Spreadsheet: 15857647-7ba4-44b8-a1e4-1f68813f4f64
Sheet: Sheet1

PITTSBURGH PUBLIC SCHOOLS | Unnamed: 1 | Unnamed: 2 | Unnamed: 3 | Unnamed: 4
Question | Answer | Footnote | Citation | Source: CBA (or bargained provision), district policy, state law, practice
CALENDAR
School Year
STUDENTS: How many days are students in school? | 182 |  | Valid: 2014-15 to 2014-15 | CBA
STUDENTS: How many hours, minimum, are students scheduled to be in school each year? | elementary: 1,231 hours, 32 minutes (based on 6 hour, 46 minutes X 182 days); middle and secondary: issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents |  | p. 44, [NAME]. 45. 1 Valid: 2014-15 to 2014-15 | CBA
TEACHERS: How many days are teachers in school? | 189 |  | Valid: 2014-15 to 2014-15 | CBA
TEACHERS: How many days is the teacher required to be on-site without students? (including half or partial days) | 7 |  | Valid: 2014-15 to 2014-15 | CBA
School Day
How long is the school day for elementary students? | 6 hours, 46 minutes | The agreed-to schedules may be replaced at a school which develops internally a restructured school schedule under the continuing internal school restructuring efforts being encouraged across the School District. | p. 42, [NAME]. 45. 1 Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
How long is the school day for secondary students? | issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents |  | Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
How long is the scheduled workday for teachers? (total time scheduled on-site, including lunch) | elementary: 7 hours, 16 minutes for professional growth level, 8 hours for career ladder and extra teaching opportunity positions; secondary: 7 hours, 25 minutes | Secondary teachers work four 7 hour, 16 minute days and one 8 hour day per week, averaging a 7 hour, 25 minute work day. The agreed-to schedules may be replaced at a school which develops internally a restructured school schedule under the continuing internal school restructuring efforts. | p. 44, [NAME]. 45; p. 49, [NAME]. 48 Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
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) | elementary: 25 minutes (either before or after the student day); secondary: not specified | The agreed-to schedules may be replaced at a school which develops internally a restructured school schedule under the continuing internal school restructuring efforts being encouraged across the School District. | p. 42, [NAME]. 45. 1, 2 Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
Preparation Time
How much planning time does an elementary teacher receive? | 1 period per day for ESEP (Essential Staff Educational Practices) | Special education teachers may receive more than 1 period per day. | p. 44, [NAME]. 45 Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
How much planning time does a secondary teacher receive? | 1 period per day | In addition to the preparation period, secondary teachers receive one professional period daily which may be used for purposes such as tutoring or professional development. | p. 46, [NAME]. 46 Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
How much teacher planning time is designated for collaborative planning? | secondary: 1 period per week for secondary teachers enabled by an extended work day, elementary: issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents |  | p. 50, [NAME]. 49 Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
CLASS SIZE
Class [NAME]
What are the class size restrictions? | PK: 20 K-3: 25 4-5: 28 6-8: 28(academic subjects); 34 (non-academic subjects); 40 (physical education) 9-12: 30 (academic subjects); 34 (non-academic subjects); 43 (physical education) | For PK, district acknowledges state law, although they recommend a maximum of 17 students for high quality programming. | p. 7, Art. 11. 1. a. (1)Administrative Regulation 114: http://www.pps.k12.pa.us/14311059122535553/blank/browse.asp?a=383&bmdrn=2000&bcob=0&c=64592# Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
What happens when the class size limit is exceeded? | a paraprofessional is assigned to the class other   ------ Answer ending 03/12/2013 ------   ------ Answer ending 10/13/2010 ------   ------ Answer ending 10/13/2010 ------   ------ Answer ending 10/13/2010 ------ | , teacher will have a reduction of students scheduled to another class or other classes to achieve the average.. The paraprofessional assignment is only relevant for kindergarten and first grades. Classes in an individual school may range between plus or minus six (6) of the applicable reasonable class size figure, except that this provision shall not necessarily apply to every single class within the school. Class sizes in an individual school shall not average in excess of five (5) more than the applicable reasonable class size figure. | p. 8, Art. 11. 1. d. 3.Administrative Regulation 114: http://www.pps.k12.pa.us/14311059122535553/blank/browse.asp?a=383&bmdrn=2000&bcob=0&c=64592# Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
COMPENSATION - FRINGE BENEFITS
Health and Wellness
Does the union administer any fringe benefits? | no |  | Valid: 2012-13 to 2012-13 | CBA
What is the maximum portion of the employee's health insurance premium paid by the employer? | not specified; only employee contribution is noted (employees contribute between $925.20-$5,425.60) |  | Valid: 2012-13 to 2012-13 | CBA
What is the maximum portion of the employee's dependents' health insurance premium paid by the employer? | percentage not specified; employees contribute between $925.20 and $5,425.60 |  | Valid: 2012-13 to 2012-13 | CBA
Pensions/Retirement
By what date must a teacher give notification that he/she intends to resign or retire? | issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents |  | Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
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? | issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents |  | Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
Tuition Reimbursement
Is tuition reimbursement offered to teachers? | issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents |  | Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
Can a teacher receive financial support to cover National Board certification fees? | issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents |  | Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
COMPENSATION - SALARY
Structure of the Salary Schedule
What is the average percent increase in pay earned for each additional year of experience? | 4.5% (based on the career ladder) |  | Valid: 2013-14 to 2013-14 | CBA
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 the average annual adjustment? (reported as a percentage of change from the previous year) | 0% (based on the career ladder) |  | Valid: 2013-14 to 2013-14 | CBA
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) | 4.5% (based on the career ladder) |  | Valid: 2013-14 to 2013-14 | CBA
What is the average difference between the master's and bachelor's salary? | $0 (the career ladder does not base pay on advanced degrees) |  | Valid: 2013-14 to 2013-14 | CBA
How many lanes (or columns) based on advanced degrees or credit attainment are on the teacher's salary schedule? | 1: BA (the career ladder does not base pay on advanced degrees) | The Career Ladder salary schedule includes 4 levels which work similarly to lanes for advanced degrees on a traditional salary schedule, but horizontal movement is awarded based on teacher evaluations and student performance not advanced studies. | Valid: 2013-14 to 2013-14 | CBA
What is the minimum number of years of experience for a teacher with a bachelor's [NAME] degree to reach the maximum salary? | 10 |  | Valid: 2013-14 to 2013-14 | CBA
Annual Salary
What is the maximum annual salary available to teachers? What are the education requirements for this salary? How many years of experience are required to achieve this salary? | 60,000 - 100,000 (depending on performance level); BA (the career ladder does not base pay on advanced degrees); 10 |  | Valid: 2013-14 to 2013-14 | CBA
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a bachelor's degree? | 39,000 |  | Valid: 2013-14 to 2013-14 | CBA
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience? | 50,000-55,000, depending on the teacher's performance level | The Career Ladder salary schedule includes 4 levels which work similarly to lanes for advanced degrees on a traditional salary schedule, but horizontal movement is awarded based on teacher evaluations and student performance not advanced studies. | Valid: 2013-14 to 2013-14 | CBA
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule? | 60,000-100,000, depending on the teacher's performance level. | The Career Ladder salary schedule includes 4 levels which work similarly to lanes for advanced degrees on a traditional salary schedule, but horizontal movement is awarded based on teacher evaluations and student performance not advanced studies. | Valid: 2013-14 to 2013-14 | CBA
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a master's degree? | 39,000, advanced degrees do not factor into determining teacher pay on the Career Ladder |  | Valid: 2013-14 to 2013-14 | CBA
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree and 5 years of experience? | 50,000-55,000, depending on the teacher's performance level; advanced degrees do not factor into determining teacher pay on the Career Ladder | The Career Ladder salary schedule includes 4 levels which work similarly to lanes for advanced degrees on a traditional salary schedule, but horizontal movement is awarded based on teacher evaluations and student performance not advanced studies. | Valid: 2013-14 to 2013-14 | CBA
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule? | 60,000-100,000, depending on the teacher's performance level; advanced degrees do not factor into determining teacher pay on the Career Ladder | The Career Ladder salary schedule includes 4 levels which work similarly to lanes for advanced degrees on a traditional salary schedule, but horizontal movement is awarded based on teacher evaluations and student performance not advanced studies. | Valid: 2013-14 to 2013-14 | CBA
[NAME]
What aspects of a teacher's pay are based on his/her evaluation rating? | step advancement and level movements (the career ladder does not have multiple lanes for advanced degrees, but teachers are eligible to move levels (horizontal movement) approximately every 3 years based on performance) |  | Valid: 2013-14 to 2013-14 | CBA
Do teachers earn performance pay for factors other than evaluation ratings? | yes; bonuses of $1,000-$13,300 are available depending on the program; student performance factors into determining teacher level movement on the career ladder salary schedule |  | p. 1, Art. B. 2  Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
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 |  | Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
Can a teacher earn additional pay by teaching subjects deemed 'hard to staff'? | yes, teachers of the emotionally disturbed earn a bonus of $1,000 |  | p. 83, [NAME]. 115. e Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
Can a teacher who has National Board certification earn additional pay? | yes, $4,600 per year |  | p. 80, [NAME]. 112. 1. b Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
Is any additional compensation available to teachers at schools using improvement models? | yes, turnaround teachers are career ladder positions at low performing schools, they receive a $12,200 annual differential |  | p. 6, Sec. I. 3. Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
What compensation is offered to a teacher who serves as a department head? | issue not addressed in the scope of NCTQ reviewed documents |  | Valid: 2010-11 to 2010-11 | CBA
General Salary Information
Are uncertified teachers paid less than fully certified teachers? | issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents |  | Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
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? | Superintendent is authorized to credit past experience of an applicant for determination of salary |  | Board Policy 509: bit.ly/Zf42nf Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
After how many year(s) of service is a teacher eligible for a longevity bonus? | n/a (longevity is not accounted for in the Career Ladder salary schedule) | Teachers hired prior to July 1, 2010 earn longevity bonuses after 22 years and every year thereafter. | p. 80, Arts. 110, 111 Valid: 2013-14 to 2013-14 | CBA
CONTRACT WAIVERS
Waivers
Is there a waiver or variance provision for portions of or the entire collective bargaining agreement? | yes |  | p. 51, [NAME]. 50. 3. c. Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
Do teachers have a vote in a request for a waiver? | issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents |  | Valid: 2012-13 to 2012-13 | CBA
What requirements must be met for a waiver of contract provisions to be approved? | issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents |  | Valid: 2012-13 to 2012-13 | CBA
DISMISSAL
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? | issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents |  | Valid: 2012-13 to 2012-13 | CBA
What is the process for dismissal of an ineffective teacher? | issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents |  | Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
Does a nontenured teacher have any recourse if his/her contract is not renewed? | issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents |  | Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
By what date must a nontenured teacher be notified of non-renewal of his/her contract? | issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents |  | Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
Can the district decide to extend the nontenured period if the principal is uncertain that the teacher should receive tenure? | issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents |  | Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
When must a tenured teacher be notified of his/her dismissal? | issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents |  | Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
EVALUATION
Evaluation System
What is the teacher required to be evaluated on? | classroom observation participation in professional development opportunities student achievement student growth (standardized measurement of growth) professional responsibilities contributions outside the classroom self-assessment peer input |  | App. B Valid: 2012-13 to 2012-13 | CBA
Do impartial third parties from outside the school serve as evaluators? | yes | District-based Instructional Leaders are involved in observations and evaluation. | Empowering Effective Teachers, Career Ladders: http://bit.ly/Rof9r9 Valid: 2012-13 to 2012-13 | CBA
Is peer review a component of teacher evaluation; what is the nature of the review? | yes - observation and rating of teacher yes - observation and feedback to administrator with no rating | Instructional Team Leaders conduct formative evaluations of peers in their own school as well as summative (includes rating) evaluation of peers in other schools. | p. 6 (footnote)Empowering Effective Teachers, Career Ladders: http://bit.ly/Rof9r9 Valid: 2012-13 to 2012-13 | CBA
Does the evaluation include student input? | student survey required-factors into evaluation rating  ------ Answer ending 08/16/2013 ------ student survey required-does not factor into evaluation rating  ------ Answer ending 03/12/2013 ------ issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents | Effective 2013-2014, student surveys will count towards a teacher's final rating. | http://www.pps.k12.pa.us/Page/428 Valid: 2013-14 to 2013-14 | CBA
What kind of feedback does a teacher receive following a formal observation(s)? | conference with evaluator |  | p. 6 Valid: 2012-13 to 2012-13 | CBA
What kind of feedback must the teacher receive following an evaluation? | written report conference upon request by teacher or administrator |  | p. 2 Valid: 2011-12 to 2012-13 | CBA
How many categories of ratings are there? | 4: unsatisfactory; basic; proficient; distinguished |  | Valid: 2010-11 to 2012-13 | CBA
Are evaluators required to give notice of an observation? | multiple observations - announced and unannounced |  | p. 2 Valid: 2011-12 to 2012-13 | CBA
Role of Student Achievement in Teacher Evaluation
Must objective student growth/achievement data of a teacher's students count towards a teacher's evaluation rating? | yes | In 2013-14, PA School Code of 1949, Sec. 1123 requires that student performance count towards 50% of a teacher's evaluation rating.  The 50% breaks down as follows: 15% building level data; 15% teacher specific data; 20% elective data.  Teacher specific data might include standardized tests results, value added data, progress towards meeting goals, local developed school and district rubrics.   Pittsburgh gained a waiver from the state for 2013-2014 to go with: 5% building-level data, 30% teacher-specific data, 15% student surveys | Empowering Effective Teachers, Multiple Measures: http://bit.ly/YWY2z6 App. B. Valid: 2013-14 to 2013-14 | CBA
How is student achievement/growth calculated for teachers of non-tested subjects? | Domain 3f of the Observation Rubric-"Impact on Student Growth" | It is unclear which assessments the district is using to determine a teacher's "impact on student growth." | PA School Code of 1949, Sec. 1123 Valid: 2013-14 to 2014-15 | CBA
Evaluation Requirements for non-tenured Teachers
How frequently do non-tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating? | twice a year | Nontenured teachers are observed six times, formally and informally, twice a year for two evaluations. | p. 6 Valid: 2011-12 to 2012-13 | CBA
What is the minimum number of times a non-tenured teacher must be observed? | dependent on previous performance level  ------ Answer ending 03/12/2013 ------ 8 |  | p. 8 Valid: 2012-13 to 2012-13 | CBA
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the non-tenured teacher? | beginning of year  ------ Answer ending 03/12/2013 ------ issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents |  | p. 6 Valid: 2012-13 to 2012-13 | CBA
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the non-tenured teacher? | May or June |  | Valid: 2011-12 to 2012-13 | CBA
What is the required minimum length of the formal observation for a non-tenured teacher? | half a class period |  | p. 6 Valid: 2012-13 to 2012-13 | CBA
Evaluation Requirements for Tenured Teachers
How frequently do tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating? |  | summative once every first and second years; formative in every third year. Each year 1/3 of tenured teachers participate in a "Supported Growth Project" with a team of peers. | p. 6  Valid: 2012-13 to 2012-13 | CBA
What is the minimum number of times a tenured teacher must be observed? | dependent on previous performance level  ------ Answer ending 03/12/2013 ------ 4 |  | p. 8 Valid: 2012-13 to 2012-13 | CBA
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the tenured teacher? | beginning of year |  | p. 6 Valid: 2012-13 to 2012-13 | CBA
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the tenured teacher? | May or June |  | Valid: 2011-12 to 2012-13 | CBA
What is the minimum length of a tenured teacher's formal observation? | half a class period  ------ Answer ending 03/12/2013 ------ issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents |  | p. 6 Valid: 2012-13 to 2012-13 | CBA
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? | issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents |  | Valid: 2012-13 to 2012-13 | CBA
What elements are specified/required in the remediation policy? | issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents |  | Valid: 2012-13 to 2012-13 | CBA
Can the district decide to extend the nontenured period if the principal is uncertain that the teacher should receive tenure? | issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents |  | Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
Can the teacher file a grievance or formally appeal an evaluation rating if there are no acknowledged procedural violations? | no | The teacher may, instead of a grievance, request a conference with principal and/or file a rebuttal which becomes part of his/her personnel file and/or request a conference with HR. | p 27, [NAME]. 29. 6.  Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
Can a teacher request a second evaluation from a different evaluator? | issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents |  | Valid: 2012-13 to 2012-13 | CBA
GRIEVANCES
Grievance Procedure
Whom does the teacher meet with in each step of the grievance process? | principal (informal); principal (formal); next level administrator; superintendent/designee; board of education |  | pp. 24-26, [NAME]. 27 Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
How many days does a teacher have to first file a grievance? | 14 days | 10 school/business days | p. 24, [NAME]. 27 Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
Which party pays for costs related to the grievance process? | shared between district and union |  | p. 26, [NAME]. 27.  Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
Is an arbitration or board of education decision concerning a filed grievance final and binding? | yes |  | p. 26, [NAME]. 27 Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
Teacher Rights in the Grievance Procedure
About which areas of the agreement may a teacher not file a grievance? | issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents |  | Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
Can the teacher file a grievance or formally appeal an evaluation rating if there are no acknowledged procedural violations? | no | The teacher may, instead of a grievance, request a conference with principal and/or file a rebuttal which becomes part of his/her personnel file and/or request a conference with HR. | p 27, [NAME]. 29. 6.  Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
LAYOFFS
Layoffs
Must nontenured teachers be laid off before tenured? | yes |  | p. 31 Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
Aside from program and staffing needs, what are the criteria for laying off teachers? | seniority is sole criterion |  | p. 31 Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
In the case of a layoff, is seniority determined at the school level or district level? | district level |  | p. 31 Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
What is the notification deadline for teacher layoffs? | August 1 |  | p. 31, [NAME]. 31, 4. [NAME]: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
When the district needs to hire new teachers, are laid off teachers either given recall rights or preference? | yes-mandatory recall of all teachers in inverse order of layoffs |  | pp. 32-33 Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
How long does a laid off teacher retain recall rights? | indefinitely |  | p. 33 Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
LEAVE
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? | 12-14 (12 sick; 0-2 personal) | First and second year teachers get zero personal days; teachers who begin their third year of continuous service get two personal days. | p. 127, Art. 144, 1.; pp. 128-129, [NAME]. 146, 1. Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
What is the total number of paid sick and personal days a teacher gets each year? | 12-14 (12 sick, 0-2 personal) | First and second year teachers get zero personal days; teachers who begin their third year of continuous service get two personal days. | p. 127, Art. 144, 1.; pp. 128-129, [NAME]. 146, 1. Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
Can unused sick days carry over from one year to the next? | yes |  | p. 127, Art. 144. 1. Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
Can unused personal days carry over from one year to the next? | personal days convert to sick days for accumulation |  | p. 130, [NAME]. 147 Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
What is the maximum number of sick days a teacher can accumulate? | no maximum |  | p. 127, Art. 144, 1.  Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
After how many days of absence does a teacher have to provide medical documentation for sick leave? | 3; absence on a Friday and following Monday; absence on the day before and after a holiday; or excess use of sick leave in 1 and 2 day increments; may request documentation from district-approved doctor for assault leave |  | p. 127, Art. 144. 3; p. 128, [NAME]. 145. 1. [NAME]: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
Professional Development Leave
Is there additional leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much? | yes | paid Professional Leave (number of days unspecified and must be board-approved); district acknowledges state law regarding sabbatical leaves. | p. 39, [NAME]. 35; p. 38, [NAME]. 34, Sec. 12 Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
Other Leave
Apart from general leave (sick, personal, and other leave for personal reasons), professional development, and maternity leave, what other types of paid leave does the district offer? | quarantine, diseases contracted from children, bereavement ( up to 4 days depending on degree of relative), jury duty or subpoenaed court appearance, assault on duty or worker's compensation leave | Diseases contracted from children include mumps, scarlet fever, measles, or chicken pox. | p. 39, [NAME]. 36; p. 128, [NAME]. 145; pp. 130-131, [NAME]. 149, p. 132, Art. 154. 1  Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
Is leave available for a teacher to attend union associated activities (not counting leave given to elected union representatives)? | yes |  | p. 5, Art. 3. 8 d. Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
[NAME]
When are leave days restricted or subject to refusal? | first week of school or during the month of June; first and last day of each school week (generally, Mondays and Fridays); day before or after a holiday; when leave is requested on two consecutive workdays; days scheduled for testing or other activities. | Emergency, graduation, wedding, religious holidays, and urgent needs are acceptible excuses for leave on the restricted days. | p. 129, Art. 146. 6.  Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
Can a teacher earn additional pay or leave days for demonstrating good job attendance? How much? | yes | , $500/semester based on a drawing. Eligibility requirements not stated. | p. 128, [NAME]. 144. 9. Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
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 |  | Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much? | yes | , 50% of accumulated days paid at 28% of daily rate of Step 10 of the Master's Degree, Master's Equivalent, Bachelor's Degree + 30 Credits [NAME]. | p. 105, Art. 130, 1 & 4.  Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
General
Is there additional leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much? | yes | paid Professional Leave (number of days unspecified and must be board-approved); district acknowledges state law regarding sabbatical leaves. | p. 39, [NAME]. 35; p. 38, [NAME]. 34, Sec. 12 Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
How long is the mentorship program for a new teacher? |  | duration of mentorship program not specified (mentors available but not required). | p. 67, [NAME]. 78 Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
How long is the standard orientation that the district provides for new teachers? | issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents  ------ Answer ending 03/12/2013 ------ 3 weeks |  | p. 67, [NAME]. 78 Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
SCHOOL INTERVENTION AND IMPROVEMENT
School Intervention and Improvement
Is there a waiver or variance provision for portions of or the entire collective bargaining agreement? | yes |  | p. 51, [NAME]. 50. 3. c. Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
When a school begins the improvement process, what additional rights does an excessed teacher have in finding a new assignment beyond those of other excessed teachers? | excessed teachers follow the involuntary transfer process |  | p. 7, Sec. I. 7. Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
Is any additional compensation available to teachers at schools using improvement models? | yes, turnaround teachers are career ladder positions at low performing schools, they receive a $12,200 annual differential |  | p. 6, Sec. I. 3. Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
Do principals at schools using improvement models have greater leeway in hiring teachers than their counterparts in other schools? | issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents |  | Valid: 2012-13 to 2012-13 | CBA
What alternative work schedule options can schools implementing intervention or improvement models employ? | turnaround teachers work an extended school day and year, 8 hour work day and 198 day school year, the entire school may not be on that schedule |  | p. 6, Sec. I. 3; p. 11, Sec. [NAME]: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
Do teachers in schools using improvement models receive additional hours of professional development? | issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents |  | Valid: 2012-13 to 2012-13 | CBA
SUBSTITUTES
Conditions of Substitute Employment
What is the minimum education required to be a substitute teacher? | bachelor's degree | PA Teaching Certificate or passing Praxis scores required. | Human Resources, "Apply to Become a Substitute Teacher": http://bit.ly/YRAsRr Valid: 2012-13 to 2012-13 | CBA
Do regular daily substitute teachers have to earn a license? | issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents |  | Valid: 2012-13 to 2012-13 | CBA
Are substitute teachers evaluated? | issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents |  | Valid: 2012-13 to 2012-13 | CBA
Substitute Pay and Benefits
What is the standard daily rate of pay for substitute teachers? | $100/day; $103 (teachers in Accelerated Learning Academies);. $131/day if sub worked at least 40 days during previous 2 semesters ($135 in an ALA) | Substitutes who have worked 40 or more days for each of the 2 previous semesters earn $131/day. | Human Resources FAQ: http://bit.ly/YRAsRr p. 79, [NAME]. 108 Valid: 2010-11 to 2010-11 | CBA
Are substitute teachers eligible for health benefits? | yes for full-time substitutes |  | p. 68, [NAME]. 91.2 Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
Are substitute teachers eligible to be members of a collective bargaining unit? | yes, if substitute works 40 days per semester for 2 semesters |  | p. 1, Art. 1.1b Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
[NAME]
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  ------ Answer ending 03/12/2013 ------  issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents  ------ Answer ending 09/16/2010 ------  issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents | In accordance with state law. | p. 6 (footnote) Valid: 2012-13 to 2012-13 | CBA
Can the district decide to extend the nontenured period if the principal is uncertain that the teacher should receive tenure? | issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents |  | Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
Is evidence of student growth a factor in the decision to award tenure? | no | In 2013-14, PA School Code of 1949, Sec. 1123 will require that student performance count towards 50% of a teacher's evaluation rating. | Empowering Effective Teachers, Multiple Measures: http://bit.ly/YWY2z6 Valid: 2010-11 to 2010-11 | CBA
TRANSFER & ASSIGNMENT
Transfers
Does a teacher seeking a voluntary transfer apply directly to the school? | issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents |  | Valid: 2012-13 to 2012-13 | CBA
Are internal transfers given priority over new hires for vacant positions? | yes |  | p. 30, [NAME]. 30 Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
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, transfers are assigned by the district |  | p. 40, [NAME]. 39 Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
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? | yes |  | p. 29, [NAME]. 30 Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
Identifying Involuntary Transfers Due to Excessing
Are teachers identified for excessing in reverse order of seniority? | yes, but there are exceptions |  | pp. 27-29, [NAME]. 30. Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
Other than seniority, what factors does the district use to identify teachers for excessing? | skills and qualifications other | racial balance among staff. | p. 27, [NAME]. 30 Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
Placing Excessed Teachers
When a school begins the improvement process, what additional rights does an excessed teacher have in finding a new assignment beyond those of other excessed teachers? | excessed teachers follow the involuntary transfer process |  | p. 7, Sec. I. 7. Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
Do principals at schools using improvement models have greater leeway in hiring teachers than their counterparts in other schools? | issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents |  | Valid: 2012-13 to 2012-13 | CBA
Are principals and/or site selection committees allowed to select excessed transfer applicants to hire? If not, then how are excessed teachers assigned to schools? | no, teachers are assigned by the district |  | p. 29, [NAME]. 30. 7. [NAME]: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA
Do principals have the right to refuse the assignment of an excessed teacher to their schools? | issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents |  | Valid: 2012-13 to 2012-13 | CBA
What happens to excessed teachers who cannot find new assignments? | they are placed by the district |  | p. 29, [NAME]. 30 Valid: 2010-11 to 2014-15 | CBA