Arlington Independent School District, Texas

Compensation - Fringe Benefits questions

Health and Wellness
What is the maximum portion of the employee's health insurance premium paid by the employer?	73% (includes the Wellness Program Incentive) pp. 13 & 14. Past Policy 74% pp. 11 & 12.
What is the maximum portion of the employee's dependents' health insurance premium paid by the employer?	39% (includes the Wellness Program Incentive) pp. 13 & 14. Past Policy 41% pp. 11 & 12.
Does the employer specify a dollar cap for the portion of the premium they cover? If so, what is the cap?	yes, $235 pp. 13 & 14. Past Policy yes, $225
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?	district acknowledges state policy: 45 days prior to the first day of instruction Board Policy DFE (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098
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 legal sanctions may be imposed Board Policy DFE (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Yes for accumulated eligible local sick leave days: up to 50 unused sick days at a rate not to exceed $45 per day; for accumulated ineligible local sick leave days: 1/2 of the amount paid for eligible sick leave days for each unused sick day, up to 120 days p. 1, Board policy DEG (LOCAL): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098
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 the scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Calendar questions

School Year
STUDENTS: How many days are students in school?	178 Past Policy 172 Past Policy 177 Past Policy 177 Past Policy 177 2010-2011 School Year Calendar Past Policy 177 2009-2010 School Year Calendar Past Policy 177 2008-2009 School Year Calendar
STUDENTS: How many hours, minimum, are students scheduled to be in school each year?	1,290 hours, 30 minutes (total) Calculated by multiplying the school day length by the number of days in a school year (7 hours, 15 minutes x 177 days). p. 26.
TEACHERS: How many days are teachers in school?	187 Past Policy 186 Past Policy 187 Past Policy 187 Past Policy 187 2011-2012 School Year Calendar Past Policy 187 2010-2011 School Year Calendar Past Policy 187 2009-2010 School Year Calendar Past Policy 187 2008-2009 School Year Calendar
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?	7 hours, 15 minutes (except for PreK which is 3 hours) (total) p. 24. Past Policy 7 hours (total) Board Policy EC (LEGAL): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098 Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How long is the school day for secondary students?	7 hours, 15 minutes (total) p. 24. Past Policy 7 hours (total) Board Policy EC (LEGAL): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098 Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How long is the scheduled workday for teachers? (total time scheduled on-site, including lunch)	7 hours, 40 minutes p. 24. Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Past Policy issue not addressed in 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)	25 minutes (10 minutes before the student day, 15 minutes after) p. 24. Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Preparation Time
How much planning time does an elementary teacher receive?	450 minutes every two weeks; district acknowledges policy which is mandated by Education Code 21.404 A planning and preparation period may not be less than 45 minutes within the instructional day. p. 25. Board Policy DL (LEGAL): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098
How much planning time does a secondary teacher receive?	450 minutes every two weeks; district acknowledges policy which is mandated by Education Code 21.404 p. 25. Board Policy DL (LEGAL): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098
How much teacher planning time is designated for collaborative planning?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Class Size questions

Class Size Restrictions
What are the class size restrictions?	K-4: district acknowledges state law; 22 PreK and 5-12: issue not addressed in the scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Policy EEB (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098
What happens when the class size limit is exceeded?	Other Notify parents District acknowledges policy mandated by state law the school shall notify the Commissioner and apply for exception; a campus or district that is granted an exception from class size limits shall provide written notice of the exception to the parent to each student affected by the exception Board Policy EEB (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098

Compensation - Salary questions

Structure of the Salary Schedule
What type of salary schedule is in use?	No salary schedule The district only publishes the minimum, midpoint and maximum salaries as well as the size of the approved salary increase (2.25% in 2017-2018). p. 1 (pdf) & pp. 12 & 39.
What is the average percent increase in pay earned for each additional year of experience?	N/A; the district does not utilize a salary schedule. The district only publishes the minimum, midpoint and maximum salaries as well as the size of the approved salary increase (2.25% in 2017-2018). p. 1 (pdf) & pp. 12 & 39.
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 only on the minimum, midpoint, and maximum salaries; however, the district notes an approved 2.25% salary increase. The district only publishes the minimum, midpoint and maximum salaries as well as the size of the approved salary increase (2.25% in 2017-2018). p. 1 (pdf) & pp. 12 & 39.
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)	N/A; the district does not utilize a salary schedule. The district only publishes the minimum, midpoint and maximum salaries as well as the size of the approved salary increase (2.25% in 2017-2018). p. 1 (pdf) & pp. 12 & 39.
What is the average difference between the master's and bachelor's salary?	$1,500; while the district does not utilize a salary schedule, they do provide a salary differential for teachers with a MA. The district only publishes the minimum, midpoint and maximum salaries as well as the size of the approved salary increase (2.25% in 2017-2018). p. 1 (pdf) & pp. 12 & 39.
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) The district only publishes the minimum, midpoint and maximum salaries as well as the size of the approved salary increase (2.25% in 2017-2018). p. 1 (pdf) & pp. 12 & 39. Past Policy 2: BA, MA (stipend pay) p. 2 (pdf). Past Policy 2: BA, MA (stipend pay) p. 2 (pdf). Past Policy 3: BA, MA (stipend pay), PhD (stipend pay) Past Policy 1 Two stipends are available to teachers with a master's or PhD. Salary schedules prior to 1989 included a lane for teachers with a master's. 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 1 Two stipends are available to teachers with a master's or PhD. Salary schedules prior to 1989 included a lane for teachers with a master's. 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 1 Two stipends are available to teachers with a master's or PhD. Salary schedules prior to 1989 included a lane for teachers with a master's. 2008-2009 Salary Schedule Past Policy 1 Two stipends are available to teachers with a master's or PhD. Salary schedules prior to 1989 included a lane for teachers with a master's. 2007-2008 Salary Schedule
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)?	N/A; the district does not utilize a salary schedule. The district only publishes the minimum, midpoint and maximum salaries as well as the size of the approved salary increase (2.25% in 2017-2018). p. 1 (pdf) & pp. 12 & 39.
Annual Salary
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a bachelor's degree?	$52,500 The district only publishes the minimum, midpoint and maximum salaries as well as the size of the approved salary increase (2.25% in 2017-2018). pp. 1 (pdf) & 12. Past Policy $51,500 (minimum salary) The district does not use a salary schedule and only specifies the minimum, midpoint, and maximum salaries. p. 2 (pdf). Past Policy $51,000 (minimum salary) The district does not use a salary schedule and only specifies the minimum, midpoint and maximum salaries. p. 2 (pdf). Past Policy $50,000 (minimum salary on Market Based Salary Range) The district does not use a salary schedule and only specifies the minimum, midpoint and maximum salaries. Comparable teachers (e.g., experience, teaching assignment, etc) earn the same salary. Past Policy 45,876 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 45,422 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 44,000 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience?	N/A; the district does not utilize a salary schedule. The midpoint salary is $62,750. The district only publishes the minimum, midpoint and maximum salaries as well as the size of the approved salary increase (2.25% in 2017-2018). pp. 1 (pdf) & 12. Past Policy Not specified (the midpoint salary - of which experience is only one factor - is $61,500) The district does not use a salary schedule and only specifies the minimum, midpoint, and maximum salaries. p. 2 (pdf). Past Policy not specified (the midpoint salary - of which experience is only one factor - is $61,000) The district does not use a salary schedule and only specifies the minimum, midpoint and maximum salaries. p. 2 (pdf). Past Policy not specified (the midpoint salary - of which experience is only one factor - on the Market Based Salary Range is $59,000) The district does not use a salary schedule and only specifies the minimum, midpoint and maximum salaries. Comparable teachers (e.g., experience, teaching assignment, etc) earn the same salary. Past Policy 48,362 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 47,880 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 46,548 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$73,000 The district only publishes the minimum, midpoint and maximum salaries as well as the size of the approved salary increase (2.25% in 2017-2018). pp. 1 (pdf) & 12. Past Policy $71,500 (maximum salary) The district does not use a salary schedule and only specifies the minimum, midpoint, and maximum salaries. p. 2 (pdf). Past Policy $71,000 (maximum salary) The district does not use a salary schedule and only specifies the minimum, midpoint and maximum salaries. p. 2 (pdf). Past Policy $69,620 (maximum salary on Market Based Salary Range) The district does not use a salary schedule and only specifies the minimum, midpoint and maximum salaries. Comparable teachers (e.g., experience, teaching assignment, etc) earn the same salary. Past Policy 64,002 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 63,367 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 62,445 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a master's degree?	$54,000 The district only publishes the minimum, midpoint and maximum salaries as well as the size of the approved salary increase (2.25% in 2017-2018). p. 1 (pdf) & pp. 12 & 39. Past Policy $53,000 (minimum salary + $1,500 MA stipend) The district does not use a salary schedule and only specifies the minimum, midpoint, and maximum salaries. p. 2 (pdf). Past Policy $52,500 (minimum salary + $1,500 MA stipend) The district does not use a salary schedule and only specifies the minimum, midpoint and maximum salaries. p. 2 (pdf). Past Policy $51,500 (minimum salary on Market Based Salary Range + $1,500 MA stipend) The district does not use a salary schedule and only specifies the minimum, midpoint and maximum salaries. Comparable teachers (e.g., experience, teaching assignment, etc) earn the same salary. Past Policy 47,376 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 45,500 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 45,500 The salary schedule for a teacher with a MA is that of a teacher with a BA + $1,500. 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree and 5 years of experience?	N/A; the district does not utilize a salary schedule. The midpoint MA salary is $64,250. The district only publishes the minimum, midpoint and maximum salaries as well as the size of the approved salary increase (2.25% in 2017-2018). p. 1 (pdf) & pp. 12 & 39. Past Policy Not specified (the midpoint salary - of which experience is only one factor - is $63,000, inclusive of $1,500 MA stipend) The district does not use a salary schedule and only specifies the minimum, midpoint, and maximum salaries. p. 2 (pdf). Past Policy not specified (the midpoint salary - of which experience is only one factor - is $62,500, inclusive of $1,500 MA stipend) The district does not use a salary schedule and only specifies the minimum, midpoint and maximum salaries. p. 2 (pdf). Past Policy not specified (the midpoint salary - of which experience is only one factor - on the Market Based Salary Range is $60,500, inclusive of $1,500 MA stipend) The district does not use a salary schedule and only specifies the minimum, midpoint and maximum salaries. Comparable teachers (e.g., experience, teaching assignment, etc) earn the same salary. 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 49,862 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 48,459 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 48,459 The salary schedule for a teacher with a MA is that of a teacher with a BA + $1,500. 2007-2008 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$74,500 The district only publishes the minimum, midpoint and maximum salaries as well as the size of the approved salary increase (2.25% in 2017-2018). p. 1 (pdf) & pp. 12 & 39. Past Policy $73,000 (maximum salary on Market Based Salary Range + $1,500 MA stipend) The district does not use a salary schedule and only specifies the minimum, midpoint, and maximum salaries. p. 2 (pdf). Past Policy $72,500 (maximum salary on Market Based Salary Range + $1,500 MA stipend) The district does not use a salary schedule and only specifies the minimum, midpoint and maximum salaries. p. 2 (pdf). Past Policy $71,120 (maximum salary on Market Based Salary Range + $1,500 MA stipend) The district does not use a salary schedule and only specifies the minimum, midpoint and maximum salaries. Comparable teachers (e.g., experience, teaching assignment, etc) earn the same salary. Past Policy 65,502 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 64,867 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 63,818 The salary schedule for a teacher with a MA is that of a teacher with a BA + $1,500. 2008-2009 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?	$76,000; PhD; the district does not utilize a salary schedule and there is no indication that years of experience factor into salary determination. The district only publishes the minimum, midpoint and maximum salaries as well as the size of the approved salary increase (2.25% in 2017-2018). p. 1 (pdf) & pp. 12 & 39. Past Policy $73,000; MA; years of experience not specified (the district does not utilize a salary schedule and only specifies the minimum, midpoint and maximum salaries; it is not clear how many years of experience a teacher must have before reaching the maximum salary) p. 2 (pdf). Past Policy $72,500; MA; years of experience not specified (the district does not utilize a salary schedule and only specifies the minimum, midpoint and maximum salaries, and it is not clear how many years of experience a teacher must have before reaching the maximum salary) p. 2 (pdf). Past Policy $72,620; PhD; years of experience not specified The district does not use a salary schedule and only specifies the minimum, midpoint and maximum salaries. Comparable teachers (e.g., experience, teaching assignment, etc) earn the same salary. Past Policy 64,894; MA or PhD; 31
Performance Pay
Is annual salary increase tied to evaluation rating?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents District confirmed that there is no pay tied to evaluation rating.
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 District confirmed that there is no pay tied to evaluation rating.
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 District confirmed that there is no pay tied to evaluation rating.
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, teachers may receive incentive payments Board Policy DEAA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098
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, bilingual teachers receive an annual stipend of $3,000 and special education teachers in specialized programs are eligible for an annual stipend of $1,500. pp. 38 & 39. Past Policy Yes, bilingual teachers receive an annual stipend (amount not specified) District website: http://w2.aisd.net/aisd/jobs Past Policy yes, bilingual teachers receive an annual stipend (amount not specified) District website: http://w2.aisd.net/aisd/jobs Past Policy yes, bilingual teachers receive an annual stipend (amount not specified) In speaking with the district regarding their 2014-15 salary schedule, they noted that teachers of bilingual education receive a $3,000 annual stipend. District website: http://www.aisd.net/AISD/Default.aspx?alias=www.aisd.net/aisd/jobs Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
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?	$1,717 p. 38.
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):http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098
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): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098
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 Board Policies DNA (local) & DNA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098
What is the process for dismissal of an ineffective teacher?	continuing contract teacher may request hearing before Independent Hearing Examiner; term contract teachers may request hearing, Board determines if hearing is before board or board-selected attorney who makes recommendation to board, board votes The majority of Texas districts, including Arlington, no longer issue continuing contracts (Texas equivalent of tenure). Most post-probationary teachers work under term contracts, good usually for 1-2 years. Term contracts still offer greater protections than the probationary contract. The probationary/non-tenured period is three years. p. 4, Board Policies DFBB (local) & DFCA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098
Does a nontenured teacher have any recourse if his/her contract is not renewed?	no, in accordance with state law Board Policy DFAB (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098
By what date must a nontenured teacher be notified of non-renewal of his/her contract?	10th day before last day of instruction, in accordance with state law Board Policy DFAB (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098
When must a tenured teacher be notified of his/her dismissal?	10th day before last day of instruction, in accordance with state law (term contracts), issue not addressed for continuing contracts The majority of Texas districts, including Arlington, no longer issue continuing contracts (Texas equivalent of tenure). Most non-tenured, or probationary, teachers work under term contracts, good usually for 1-2 years. Term contracts still offer greater protections than the probationary contract. Board Policy DFBB (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098

Evaluation questions

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. p. 33. 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 p. 12.
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 in accordance with state policy p. 24.
What kind of feedback must the teacher receive following an evaluation?	Conference with evaluator in accordance with state policy p. 30.
How many categories of ratings are there?	5: Distinguished, Accomplished, Proficient, Developing, Improvement needed; in accordance with state policy p. 29. Past Policy 4: Exceeds Expectations, Proficient, Below Expectations, Unsatisfactory p. 18. Past Policy district acknowledges state law DNA (local) Past Policy 5: unsatisfactory; below expectations; meets expectations; exceeding expectations; clearly outstanding Attachment D. Past Policy 5: unsatisfactory; below expectations; meets expectations; exceeding expectations; clearly outstanding Arlington ISD Texas Teacher Appraisal System
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.
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 Arlington 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); in accordance with state policy 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 Past Policy n/a Domain VIII is Improvement of Academic Performance Of All Students on the Campus, however, the teacher is not evaluated on objective evidence of student growth or achievement. 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/1098
What is the minimum number of times a non-tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	1, in accordance with state policy The state requires one formal observations. It recommends additional formal/informal observations, however Arlington's evaluation calender shows evidence of just one required formal observation. p. 34. p. 24.
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the non-tenured teacher?	November 17, 2016. p. 34. Past Policy April 2, 2015 Past Policy district acknowledges state law DNA (local) Past Policy
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the non-tenured teacher?	April 27, 2017 (evaluation conference); May 11, 2017 (final evaluation report due within ten days of conference, all, by May 11) p. 34. Past Policy May 12, 2015 Past Policy district acknowledges state law DNA (local) Past Policy
What is the required minimum length of the formal observation for a non-tenured teacher?	45 minutes Board Policy DNA (legal), p. 9: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098
Evaluation Requirements for Tenured Teachers
How frequently do tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Other annual evaluation required eventually but an exception may be made during the transition period With teacher's permission, district may elect to evaluate teachers less frequently than annually if the teacher was eligible for less-than-annual evaluations under the previous evaluation system. Not more than 3 years may elapse between evaluations and teachers must receive a written review in the off-years. The duration of the transition period is not clear. Board Policy DNA (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098
What is the minimum number of times a tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	1, in accordance with state policy The state requires one formal observations. It recommends additional formal/informal observations, however Arlington's evaluation calender shows evidence of just one required formal observation. p. 34. p. 24.
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the tenured teacher?	February 28, 2017 p. 34. Past Policy April 2, 2015 Past Policy district acknowledges state law DNA (local) Past Policy
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the tenured teacher?	April 27, 2017 (evaluation conference); May 11, 2017 (final evaluation report due within ten days of conference, all, by May 11) p. 34.
What is the minimum length of a tenured teacher's formal observation?	45 minutes p. 9, Board Policy DNA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098
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 Policies DNA (local) & DNA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098
Does the district assign a mentor or support team to the teacher in remediation?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Policies DNA (local) & DNA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098
How many classroom observations (minimum) are required during remediation?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Policies DNA (local) & DNA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098
How long is the remediation process?	issue not addressed in the scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Policy DNA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098
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): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098

Layoffs questions

Layoffs
Must nontenured teachers be laid off before tenured?	Other no, if layoff occurs during the school year, issue not addressed if layoff occurs at end of year Board Policies DFF (legal) & pp. 1, 3 & 4, DFFA (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098
Aside from program and staffing needs, what are the criteria for laying off teachers?	Other criteria applied sequentially, by qualifications, seniority, performance, extra duties, professional background; continuing contracts laid off by 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. Note: teachers who work under continuing contracts which the district no longer issues, are laid off by the following criteria, applied sequentially: performance, qualifications, extra duties, professional background and seniority (DFFC local). Board Policies DFFA (local) & DFFC (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098
In the case of a layoff, is seniority determined at the school level or district level?	District level Board Policies DFFA (local) & DFFC (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098
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?	No teacher is eligible for rehire and shall be considered for openings but nothing indicates that s/he gets preference; continuing contracts have recall rights An employee who is discharged or nonrenewed, or who elects to resign after receiving notice of proposed discharge or nonrenewal pursuant to this policy, shall be eligible for rehire and shall be considered for open positions. Board Policy DFFA (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098
How long does a laid off teacher retain recall rights?	n/a Board Policies DFCA (legal), DFFA (local, DFCA (legal) & DFFC (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098

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?	10-15 (5 state personal leave days, 5-10 local personal leave days) Professional employees hired prior to the 1988–89 school year shall continue to receive ten local personal leave days per school year. All other employees shall receive five local personal leave days per school year. p. 4, Board Policy DEC (LOCAL): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098 p. 1, Board Policy DEC (LEGAL): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098
What is the total number of paid sick and personal days a teacher gets each year?	10-15 (5 state personal leave days, 5-10 local personal leave days) Professional employees hired prior to the 1988–89 school year shall continue to receive ten local personal leave days per school year. All other employees shall receive five local personal leave days per school year. p. 4, Board Policy DEC (LOCAL): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098 p. 1, Board Policy DEC (LEGAL): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098
Can unused sick days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes local leave and state personal leave accumulates p. 4, Board Policy DEC (LOCAL): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098 p. 1, Board Policy DEC (LEGAL): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098
Can unused personal days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes local leave and state personal leave accumulates p. 4, Board Policy DEC (LOCAL): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098
What is the maximum number of sick days a teacher can accumulate?	local leave shall accumulate to a maximum of 50 leave days; state personal leave has no limit on accumulation p. 4, Board Policy DEC (LOCAL): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098 p. 1, Board Policy DEC (LEGAL): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098
After how many days of absence does a teacher have to provide medical documentation for sick leave?	5 p. 3, Board Policy DEC (LOCAL): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098
Professional Development Leave
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes paid developmental leave (one year at half salary, or half of a school year at full salary) Teacher must have served in the District at least five consecutive school years. p. 4, Board Policy DEC (LEGAL): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098
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), court subpoena/jury duty, military (15 days per fiscal year) pp. 17 & 18. p. 6, Board Policy DEC (LOCAL); p. 3, Board Policy DEC (LEGAL); p. 2, Board Policy DECB (LEGAL): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098
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 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?	availability of substitutes p. 3, Board Policy DEC (LOCAL): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098
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 for accumulated eligible local sick leave days: up to 50 unused sick days at a rate not to exceed $45 per day; for accumulated ineligible local sick leave days: 1/2 of the amount paid for eligible sick leave days for each unused sick day, up to 120 days p. 1, Board policy DEG (LOCAL): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Professional Development questions

General
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes paid developmental leave (one year at half salary, or half of a school year at full salary) Teacher must have served in the District at least five consecutive school years. p. 4, Board Policy DEC (LEGAL): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098
How long is the mentorship program for a new teacher?	Unspecified The District may assign a mentor teacher to each classroom teacher who has less than two years of teaching experience in the subject or grade level to which the teacher is assigned. p. 3, Board policy DEAA (LEGAL): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098
How long is the standard orientation that the district provides for new teachers?	1 day Teachers new to profession report August 8, 2016; teachers new to AISD report August 10, 2016.

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 DCA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098
Can the district decide to extend the nontenured period if the principal is uncertain that the teacher should receive tenure?	Yes for up to one year, in accordance with state law p. 2, Board Policy DCA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1098

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?	no, however principal must approve all appointments Board Policy DC (legal): 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

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 there is no district-level union or collective bargaining agreement
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