|
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 (the district's contribution is determined annually by the Board)
p. 4.
p. 5.
|
| What is the maximum portion of the employee's dependents' health insurance premium paid by the employer? |
not specified; only the employee contribution is noted (the district's contribution is determined annually by the Board)
p. 4.
p. 5.
|
| Does the employer specify a dollar cap for the portion of the premium they cover? If so, what is the cap? |
no, only the employee contributions are specified (the district's contribution is determined annually by the Board)
p. 4.
p. 5.
|
|
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/909
p. 30.
|
| 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? |
Yes
, 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/909
p. 30.
|
| Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much? |
Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
| Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much? |
Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
|
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
|
|
School Year
|
| STUDENTS: How many days are students in school? |
178
|
| STUDENTS: How many hours, minimum, are students scheduled to be in school each year? |
1,246 (total)
Calculated by multiplying the number of student days in a year by the minimum required student hours in a day (178 days x 7 hours).
Board Policy EC (legal), p.1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/909
|
| 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) |
11
|
|
School Day
|
| How long is the school day for elementary students? |
at least 7 hours (total) in accordance with state law
Board Policy EC (legal), p.1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/909
|
| How long is the school day for secondary students? |
at least 7 hours (total) in accordance with state law
Board Policy EC (legal), p.1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/909
|
| How long is the scheduled workday for teachers? (total time scheduled on-site, including lunch) |
to be determined by superintendent
Board Policy DK (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/909
|
| 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 scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
|
Preparation Time
|
| How much planning time does an elementary teacher receive? |
450 minutes within each two-week period in blocks not less than 45 minutes within the instructional day
p. 3.
|
| How much planning time does a secondary teacher receive? |
450 minutes within each two-week period in blocks not less than 45 minutes within the instructional day
p. 3.
|
| How much teacher planning time is designated for collaborative planning? |
issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
|
Structure of the Salary Schedule
|
| What type of salary schedule is in use? |
New hire salary schedule
|
| What is the average percent increase in pay earned for each additional year of experience? |
0.8% (based on new hire salary only)
|
| 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) |
3.1% (based on new hire salary only)
Past Policy
2.5% (based on new hire salary only)
Past Policy
n/a; district was added to our database in 2014-15 so we do not have comparative data for 2013-2014
|
| 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) |
4.0% (based on new hire salary only)
Past Policy
3.4% (based on new hire salary only)
Past Policy
n/a; district was added to our database in 2014-15 so we do not have comparative data for 2013-2014
|
| What is the average difference between the master's and bachelor's salary? |
$1,800 (based on new hire salary only)
|
| 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)
|
| 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 salary only)
|
|
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 salary only)
Past Policy
$50,000 (based on new hire salary only)
Past Policy
$48,700
|
| What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience? |
$53,170 (based on new hire salary only)
Past Policy
$51,745 (based on new hire salary only)
Past Policy
$50,320 (based on new hire salary only)
|
| What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule? |
$62,295 (based on new hire salary only)
Past Policy
$61,438 (based on new hire salary only)
Past Policy
$60,292 (based on new hire salary only)
|
| What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a master's degree? |
$53,300 (based on new hire salary only)
Past Policy
$51,800 (based on new hire salary only)
Past Policy
$50,500
|
| What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree and 5 years of experience? |
$54,970 (based on new hire salary only)
|
| What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule? |
$64,095 (based on new hire salary only)
Past Policy
$63,238 (based on new hire salary only)
Past Policy
$62,092 (based on new hire salary only)
|
| 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? |
$65,895; PhD; 25 (based on new hire salary only)
Past Policy
$65,038; PhD; 25 (based on new hire salary only)
Past Policy
$63,892; PhD; 25 (based on new hire salary only)
|
|
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/909
|
|
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/909
|
| Can a teacher earn additional pay by teaching subjects deemed 'hard to staff'? |
Yes, bilingual education teachers earn a $4,000 annual stipend and special education teachers (autism intervention and management teachers, deaf education teachers and social development class teachers) earn annual stipends of $1,000
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. (Board Policy DEAA (legal), p. 4: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/909)
Past Policy
yes, bilingual education teachers earn a $3,000 annual stipend
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. (Board Policy DEAA (legal), p. 4: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/909)
Past Policy
yes, district acknowledges state law: district can apply to the Commissioner for grants to pay year end stipends to master teachers of reading, math, technology or science; bilingual education teachers earn a $2,000 annual stipend
Board Policy DEAA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/90
|
| Can a teacher who has National Board certification earn additional pay? |
Yes, $1,000 annual stipend
|
| What compensation is offered to a teacher who serves as a department head at the secondary level? |
$2,500 - $20,000 (per campus)
|
|
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/909
|
| 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; experience is awarded based on the Commissioner's rules, in accordance with state law
Board Policy DEA (legal), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/909
|
| 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.
DNA (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/909
|
| Do impartial third parties from outside the school serve as evaluators? |
Optional
district staff may act as appraisers
p. 12
Past Policy
No
pp. 26 & 27.
|
| Is peer review a component of teacher evaluation; what is the nature of the review? |
other
yes - optional, teacher leaders may perform appraisals
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.
|
| 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.
|
| Are evaluators required to give notice of an observation? |
Other
at the discretion of the district
It is unclear if the district requires that the observation be announced.
p. 8.
DNA (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/909
|
|
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 Conroe 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 Policies DNA (local) & DNA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/909
|
| What is the minimum number of times a non-tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation? |
1
The state requires one formal observations. It recommends additional formal/informal observations, however Conroe's evaluation calender shows evidence of just one required formal observation.
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? |
May 10, 2017 (15 working days before last day of instruction)
|
| What is the required minimum length of the formal observation for a non-tenured teacher? |
45 minutes in accordance with state law
DNA (legal), p. 4: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/909
|
|
Evaluation Requirements for Tenured Teachers
|
| How frequently do tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating? |
Once every two years
provided teacher attained at least 12 out of 16 at proficient with no need for improvement on last evaluation
The teacher is eligible for less-than-annual evaluation if s/he attained at least 12 out of 16 at proficient with no need for improvement on last evaluation.
Board Policy DNA (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/909
|
| What is the minimum number of times a tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation? |
1
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? |
May 10, 2017 (15 days before last day of instruction)
|
| What is the minimum length of a tenured teacher's formal observation? |
45 minutes in accordance with state law
DNA (legal), p. 4: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/909
|
|
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
Board Policy DNA (legal) & DNA (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/909
|
| Does the district assign a mentor or support team to the teacher in remediation? |
issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Board Policy DNA (legal) & DNA (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/909
|
| How many classroom observations (minimum) are required during remediation? |
Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Board Policy DNA (legal) & DNA (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/909
|
| How long is the remediation process? |
issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Board Policy DNA (legal) & DNA (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/909
|
| 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
|
| Can a teacher request a second evaluation from a different evaluator? |
Yes
Board Policy DNA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/909
|
|
Layoffs
|
| Must nontenured teachers be laid off before tenured? |
Other
no, if layoffs occur during school year, issue not addressed if layoffs occur at end of school year
Board Policy DFFA (local), p. 1 & Board Policy DFF (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/909
|
| Aside from program and staffing needs, what are the criteria for laying off teachers? |
Other
criteria applied in order: qualifications for current or projected assignment, performance/effectiveness, extra duty, professional teaching background, seniority
Board policy does not define the criteria used to layoff non-tenured (probationary) at the end of the year. These criteria apply only to nontenured (probationary) teachers when they are laid off during the school year as well as term contracts who are laid off at any time.
Board Policy DFFA (local), p. 3: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/909
|
| In the case of a layoff, is seniority determined at the school level or district level? |
District level
however, seniority is the last of the five criteria used to determine order of layoffs
Board Policy DFFA (local), p. 3: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/909
|
| 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/909
|
| 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/909
|
| 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/909
|
|
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 (5 state personal [sick], 2 local personal)
pp. 7 & 8.
|
| What is the total number of paid sick and personal days a teacher gets each year? |
7 (5 state personal [sick], 2 local personal)
pp. 7 & 8.
|
| Can unused sick days carry over from one year to the next? |
Yes
state personal leave days (which employees may use for sick days) carry over
p. 7.
|
| Can unused personal days carry over from one year to the next? |
Other
state personal leave days (which employees may use for sick and/or personal days) carry over, local personal leave does not carry over
pp. 7 & 8.
|
| What is the maximum number of sick days a teacher can accumulate? |
no maximum
p. 7.
|
| After how many days of absence does a teacher have to provide medical documentation for sick leave? |
5
Board Policy DEC (local), p. 2: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/909
|
|
Professional Development Leave
|
| Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much? |
Yes
school business leave (number of days not specified)
p. 11.
|
|
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? |
assault (2 years), jury duty, court appearances/subpoenas, military (15 days)
pp. 10 & 11.
|
| 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? |
day before or after a school holiday, end-of-semester/year exam days, days scheduled for state assessments, professional development days, times determined by the principal/supervisor
p. 7.
|
| Can a teacher earn additional pay or leave days for demonstrating good job attendance? How much? |
Yes
teachers are paid annually for any unused local personal leave days at the substitute pay rate, up to two days
p. 8.
|
| Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at the end of each school year? How much? |
No
p. 8.
|
| Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at the end of each school year? How much? |
Yes
teachers are paid annually for any unused local personal leave days at the substitute pay rate, up to two days
p. 8.
|
| Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much? |
Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
| Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much? |
Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
|
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, selection made by central office, however, principal must approve all assignments
Board Policies DK (local) & DK (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/437
|
| 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, best interests of school district
Board Policy DK (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/437
|
|
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
|
| 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
|