|
Health and Wellness
|
| What is the maximum portion of the employee's health insurance premium paid by the employer? |
69%
pp. 4 & 5.
p. 5.
Past Policy
71%
p. 14.
|
| What is the maximum portion of the employee's dependents' health insurance premium paid by the employer? |
51%
p. 4.
p. 5.
Past Policy
54%
p. 14.
|
| Does the employer specify a dollar cap for the portion of the premium they cover? If so, what is the cap? |
yes, $245 per month
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: 45th day before the first day of instruction of the following school year, in accordance with state law; resignation: issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Board Policy DFE (legal), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/597
|
| 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
Employees who have notified the district of their retirement by April 8, 2016 will be listed among the honorees during the Service Awards recognition celebration. Employees who retire after that date will receive recognition the following year.
|
| 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 may impose sanctions, in accordance with state law
Board Policy DFE (legal), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/597
|
| Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much? |
Yes
one-fourth of the employee’s annual salary up to 800 hours
An employee retiring under provisions of the TRS and who has been continuously employed by the District in a position eligible for sick leave prior to August 1, 1980, shall be eligible for separation pay upon retirement. If the employee has accumulated less than the maximum number of hours, separation payment shall be computed by calculating the ratio of accumulated hours divided by the maximum number of hours multiplied by one-fourth of the employee’s annual salary or wage
Board Policy DEC (local), p. 4: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/597
Past Policy
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
Board Policy DEC (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/597
|
|
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? |
174
Past Policy
180
Past Policy
175
Past Policy
176
|
| 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), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/597
|
| TEACHERS: How many days are teachers in school? |
187
Past Policy
186
Past Policy
187
Past Policy
187
|
| TEACHERS: How many days is the teacher required to be on-site without students? (including half or partial days) |
13
Past Policy
6
Past Policy
12
Past Policy
11
|
|
School Day
|
| How long is the school day for elementary students? |
at least 7 hours (total)
Board Policy EC (local), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/597
|
| How long is the school day for secondary students? |
at least 7 hours (total)
Board Policy EC (local), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/597
|
| How long is the scheduled workday for teachers? (total time scheduled on-site, including lunch) |
determined by the Superintendent/designee and principals
Board Policy DK (local), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/597
|
| 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) |
determined by the Superintendent/designee and principals
Board Policy DK (local), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/597
|
|
Preparation Time
|
| How much planning time does an elementary teacher receive? |
at least 450 minutes in each two-week period (a planning period may not be less than 45 minutes within the day); in accordance with state law
Board Policy DL (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/597
|
| How much planning time does a secondary teacher receive? |
at least 450 minutes in each two-week period (a planning period may not be less than 45 minutes within the day); in accordance with state law
Board Policy DL (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/597
|
| 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 schedule for new hires)
|
| 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) |
1.5% (based on schedule for new hires)
p. 2 (pdf).
Past Policy
2.2% (based on schedule for new hires)
p. 2 (pdf).
Past Policy
2.2%
|
| 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) |
2.3% (based on schedule for new hires)
p. 2 (pdf).
Past Policy
3.1% (based on schedule for new hires)
p. 2 (pdf).
Past Policy
3.1%
|
| What is the average difference between the master's and bachelor's salary? |
$1,000 (based on schedule for new hires)
|
| How many lanes (or columns) based on advanced degrees or credit attainment are on the teacher's salary schedule? |
2: BA, MA (based on schedule for new hires)
|
| 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)? |
30 (based on schedule for new hires)
|
|
Annual Salary
|
| What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a bachelor's degree? |
$51,018 (based on schedule for new hires)
Past Policy
$50,130 (based on schedule for new hires)
p. 2 (pdf).
Past Policy
$48,848
|
| What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience? |
$53,590 (based on schedule for new hires)
Past Policy
$52,690 (based on schedule for new hires)
p. 2 (pdf).
Past Policy
$51,397
|
| What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule? |
$65,056 (based on schedule for new hires)
Past Policy
$64,358 (based on schedule for new hires)
p. 2 (pdf).
Past Policy
$63,276
|
| What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a master's degree? |
$52,018 (based on schedule for new hires)
Past Policy
$51,130 (based on schedule for new hires)
p. 2 (pdf).
Past Policy
$49,848
|
| What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree and 5 years of experience? |
$54,590 (based on schedule for new hires)
Past Policy
$53,690 (based on schedule for new hires)
p. 2 (pdf).
Past Policy
$52,397
|
| What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule? |
$66,056 (based on schedule for new hires)
Past Policy
$65,358 (based on schedule for new hires)
p. 2 (pdf).
Past Policy
$64,276
|
| 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? |
$66,056; MA; 30 (based on schedule for new hires)
Past Policy
$65,358; MA; 30 (based on schedule for new hires)
p. 2 (pdf).
Past Policy
$64,276; MA; 30
|
|
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): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/597
|
|
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): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/597
|
| Can a teacher earn additional pay by teaching subjects deemed 'hard to staff'? |
yes, the Superintendent may recommend supplemental pay for teachers in particular areas such as science, math and bilingual education
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 Policies DEAA (local and legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/597
|
| 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? |
Uncertified teachers cannot be the teacher of record
District acknowledges state law
Board Policy DBA (legal), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/597
|
| 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; district acknowledges state law: experience is awarded based on the Commissioner's rules
Board Policy DEA (legal), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/597
|
| 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, Improvement of academic performance of all students on the campus)
pp. 47-51.
|
| Do impartial third parties from outside the school serve as evaluators? |
Optional
p. 1 (pdf).
|
| Is peer review a component of teacher evaluation; what is the nature of the review? |
No
Classroom teachers who participated in T-TESS training may be used for staff development and as resource persons for other teachers, but will not be used as appraisers.
p. 1 (pdf).
|
| 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. 2 (pdf).
Past Policy
Written report, conference upon request
p. 22.
|
| What kind of feedback must the teacher receive following an evaluation? |
Conference with evaluator
p. 2 (pdf).
|
| 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? |
Yes
notice of at least 2 working days
p. 3 (pdf).
|
|
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 will count 20%, methodology for calculating is unclear)
p. 4.
|
| How is student achievement/growth calculated for teachers of non-tested subjects? |
N/A (effective 2017-2018, student growth will count 20%, methodology for calculating is unclear)
p. 4.
|
|
Evaluation Requirements for non-tenured Teachers
|
| How frequently do non-tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating? |
Once a year
Board Policies DNA (local), p. 1 & DNA (legal), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/597
p. 3 (pdf).
|
| What is the minimum number of times a non-tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation? |
1
p. 24.
p. 3 (pdf).
|
| 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 - final written summative report (final conference by April 25, 2017)
DNA (legal), p. 5: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/597
p. 4 (pdf).
|
| 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. 9: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/597
p. 4 (pdf).
|
|
Evaluation Requirements for Tenured Teachers
|
| How frequently do tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating? |
Summative evaluation once every five years; formative in off years
 Board Policies DNA (local), p. 1 & DNA (legal), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/597
To be eligible for less-than-annual full evaluations, a teacher must be on a term contract, must be assigned to a school with a rating no lower than acceptable, and must have received a previous satisfactory evaluation.
p. 3 (pdf).
|
| What is the minimum number of times a tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation? |
1
p. 24.
p. 3 (pdf).
|
| 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 in accordance with state law - final written summative report (final conference by April 25, 2017)
DNA (legal), p. 5: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/597
p. 4 (pdf).
|
| What is the minimum length of a tenured teacher's formal observation? |
45 minutes in accordance with state law
DNA (legal), p. 9: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/597
p. 4 (pdf).
|
|
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
|
| Can a teacher request a second evaluation from a different evaluator? |
Yes
in accordance with state law
Board Policy DNA (legal), p. 5: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/597
|
|
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 Policies DFFA (local), p. 1 & DFF (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/597
|
| Aside from program and staffing needs, what are the criteria for laying off teachers? |
Other
criteria applied sequentially: qualifications for current and projected assignment, performance, extra duties, professional 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), pp. 1 & 3: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/597
|
| 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 criteria used to determine order of layoffs
Board Policy DFFA (local), p. 3: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/597
|
| 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
|
| How long does a laid off teacher retain recall rights? |
issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
|
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? |
10 (5 state personal, 5 local leave)
Board Policies DEC (legal), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/597
p. 7.
|
| What is the total number of paid sick and personal days a teacher gets each year? |
10 (5 state personal, 5 local leave)
Board Policies DEC (legal), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/597
p. 7.
|
| Can unused sick days carry over from one year to the next? |
Yes
both state personal leave and local leave carry over
Board Policies DEC (legal), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/597
p. 15.
|
| Can unused personal days carry over from one year to the next? |
Yes
both state personal leave and local leave carry over
Board Policies DEC (legal), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/597
p. 15.
|
| What is the maximum number of sick days a teacher can accumulate? |
state personal leave: no maximum; local leave: issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Board Policies DEC (legal), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/597
p. 15.
|
| After how many days of absence does a teacher have to provide medical documentation for sick leave? |
5, or when employee exhibits questionable pattern of absences or when deemed necessary by the supervisor/superintendent
Board Policies DEC (local), p. 3: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/597
|
|
Professional Development Leave
|
| Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much? |
Yes
professional development leave to attend meetings, conferences, and workshops
Board Policy DMD (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/597
|
|
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 leave (2 years), jury duty, court subpoena, military training or order (15 days), military active duty (district acknowledges government code 437.202(a)) in accordance with state law; in accordance with state law
Board Policies DEC (legal), pp. 3 & 4 & DECB (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/597
|
| Is leave available for a teacher to attend union associated activities (not counting leave given to elected union representatives)? |
n/a; there is no collective bargaining unit
|
|
Attendance Incentives
|
| When are leave days restricted or subject to refusal? |
when more than 5% of campus employees in each category are absent; when employee's absence affects educational program; availability of substitutes
Discretionary use of state personal leave shall not exceed two consecutive workdays. Time longer than two consecutive workdays must be approved by the Superintendent or designee.
Board Policies DEC (local), p. 4: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/597
|
| 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
one-fourth of the employee’s annual salary up to 800 hours
An employee retiring under provisions of the TRS and who has been continuously employed by the District in a position eligible for sick leave prior to August 1, 1980, shall be eligible for separation pay upon retirement. If the employee has accumulated less than the maximum number of hours, separation payment shall be computed by calculating the ratio of accumulated hours divided by the maximum number of hours multiplied by one-fourth of the employee’s annual salary or wage
Board Policy DEC (local), p. 4: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/597
Past Policy
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
Board Policy DEC (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/597
|
|
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
Board Policies DC (local); DC (legal); DK (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098
|
| 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
|
| 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
|