Good morning and Happy New School Year!

1. Good morning and Happy New School Year! Please drop off your business card in the basket up front and fill out the PSS survey

2. Critical Issues in HRAugust 29, 2014 Presented by Melissa Aguero Ramirez HR Director Region One ESC

3. Welcome, Introductions & Announcements • McAllen ISD – Dr. Socorro • IDEA – Sebastian Camacho • Hidalgo – Marilu Navarro • Moved! Harlingen CISD – Melissa Pena Retirements?

4. Educator Preparation Programs • Excellence in Teaching • Project Pace

5. Certification • 1. PPR less than EC-12; need to finish by Aug 31 2014 (see bottom of 1st page of handout) application deadline is October 31 • 2. 7-12 (Math, Chemistry, Life Science, PhsycalScience, )exams from 8-12 (this summer will be last administration of 8-12; they have until Aug 2015 to meet cert requirements) see p. 3 of handout • REMIND teachers - they must APPLY for certificates once they pass exams • 3. BTLPT - still required for Standard but not for Probationary *******for PERMITS need to submit as Hardship if haven't passed BTLPT BUT can use Fluency requirement documentation as supporting doc for permit hardship******

6. New 7-12 Certificates

7. New 6-12 Certificates

8. Certification continued • 4. Generalist EC-6 (191) and Bilingual Generalist EC-6 (192) and 4-8 Generalist (111) • current exam will still be offered 14-15 - changes: timed AND must pass each section vs. overall score - DIFFERENT: if going through EC-6 OR 4-8 by Aug 2015, have until 8/31/17 to get certificate (including Bilingual and ESL generalists but won't issue these certs anymore after; only supplemental) • New Generalist called Core Subjects (p.4 of hdout) - start being offered January 2015 (old and new exam going to be offered at same time) - Generalist EC-6 STILL will include core content plus health, technology, fine arts & PE (total of 5 sections); each section is timed - if don't pass all sections will need to retake only those sections that weren't passed (still working through how this will work) HUGE programming effort - new test numbers will be in the 800s - $60 a section to retes - probably don't have to wait 45 days to retest but after that yes wait 45 days more questions (over 200 questions) and rigor but not more time (5 hours total)

9. Certification cont’d. • Name Change • To submit a change or correction of name, gender or date of birth, please email the required documents along with a daytime phone number. • Current state drivers license or state ID • Out-of-Country educators who do not hold a state-issued drivers license may submit a copy of a current passport. • Last four digits of social security number • Previous name • A current email address and valid daytime phone number • Please scan documents and email to:namechange@tea.state.tx.us • Or Mail to:TEA-CRT5th Floor1701 North Congress Ave Austin, TX 78701Current processing time is 20 business days, once all required documents are received. If you do not receive a notification from our office after 20 business days, please resend the documents with the following subject: “Second Request – name change.”

10. News from ETS • Limited Administration CAT testing schedule • Preparation manual and tests at a glance available: www.texes.ets.org/texes/prepmaterials. * new online format and include links and bookmarks to help users find information quickly and easily. • Change in Test Retake Policy • Texas Education Code §21.048 • now requires no more than 45 days to elapse before an educator is eligible to retake a test. • This policy is effective September 1, 2013.

11. NCLBcourtesy Tim Regal @ TASPA Summer conference • Campus Reporting of Highly Qualified Teacher Compliance Report as of September 16, 2014(2014-2015 Highly Qualified Teacher Data)—Due Date November 17, 2014 • LEA Public Reporting of Progress in Meeting Highly Qualified Teacher Requirements(2014-2015 Highly Qualified Teacher Data)—Due Date December 15, 2014 • Principal’s Attestation of Highly Qualified Teacher Requirements (2014-2015 Highly Qualified Teacher Data)—Due Date December 15, 2014

12. NCLB update • - CHANGE: Elementary defined as PK-5 regardless of the configuration of the campus (can still use a 4-8 Generalist and/or EC-6 Generalist exam to get them to be HQ for 6th grade now includes single subject exams ie., 4-8 Math, etc.) • - NEW: if deemed a 6th grade teacher as HQ via HOUSE elementary can still be considered HQ (don't have to redo but CAN) • - NEW: Special Ed exam EC-12 NOW makes you HQ in ELA/Rdng and Math in 6th, 7th, and 8th TOO • - life skills assignment: who is teaching core content? • - example: 10th grade class but all students on STAAR ALT and kids are on 5th grade level then teacher must be HQ at elementary level

13. NCLB update • - can NOT have a TA that isn't HQ! hire them as substitutes in interim to make them HQ • - if can't see all campuses within a district • - NEW: data collection for ACP probationary HQ; will need to tell them how many Ts are probationary and whether HQ or not • - CHANGED: HQ forms have been modified • - CHANGED: report instructions have been revised • - remember if CTE teacher only has Assoc then NOT HQ no matter what • - HB5 allowing more CTE classes to be counted for HQ; need to know NOW!!!

14. Scenarios • Am I allowed to  HOUSE a 1-8 elementary certified teacher to teach 7th and 8th grade ELA if all she has taught is elementary (16 yrs)?  She taught 6th grade last year.  being that now 6th grade is considered secondary for NCLB purposes, may I consider that as her one year teaching experience at the secondary level and HOUSE her for 7th and 8th grade ELA?

15. Scenarios • With the changes for 6th grade at the secondary level, will the ExCET subject exam highly qualify teachers in that specific subject area for 6th grade?  The ExCET exam would certify a teacher Math 6-12th but the teacher was only HQ 7-12th.   Will this now change the HQ status to 6-12th?

16. NCLB Technical Assistance Workshops • Technical assistance workshop – Oct 16th from 1-4 (after HR meeting) • Technical assistance HQTCIP workshop  - Nov 20th from 9-12

17. Teacher Evaluation System • Called TTESS • Eighty percent weighted on elements – such as multiple classroom observations, ongoing learning community feedback, and teacher • Encourages annual evaluations with multiple informal observations and walk-throughs and at least one formal observation. • Remaining 20 percent will be reflected in a student growth measure at the individual teacher level, providing data that will help to inform teachers, in conjunction with observation and self-assessment data, about their strengths and potential areas of focus for professional development.  • That data will come from value-add scores, student learning objectives, portfolios, or district-level pre- and post-tests. 

18. Teacher Evaluation System • Pilot 2014-2015 • Los Fresnos • Weslaco • offered to all districts statewide in the 2015-2016 school year. • It is designed as an educator evaluation and support tool only. The decision to utilize this tool will remain a local decision. • Any personnel decisions at the district and campus level will also remain local. • For an overview of the Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System, visit http://txcc.sedl.org/our_work/tx_educator_evaluation/index.php.

19. TPESS • Like teachers, principal ratings will rely on student performance, though how much those results will count is tiered based on a principal’s time in an assignment. • Student growth does not count for a principal in the first-year of his or her assignment. In the second year, student growth accounts for 10 percent of a principal’s rating; and for the third year and beyond, student growth will account for 20 percent. • Rubric includes five standards:1. Instructional Leadership—The principal is responsible for ensuring every student receives high-quality instruction. The indicators under this standard focus on effective, data-driven instruction and intervention; and rigorous, aligned curriculum and assessment. • 2. Human Capital—The principal is responsible for ensuring there are high-quality teachers and staff in every classroom throughout the school. The indicators under this standard focus on targeted teacher selection, placement, and retention; tailored development, feedback, and coaching; staff collaboration and leadership; and systemic evaluation and supervision. • 3. Executive Leadership—The principal is responsible for modeling a consistent focus and personal responsibility for improving student outcomes. The indicators under this standard focus on resiliency, change management, communication and interpersonal skills, a commitment to ongoing learning, and ethical behavior. • 4. School Culture—The principal is responsible for establishing and implementing a shared vision and culture of high expectations for all staff and students. • 5. Strategic Operations—The principal outlines and tracks clear goals, targets, and strategies aligned to a school vision that continuously improves teacher effectiveness and student outcomes

20. 2014-15 Teacher Shortage Areas • Bilingual/English as a Second Language • Career and Technical Education • Computer Science • English as a Second Language • Mathematics • Science                                 • Special Education – Elementary and Secondary Levels • The approved shortage areas allow the administrator the ability to recruit and retain qualified teachers and to help reward teachers for their hard work using the loan forgiveness opportunities. School principals can act on behalf of the commissioner of education to certify that a teacher has met the minimum qualifications required for certain loan forgiveness programs. • Please see the TEA website (below) for all requirements of the federal, state and public service loan forgiveness programs available to teachers.  All school personnel can take advantage of the public service program. • More information about eligibility for each of the programs and application forms can be found on the TEA website at http://www.tea.state.tx.us/loan.aspx. 

21. Waivers & Class Size Reduction Exceptions • Starting with the 2013-2014 school year, districts and charter schools were required to submit all waiver and class size exception requests through the automated system. • must submit an application to the commissioner not later than the 31st day before the campus or district intends to take action requiring a waiver. • No paper waiver or class size exception applications will be accepted. • The automated waiver application must be accessed through the agency’s new TEA Login (TEAL) secure environmentand became available 2nd week in August • Support materials available on the TEA Waivers home page at http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index2.aspx?id=6635&menu_id=932&menu_id2=788

22. Required Annual Notification of Nondiscrimination in Career and Technical Education Programs • One important requirement of the Guidelines is that, prior to the beginning of each school year, every LEA providing CTE programs must advise students, parents, employees, and the general public that all career and technical education opportunities will be offered without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, or disability. • Local newspapers, websites, or other media that reach the general public must be utilized to disseminate the required notification • Samples: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index2.aspx?id=2147495596&menu_id=2147483703&menu_id2=2147483739 • Notice must be in language(s) of community • contact the Division of Program Monitoring and Interventions at (512) 463-5226 or by e-mail at pmidivision@tea.state.tx.us.

23. 2014 – 15 Minimum Salary Schedule • For classroom teachers, full-time librarians, full-time counselors, and full-time registered nurses. • In no instance may a school district pay less than the state base salary listed for that individual's years of experience as determined by Section 153.1021 of the Texas Administrative Code, Commissioner’s Rules on Creditable Years of Service. Section 21.401 of the TEC specifies that an educator employed under a 10-month contract must provide a minimum of 187 days of service, unless the furlough program, as stated under Section 21.4021, is implemented. • http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index2.aspx?id=25769812517

24. Mandatory 2014-15 Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Training and Posting of Child Abuse Hotline Number • (TEC) §38.0041, requires all districts and charter schools to provide, to all district and charter school employees, training concerning prevention techniques for and recognition of sexual abuse and all other maltreatment of children. A mandatory training schedule has been adopted by Commissioner Rule in the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), §61.1051. Training must be provided on or by the following dates: • September 30, 2014, for all K-grade 5 teachers, campus principals, and bus drivers; • December 31, 2014, for all remaining teachers, campus principals, and bus drivers; and • May 31, 2015, for all remaining school staff.

25. Mandatory 2014-15 Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Training and Posting of Child Abuse Hotline Number • Poster • All campuses are required to post, at student eye-level, in at least one high-traffic area, and in both English and Spanish, a poster (11 x 17 inches or larger) with information that includes the Texas DFPS Abuse Hotline telephone number, instructions to call 911 and directions to www.txabusehotline.org. • To download a poster that was developed to meet the requirements of TEC, §38.0042, and TAC, §61.1051, visit: http://www.onewithcourage.org/take-action/for-educators/

26. TELL Superintendent Survey • House Bill 2012 (83rd Regular Session) • develop and administer a teaching and learning conditions survey for superintendents. (similar survey for teachers and campus administrators that they completed in May and June. ) • allows superintendents to share their perspectives on teaching and learning conditions in their districts. • Opens Thursday, August 14, 2014 • Closes Friday, September 12, 2014. • receive a letter regarding this survey with a unique access code.

27. DPS Update conducted by Susie Dial 7/29/14 • you MAY give a copy of the c/h results to an employee but have them sign for it • criminal history reports should be destroyed as soon as you make a decision • internal auditors are NOT entitled to see the c/h • rap back feature is only active for state c/h but not for FBI...but this will change soon • do NOT email c/h records. if you do you must have encryptions in place for BOTH sender and receiver • make sure you unsubscribe to former employees make sure to remove authority/access to former HR/payroll? employee • call Error/Resolution department if don't have a disposition

29. DPS Update • Note: what did district do with those employees not required for SB9? remember they still need a name based CCH annually!!!!! • dontneed DPS audit form for FP cuz they sign off on release when they sign the fastpass; • audit form is for name based CCH • if have police dept in district - can NOT give them copies of c/h; we each have right to access for different reasons under diff laws so they need to get on their own • Generic LEE or NCPA- process tutors / contractors - pre 1/1/08 not required to be fp but district wants them to be • for independent school contractors - districts give them a LEE pass to get themselves fingerprinted • NCPA - for "private" paid nurses or "private" tutors

30. Contractors/Vendors • Some examples of Contractors/Vendors are: • SES (supplemental education service) • Certified Speech Pathologist • Certified Dance/Workout Instructor • Story Theaters • Deaf language translator • Paid Tutors

31. Summary… • Determine if the contractor/subcontractor/independent contractor should be fingerprinted for SB9 purposes. • Inform contractor/subcontractor to contact DPS. ( information sheet) • Have contractor/subcontractor certify to your district. (ref. TASB ) • Adjudicate and/or subscribe to the contractor/subcontractor/independent contractor CHRI in the FACT Clearinghouse. • AFTER contract or employment have terminated unsubscribe to the CHRI in the FACT Clearinghouse.

32. Contact Information • Criminal History Inquiry Unit (School and Contractor Secure Site Questions) • (512) 424-2474 Option 2 • FACT@dps.texas.gov • Error Resolution (Record Discrepancies) • (512) 424-7256 • errorresolution@dps.texas.gov • Fingerprint Services (FACT Clearinghouse) • (512) 424-5079 Option 6 • fingerprint.service@dps.texas.gov • Non-Criminal Justice Audit and Training • (512) 424-7364 • ncju@dps.texas.gov

33. ACA - Who has to do what? • Insurance Plan Responsibilities • Dependents up to age 26 • Pre-existing conditions for children • No cost preventive care • Prohibition on lifetime coverage limits • State • Insurance Exchange • Employee Responsibilities • Individual mandate • Employer Responsibilities • Shared responsibility • Non-discrimination • Administrative

34. State Responsibilities • Insurance Exchange • To be created by 1/1/14 • For individuals and small businesses to find prices on insurance coverage

35. Employee Responsibilities • Aka “Individual Mandate” • Effective 1/1/14 • Insurance for self / dependants • Monthly penalty if don’t acquire • Exemptions • Affordability • Categories of individuals

36. Employer Responsibilities • Offer insurance** to all FT employees • Effective 1/1/14 or fiscal year • Assessment if • Fail to offer insurance to all FT employees • 1 or more FT employee gets insurance through Exchange AND • Receives premium credit Assessment = $2,000 x (# FT employees – 30)

42. Employer Responsibilities contd. • Automatic enrollment for FT employees • Effective 2015* • Nondiscrimination • Effective approx. 9/1/15* • Can’t discriminate in favor of “highly compensated employees” • Five highest paid officers • 25% highest paid employees • Excess premiums = taxable income • Penalty = $100 per day x # employees not discriminated against

43. Employer Responsibilities contd. • Administrative • Report benefits cost on W-2s • Effective 2013 for 2012 documents • Provide employees with info on state exchange • Effective once exchange exists • Submit certain info to Sec. of Health & Human Services • Effective 2014 • Flexible spending accounts • Effective 1/1/13 • Maximum $2,500 annually

47. Affordable Care Act • TRS has clarified that employees, including substitutes, who are reasonably expected to work 10 or more hours per week are eligible to enroll in TRS-ActiveCare. • Substitute teacher health insurance eligibility letter (TASB sample) • The letter describes enrollment eligibility, outlines the process for payment of premiums, and explains the conditions for continuing eligibility

48. TRS • Effective 9/1/11 • 5 year time limit to notify TRS and provide verification of service not credited on annual statement • Provide verification of any unreported service and/or compensation including substitute service • Must be verified by 8/31/16 or won’t be able to purchase/credit towards benefits • Applicable forms can be found at www.trs.state.ts.us

49. PEIMS

50. Service Recordspresented by Joseph Mezher • State days should be made available at beginning of year; can pro-rate if they leave early • Modify service record if they are docked – it should only reflect ACTUAL days worked (not including paid leave) • 187 contract and was absent 10 days (5 state and docked for 5) • # days worked? • If employee is out on military leave, write every year on the service record. They don’t know get state days but they do get 15 days of military leave annually • Instructional aides certified as such prior to 04-05 and who are now Teacher certified get credit for up to 2 years for salary purposes.