Below, please find the options for Teacher Quality courses and study groups for 2011-12. These options are open to certified staff only. Registration for TQ will be open through January 31, 2012. You must be registered on or before January 31 in order to participate. There are two types of offerings: study groups and courses. The dates for the courses are listed in the table below. You will register for study groups and then be assigned to smaller groups based on geographic locations. Once you know who is in your group, the group will then set the dates. All Teacher Quality courses and study groups must be completed by July 1, 2012. One person in each study group will need to act as a facilitator. (See frequently asked questions below for more information on the role of the facilitator.)
All TQ courses and study groups have been determined to align to agency priorities and the needs identified by the job-alike lead groups using data from the entire group. Your individual selection should also support the professional growth plan that you have developed with your supervisor.
In the offerings list there are recommendations for which courses or study groups apply to job-alike groups. Even though there are recommendations, almost all courses and study groups are open to individuals from all job-alike groups. (If it designates “only,” it is not open to all.) For descriptions of each course or study group, click on the Activity Number. You will also find answers to frequently asked questions about TQ below.
Special Note: There are two courses that require those who participate to put in additional time beyond the 15 hours of Teacher Quality.
Technology for Online Instruction: Moodle is a 30-hour course. Participants will receive TQ pay after completing the first half of the course. The second half will need to be completed either on the participant’s own time or during the workday with the permission of supervisor.
Survey of Applied Behavior Analysis Principles and Applications is a series of three 15-hour courses. Participants may receive TQ pay for days one and two of the first course. The other four days of the other two courses will either be on the participant’s own time or with supervisor approval for exchange time.
Click here for the list of TQ offerings. (The list contains links to the UR for each study group/course. After you click on the link, it will take a few seconds to load.
* Click on the activity number for a description of the course or study group. If you want to see course objectives, assignments etc, scroll to the bottom of the description and click again on syllabus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I looked online and can’t find the options for TQ.
A: Because the options are not open to anyone (only Heartland certified employees), they are not listed on the online catalog. You will need the activity number to go online and register through the Heartland website.
Q: Can I do more than one activity?
A: Yes, you can do more than one activity, however, you will only be paid for one activity.
Q: I took a class last year; can I retake the class this year?
A: TQ is intended for new learning. Participants can only be paid for classes or study groups they have not taken or earned credit for before. Also, if you are using the course for renewal of your license, you cannot use the same course (or one with the same title) if you have used it in the past. Please check course descriptions if you have questions. Some titles look similar to those from previous years, but are advanced learning of the content. You may be paid in these situations.
Q: What if the TQ class is full or does not have enough participants?
A: If a TQ offering is full, we will try to get an additional section set up for participants. If this is not possible, you will have the option to enroll in a different offering that is not full. So that we can determine if another section is needed, please sign up for the offering as a wait list participant. You must be signed up for a course before the deadline to be eligible for TQ pay. If what you sign up for is full or doesn’t go because of lack of interest you will have an opportunity to change to a different course or study group. (Even if it is after the deadline.)
Q: What do we need to do in order to form a study group (this is not the case for “classes” as those have instructors, dates and times already set)?
A: Study groups need to have at least four people involved (one person to be the facilitator and three people as participants). Once registration is closed (Jan. 31), sections will be established based on geographic regions. Participants will then be notified about the membership of their group(s) sometime in mid February. At that time, groups will need to collaborate on choosing a facilitator (who cannot earn credit) and when and where they will meet.
Q: What are the responsibilities for Study Group Facilitators?
A: If you are leading a study group, you still need to register. You will receive an extra $50 for being the study group facilitator. If participants in the study group take the course for Drake credit, you will also earn the Drake stipend. You will not be able to receive credit. Facilitators are responsible for making sure the study group follows the plan that has been developed. Facilitators will also be responsible for ensuring the group completes meeting logs, the final concept paper and addendum pay forms. They also must determine and issue grades and record those in the web-based instructor center. If you are facilitating a study group, you can participate in other TQ options, but you would only be paid for the one you are facilitating. As a facilitator you do not need to be a content expert, but must be able to facilitate the group learning. You must also have a vitae on file with Professional Development.
Q: Can I earn TQ pay and use the credit to move on the salary schedule?
A: Yes. The credits from TQ offerings can be used to move on the salary schedule, and you can receive pay for participating. You will also need to pay the appropriate fees for credit if you are using it to advance. Please make sure that you review the procedures outlined in the Heartland Staff Handbook about advancement on the salary schedule. Supervisors need to approve all classes that are used.
Q: Can I participate in a TQ activity for which I am not being paid during contract time and still use the credit to move on the salary schedule?
A. No, you must be off contract time to use the credit to advance on the salary schedule. You also must pay the appropriate registration fees for the credit.
Q: May I receive TQ pay for participating during contract time?
A: No. You must be off contract to participate in Teacher Quality if you are receiving TQ pay. If the activity you want to participate in is offered on a day your current calendar reflects as a workday, you must formally exchange the day using the leave online system and have your supervisor’s approval. If you participate in a TQ activity and are not being paid, you may be on contract. In that situation, you should still request professional leave using the leave online system to gain your supervisor’s approval.
Q: Can I teach a TQ course, be paid and be paid for participating in another course or study group?
Yes. If you are asked to teach a TQ course, you will be paid your per diem for the time you are teaching and you may still participate in a different course or study group for TQ pay. This is to give you an opportunity for your own learning.
Q: Can I facilitate a TQ study group, be paid and be paid for participating in another course or study group?
No. If you are a facilitator of a study group, you are considered a participant, and it is assumed that you chose a course that meets your learning needs. The $50 you receive is to compensate you for your time with the extra tasks assigned to facilitators.
Q: Can Classified Staff participate in Teacher Quality offerings?
A: Classified staff can participate in TQ offerings but are not able to be paid out of TQ money.
Q: How much money will I receive for participating in TQ this year?
A: After registration closes and we know how many people are participating, we will be able to determine the amount of money people will receive for TQ. We are anticipating that the amounts will be similar to last year.
Q: What are the deadlines?
A: Registration for TQ courses and study groups begins today and goes through January 31, 2012. Classes and study groups will take place between March 1, 2012 and June 30, 2012. All learning opportunities must be completed by June 30, 2012, the end of the fiscal year.
If you have further questions about Teacher Quality, contact Sue Schirmer at sschirmer@aea11.k12.ia.us or Sharon Kurns at skurns@aea11.k12.ia.us or your job-alike facilitator lead.
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