the procedure for obtaining continuing professional education credit.

Transcription

1 ABINGTON SCHOOL DISTRICT ABINGTON, PENNSYLVANIA SUPERINTENDENT S ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE REGARDING: Continuing Professional Education Credit Section: Human Resources Effective Date: September 2005 Reissued: 11/07, 8/26/08 8/22/11 See Also: Related Board Policy and SAP re: Salary Class Advancement and Tuition Reimbursement; Professional Leave Guidelines The purpose of this Superintendent s Administrative Procedure is to describe the procedures all professional employees must complete to file for credit under the requirements of Act 48 of 2000 ( Act 48 ). Professional employees who desire salary and/or class advancement must also comply with procedures outlined in Superintendent s Administrative Procedure, Salary Class Advancement and Tuition Reimbursement and the Abington Education Association collective bargaining agreement. In circumstances that require substitute coverage, reimbursement for expenses, etc., individuals must observe procedures outlined in Superintendent s Administrative Procedure, Professional Leave Guidelines. To apply for continuing professional education credit for: Collegiate Studies 1. Accredited Pennsylvania colleges, community colleges, universities, and out-of-state institutions of higher education are recognized as approved-providers for collegiate level course credit applicable toward the continuing professional education requirements. Therefore, the professional employee must check with the institution to determine the procedure for obtaining continuing professional education credit. Professional Education Courses/Workshops If the professional education program is offered by: 1. A state-approved provider other than Abington School District, the professional employee must check with the provider to determine

2 the procedure for obtaining continuing professional education credit. 2. Abington School District, the professional employee, must complete the approval and documentation process through MyLearningPlan.com and complete a Professional Education Program Evaluation form (Attachment #1). 3. A provider that is not state approved but is approved by the Abington School District, the professional employee, must complete and submit the Request for Act 48 Continuing Professional Education Credit from Outside Providers (See Attachments #2a and #2b). Workshop Leadership/Teaching Collegiate Courses Hours may be granted for the preparation/development of a course if the school entity has included this activity in its professional education plan. 1. For teaching an Abington School District-sponsored program, a professional employee is eligible to receive continuing professional education credit on an hour-for-hour basis. To apply for this continuing professional education credit, the employee must complete the approval and documentation process through MyLearningPlan.com. 2. To apply for continuing professional education credit for the preparation/development of a course for teaching a program outside of Abington School District, the professional employee should consult with the provider for specific direction. Curriculum Projects 1. To earn 10 hours of credit per curriculum unit, the curriculum project must receive approval from the Director of Curriculum and the professional employee must complete the approval and documentation process through My LearningPlan.com. Additional information concerning state requirements for maintaining certification can be found at

3 Attachment #1 Professional Education Program Evaluation Request for Act 48 Continuing Professional Education Credit Through Abington School District Programs The Professional Education Program Evaluation form is to be completed at the conclusion of any Abington School District Act 48 sponsored activity. Act 48 guidelines require that each professional education experience is related to the attainment of the academic standards, to the goals established by the District s Professional Education Plan, and to skill based competencies. In addition, Act 48 requires that the program be evaluated by the participants. This form may be completed on an ANONYMOUS basis. The instructor is requested to distribute the form and designate a participant to collect the completed forms and forward to the Director of Curriculum. Professional Education Program: Program Date(s)/Time(s): Instructor: Please respond to each item by circling the number that best describes your opinion. A. PROGRAM CONTENT poor average excellent 1. The program was related to the attainment of the Pennsylvania Academic Standards and high quality instruction. 2. The program focused on skill-based competencies, was research-based and/or data-driven, and was designed to foster improved student achievement. 3. The program provided me with content and/or instructional methods that will promote student achievement. 4. The program contributed to building learning communities and continuous improvement. B. PROGRAM INSTRUCTION poor average excellent 1. Instructor was well prepared Instructor s manner of presentation was clear Instructor was responsive to participants questions COMMENTS: Additional observations and comments may be submitted on the reverse side of this form. Return Completed Forms to the Curriculum Office

4 Attachment #2a ABINGTON SCHOOL DISTRICT Abington, Pennsylvania REQUEST FOR ACT 48 CREDIT FOR PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION COURSES/WORKSHOPS FROM PROVIDERS THAT ARE NOT PDE-APPROVED Name Date Building Position Social Security Number Act 48 continuing professional education program activities should be related to the individual s current assignment, area of certification, an area of additional certification and/or improvement of professional competence. Approval of the professional education program must be obtained in advance, and no later than 2 weeks prior to the beginning of the program. Prior approvals by the Principal/Supervisor and the Director of Human Resources are required. Following successful completion of the professional education program, the staff member must obtain final approval of the Principal/Supervisor and forward this form, with appropriate documentation, to the Office of Human Resources. I. PRELIMINARY APPROVAL: I plan to participate in the following professional education program: Sponsoring Institution: Professional Education Program: Program Schedule: Number of Act 48 Hours Date that Course Begins: Date that Course Ends: (over)

5 Please detail how the requested professional education program will address at least one of the following: Your area of certification and/or professional education assignment Your obtaining an administrative certification The identified needs of Abington School District (see the goals and objectives listed in MyLearningPlan.com). Approved Not Approved Principal/Supervisor Date Approved Not Approved Director of Human Resources Date II. FINAL APPROVAL Attach a copy of documentation showing participation in the program and a completed Professional Education Program Report and Evaluation. Principal/Supervisor Date _ Director of Human Resources Date

6 Attachment #2b ABINGTON SCHOOL DISTRICT Abington, Pennsylvania Professional Education Program Report and Evaluation Act 48 guidelines require that educators who attend a Professional Education Program identify competencies that they have gained through participation in the program. Individuals participating in programs sponsored by an outside provider that is approved by Abington School District must complete and submit this form to qualify for Act 48 credit. This form, along with documentation showing participation in the program and a completed Request for Act 48 Credit form are to be forwarded to the Director of Human Resources. Name: Social Security #: Sponsoring Institution: Professional Education Program: Program Date(s)/Time(s): COMPETENCIES: Identify the competencies you gained in this continuing professional education program and describe ways you can apply, in your role as an educator, what you have learned in this program. Use the back of this form or additional paper if more space is needed. Employee Signature Date: Director of Human Resources Signature: Date