1.	What is the purpose of the Professional Development Incentive Program?
	The Waco ISD is committed to creating a community of learners via a comprehensive professional development program which is intentional, systemic and ongoing. The purpose of the professional development incentive program is to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of educators through a research based model of professional development targeted at increased student learning.
2.	What are the guidelines of the Professional Development Incentive Program?
	During the 2006-07 school year, the incentive program is only available to campus-based professional employees. Employees are encouraged to participate in as many professional growth opportunities as possible throughout the year. As a means of demonstrating support for professional growth, Waco ISD pays $540 for the completion of 30 hours of professional development during non-contract time.To receive incentive pay, you must provide evidence of implementation of what you learned(determined by the presenter)and be an employee of the district at the time the incentive is paid.
3.	Do I need to get separate technology hours to qualify for the incentive program?
	The goal of the professional development office is to provide quality training sessions with technology integration opportunities. Workshops and courses of study will include technology integration as appropriate to the content and the learner. Technology hours will not be counted separately.
4.	What is the timeline for the incentive paycheck?
	Incentive credits (30 hours) earned between July, 2006 and March 23, 2007 will count for incentive pay. Classes completed between March 23 and July 1, 2007 will NOT count for incentive. Participants must provide evidence of implementation of the material presented (as determined by the presenter) before incentive credit can be issued. Each eligible employee may receive one incentive payment per academic year. Payment for incentive will be issued on the following dates: Nov. 15, Dec. 15, Jan. 15, Feb. 15, March 15, and April 15.
5.	What are 15-hour courses of study?
	The 15-hour courses of study are designed to provide participants the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills in an action research based model. Courses of study will include reflections, time to create projects, planning time and implementation time. Some courses of study will allow for up to 3 hours of independent work for participants to finish requirements of the course to enhance learning and implementation in their job setting. Presenters will award the 15-hour credit once all required components and attendance has been submitted. Partial credit for courses of study will not be given.
6.	Can I enroll in an out-of-district training session?
	Yes, credit for professional development hours outside of the district will be accepted with pre-approval from your immediate supervisor. After completing an out-of-district workshop, documentation of attendance must be turned into the professional development ofice. Acceptable docummentation includes a certificate of completion, a nametag, a handout or program schedule with the sessions attended. You must provide he start and end time of each session attended.Please remember that you may earn incentive credit only during non-duty time. In order to receive incentive credit you will be required to provide evidence of implementation of the material covered.
7.	When can After-School sessions start?
	After-school sessions will begin no earlier that 4:30 p.m. unless session is restricted to a campus. Sessions must be no shorter than two hours.
8.	Do I have to register on-line?
	Yes, registration for Waco ISD sponsored professional development must be done through the district's Learning Community On-line Registration System. Sign-in sheets will be used to verify attendance. Participants who fail to sign the roster will NOT receive credit (CE or incentive)even if they attended. Presenters will also enter attendance on-line for each participant. Credit for the course will be issued upon completion of of required evidence of implementation.
9.	How do I get credit for a Waco ISD training session that I've attended?
	Upon completion of all requirements, including attendance and evidence of implementation, you must complete a survey on-line in order to receive credit for the session. Once the survey is completed the session will reflect on your transcript and you will be able to print a certificate. Credits earned inside or outside the district must be relevant to education and/or applicable in the workplace/classroom, as determined by the Professional Development Department.
10.	How do I know if a session is cancelled?
	If a session you have registered for has cancelled, you will be notified via e-mail. Sessions will be cancelled if less than 15 people have signed up by the registration deadline.
11.	What is considered non-contract time for incentive hours?
	Non-contract time is considered to be after school hours, Saturdays and time during the summer when you're off contract. Non-contract time does not include professional leave days or personal leave days.
12.	What does "campus-based professional" employees include?
	All certified personnel at campus sites (example: principals, assistant principals, instructional specialists, counselors, speech therapists, librarians, diagnosticians, nurses, teachers, etc.)are eligiblefor incentive pay. Certified teachers presently working as aides or paraprofessionals do not qualify.Administrators and other employees based at the administration building (other than those listed above) do not qualify for incentive pay although they will receive CE credit on their transcripts.
13.	What if I accumulate more than 30 hours? Can I get more money?
	No, the funds will only cover one 30-hour payment.
14.	What if I accumulate less than 30 hours? Can I get a prorated amount of money?
	No, the funds will only cover one 30-hour payment.
15.	How do I "un-register" for a class if I know that I will not be able to attend?
	If you find that you are unable to attend a session that you have registered for, it is very important that you "un-register" yourself from the course. If you do not "un-register" and do not attend the course will appear on your transcript with the notation "Absent/Failed." To "un-register" yourself from a course, log in to the system. On the opening page (My Portfolio) click on the blue "X" next to the course you wish to "un-register" from. The next screen will ask you to confirm your selection. Click the apporpiate button and you will be removed from the roster. If you have problems completing this process, please call the Professional Development office at 755-9419 and let us assist you.
16.	What is "evidence of implementation?"
	In an effort to move beyond just doing "seat time," evidence of implementation is required before incentive credit can be issued. This evidence could be several things such as a written reflection, lesson plan or student project. The presenter will determine the evidence required.Evidence will be randomly collected from the facilitator/presenter for auditing purposes. Time spent on implementation planning may be considered as part of the course. The amount of time for planning will be indicated in the course description.
17.	Can I receive incentive credit for college courses?
	Completed college courses may also toward incentive credit. One college hour is equivalent to 15 incentive hours. A Pre-Approval form and official/unofficial transcript showing passing grades must be provided.
18.	Can I receive incentive credit and also be paid by the district or other funding source?
	A participant will not receive incentive credit for a class if they receive payment for attendance from the district or an outside funding source.
19.	What is the purpose of these incentive pay guidelines?
	Incentive pay is funded by federal title monies. The Professional Development Department is audited regularly for compliance with federal/state guidelines for the use of professional development funds. Discrepancies will be resolved and guidelines enforced by the Professional Development Department
20.	How many persons must be registered for a class to take place?
	Each course must have at least 10 participants registered in order to take place. If the registration requirement is not met the course will be canceled and the registration system will notify each participant by email. Exceptions to this will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
21.	How do I get a certificate for a class or a transcript?
	To get a certificate after attending a class you must complete your evaluation and be issued credit by the facilitator/presenter. On your welcome page, next to the class name and status you will see a link, "Certificate." Click on that link to see and print the certificate. To view and/or print your transcript, click on the "Transcript" button on the right side of the window.