regulation GARH-R(1): http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/aps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=9DGK564F8144
Can unused personal days carry over from one year to the next?	No because personal days are taken from sick leave. Administrative Regulation GARH-R(9): http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/aps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=9DGK564F8144
What is the maximum number of sick days a teacher can accumulate?	120 days for teachers employed after 7/1/93; 380 days for teachers employed before 7/1/93 Administrative Regulation GARH-R(1): http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/aps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=9DGK564F8144
After how many days of absence does a teacher have to provide medical documentation for sick leave?	3 Administrative Regulation GARH-R(1): http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/aps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=9DGK564F8144
Professional Development Leave
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
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?	bereavement for immediate family (3 days), bereavement for other family (1 day), National Guard duty (18 days per calendar year), jury duty/legal Administrative Regulations GARH-R(2), GARH-R(4), and GARH-R(5): http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/aps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=9DGK564F8144
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
Attendance Incentives
When are leave days restricted or subject to refusal?	teacher professional learning days; first and last five student days of each semester; any day before or after a holiday or approved personal leave; standardized testing periods; other "critical days" as designated by the principal or director Administrative Regulation GARH-R(2): http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/aps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=9DGK564F8144
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 Administrative Regulation GARH-R(1-9): http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/aps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=9DGK564F8144
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 Administrative Regulation GARH-R(1): http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/aps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=9DGK564F8144
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at the end of each school year? How much?	No; personal days are taken from sick leave. Administrative Regulation GARH-R(9): http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/aps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=9DGK564F8144
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Yes Amount not specified. Administrative Regulation GARH-R(1): http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/aps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=9DGK564F8144 p. 27. Past Policy Yes 1/2 of the daily pay rate for day-by-day substitute teachers Board Policy GBA: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/aps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=9DGK564F8144 Past Policy Yes , 1/2 of the daily pay rate for day-by-day substitute teachers Administrative Regulation GARH-R(1): https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/PolicyOverview.aspx?S=4004&Sch=4004 Past Policy Yes , 1/2 of the daily pay rate for day-by-day substitute teachers Administrative Regulation GARH-R(1): http://bit.ly/OGOtfv Past Policy Yes Board Policy GBRIB-R: Board Policy GBRIB-R: https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/PolicyOverview.aspx?S=4004&Sch=4004
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	No; personal days are taken from sick leave. Administrative Regulation GARH-R(9): http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/aps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=9DGK564F8144

Professional Development questions

General
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How long is the mentorship program for a new teacher?	2 years New Teacher Center: http://www.newteachercenter.org/induction-programs/programs/atlanta-public-schools-ga
How long is the standard orientation that the district provides for new teachers?	1 day New Employee Orientation Schedule: http://www.atlanta.k12.ga.us//site/Default.aspx?PageID=47428 Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Tenure questions

Role of Tenure on Teacher Assignment and Employment
What is the minimum number of years of experience that a teacher must have in a district before tenure is granted?	3 years in accordance with state law Board Policy GBL: //www.boarddocs.com/ga/aps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=9DGK564F8144
Can the district decide to extend the nontenured period if the principal is uncertain that the teacher should receive tenure?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Transfer & Assignment questions

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?	yes, principals must be involved but superintendent is ultimately responsible for all hiring decisions Board Policies GARE & GARD: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/aps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=9DGK564F8144
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?	yes, can be transferred based on the needs and best interests of the district Board Policy GARE: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/aps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=9DGK564F8144
Identifying Involuntary Transfers Due to Excessing
Are teachers identified for excessing in reverse order of seniority?	No Board Policy GARE: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/aps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=9DGK564F8144
How are teachers identified for excessing?	multiple criteria including school program needs and best interests of school district Board Policy GARE: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/aps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=9DGK564F8144
Placing Excessed Teachers
How are excessed teachers assigned to schools?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
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

Contract Waivers questions

Waivers
Is there a system in place to accept waivers or variance provisions for portions of or the entire collective-bargaining agreement?	N/A collective bargaining is not allowed in this district
Do teachers have a vote in a request for a waiver?	n/a; there is no district-level union or collective bargaining agreement
What requirements must be met for a waiver of contract provisions to be approved?	n/a; there is no district-level union or collective bargaining agreement