By-Laws of the

Fredericktown Local Professional Development Committee

2003-2004

Vision Over time, what is done changes as the vision changes because of a greater understanding of what needs to be accomplished.

With that focus and belief in mind, and with the belief that collegiality and staff development are inseparable, the FPDC will assess the “progressive approximation” of goals on an annual basis.

1) Philosophy The Fredericktown Professional Development Committee will ensure that professional development aligns with the ongoing continuous improvement plan of the district. Ongoing professional development of educators is one element of a Continuous Improvement Plan. The FPDC will build its work upon this element and also provide feedback and suggestions to educators and/or staff development committees.

2) Purpose In conjunction with the district’s CIP committee, the LPDC shall have the authority to review and approve Individual Professional Development Plans for all professional educators in Fredericktown Schools based on the needs of the educator, the students, and the school district. This FPDC shall grant CEU’s, review and verify completion of professional development activities and shall make recommendations to the Ohio Board of Education concerning the renewal of licenses and certificates.

3) FPDC Composition/Terms of Office The FPDC Committee shall be comprised of five members. Three members will be teachers chosen by the FEA, the other two will be appointed by the Superintendent. The Superintendent’s appointees may include himself/herself and/or any other licensed/certificated educator. Committee members who miss three consecutive regularly scheduled meetings will be replaced accordingly by the FEA rules or superintendent’s appointment respectively, unless the remaining four members of the committee consider the reasons for absences justifiable and pass a motion to retain that member. The Association, pursuant to its constitution, shall determine method(s) of recalling or replacing LPDC teacher members. The Superintendent shall determine the recall and replacement of the non-teacher LPDC members.

4) Responsibilities of FPDC Members

Ø To establish operating procedures for the submission and review of IPDP’s by educators in the district

Ø To clearly establish the criteria by which the committee will review educator’s IPDP’s

Ø To consistently abide by the established operating procedures and criteria of the committee when reviewing educator’s IPDP’s

Ø To develop the format for an IPDP for use by educators as they renew their licenses

Ø To ensure that educator’s coursework and other professional development activities meet the standards for renewal of certificates or licenses

Ø To keep records of the decisions regarding educator’s IPDPs

Ø To operate under the Open Meetings Act

Ø To establish a local appeal process for educators who wish to appeal the decision of the LPDC

Ø To develop procedures for accepting traditional and non-traditional continuing education activities

Ø FPDC members will recuse themselves when the committee deliberates on that member’s (or a member of the person’s immediate family’s) IPDP or professional development activities.

Ø FPDC members will practice the principle of confidentiality in all manners pertaining to any individual’s IPDP, and the disposition thereof.

5) Operational Procedures and Meeting Times The FPDC will meet on a monthly basis as needed, but no less than six times per year. Meeting times will be publicly noted on building calendars and, except for executive session, will be open to the public. A quorum will be three of the five FPDC members, and all decisions will require a majority vote. For the purpose of amending these bylaws a quorum will be at least four of the five members of the FPDC, and the decision to amend the bylaws will require a unanimous vote.

6) Appeals If an educator disagrees with a decision made by the committee, the educator will be given the opportunity to meet with the committee in person to discuss the IPDP in question. This discussion will also serve to help the educator gain an understanding of the perspective of the FPDC. This meeting will be scheduled within ten (10) business days following the committee’s rejection of an IPDP.

If, after the reconsideration process has taken place, the FPDC and the educator are still unable to come to agreement, a Board of Appeals will make the decision. This second meeting will occur during the next fifteen (15) business days following the first appeal meeting, and the decision made by the Board of Appeals shall be binding for all parties. The Board of Appeals shall include one member chosen by the employee, one chosen by the FPDC, and one member mutually chosen.

7) Roles of FPDC Members The roles of FPDC members shall consist of the following: Chairperson shall bring meetings to order and close, oversee the collection and filing of IPDP’s, and establish the meeting agenda. The Vice-Chair shall assist the Chairperson as needed, and chair meetings in his absence. The Scribe shall write minutes of regular committee meetings and distribute recorded minutes to FPDC members and superintendent, FEA president, and the CIP committee. The CIP liaison is to periodically attend CIP meetings to report FPDC status and to take back CIP information to LPDC members. Other committee members are to deliver information to staff and to report to individual staff members pending outcomes. Annual election of roles will be held during the September meeting. The chairperson shall be selected from the three teaching members of the committee.

8) Certification/Licensure Rules Current regulations are to be kept on file by the FPDC, and distributed to members as needed, but at least on an annual basis.

9) Records The FPDC shall be responsible to keep records. Records of certificated staff members will be kept in a locked file cabinet. A record of CEU’s granted and college coursework completed will be kept on a database, insofar as information is made available to the FPDC committee. Individual certificated staff members are responsible for maintaining a record of their own professional development.

Fredericktown Professional Development Committee

2003-2004

In 1996, the Ohio General Assembly passed Senate Bill 230, authorizing the development of Local Professional Development committees. Such committees are to be established in every school district by the fall of 1998.

As stated in the new licensure standards:

“Each public school district and chartered non-public school shall appoint a local professional development committee to oversee and review professional development plans for course work, continuing education units, or equivalent activities. The local professional development committees shall be comprised of teachers, administrators, and other educational personnel, and a majority of the members of the local professional development committee shall be practicing classroom teachers.”

As professional educators, we constantly must seek to continue, expand, and enhance our knowledge. The idea behind the Local Professional Development Committee (LPDC) is to facilitate the massive task of required professional growth, with a goal of increased student achievement. This will be accomplished by reviewing course work and other professional development activities completed by educators within the district for renewal of certificates/licenses. As of September 1, 1998, everyone who needs to apply for licensure will be required to prepare an Individual Professional Development Plan (IPDP).

Fredericktown Professional Development Committee

General Guidelines About Your Individual Professional Development Plan

(IPDP)

1) What is a Professional Development Plan?

An Individual Professional Development Plan (IPDP) is your proposed program for professional growth that you plan to complete. This plan must be approved and completed prior to license renewal and to converting from a certificate to a license.

2) Who must have an Individual Professional Development Plan?

An IPDP must be completed by any educator prior to renewing a license and/or for converting a certificate to a license. If you have a permanent certificate, you will not need to file an Individual Professional Development Plan with the Local Professional

Development Committee for that certificate.

3) When must your IPDP be started/completed?

The sooner you begin working toward the completion of your IPDP, the longer you will have to complete your proposed activities. IPDP’s must be completed and approved by FPDC by December 31 of the year in which the license/certificate is issued. Activities completed before approval of the IPDP may not be approved. The timeline for completion of IPDP activities is the duration of your certificate/license.

4) Who will actually review the IPDP?

The actual review will be completed by the FPDC.

5) What are the requirements to renew and convert to a license?

In order to renew a license and to convert a certificate to a license, the requirement is the completion of any of the following, or a combination of the following:

· Six semester hours of coursework

· Eighteen Continuing Education Units (CEU’s)

· 180 clock hours of equivalent activities within the guidelines on page 2 of the Group Activity Comparison Chart (located in this handbook).

The professional development activities in which you participate must take place over the life of the license/certificate you are renewing/converting. The activities must be consistent with your school district or building improvement plan (CIP), goal, or mission statement, and relate to your current work assignment or goal (as stated in your IPDP).

6) Can you combine semester hours, CEU’s, and clock hours?

Yes, please see accompanying chart.

7) When can you convert to a license?

Existing certificates can be converted to licenses beginning with certificates that expire in June 1998. If you choose to convert to a license at this time, you must meet the new license renewal requirements of 180 clock hours over the life of the certificate you are converting. If you choose not to convert to a license at this time, you may renew your certificate one more time after 1998 using the old requirements. When the renewed certificate expires, you must convert to a license.

8) How often should you submit your activities for approval?

Activities should be submitted as soon as they are completed, however, activities not sponsored by FLS, KCESC, RPDC, ODE, TRECA, or SERRC must be pre-approved by FPDC prior to the activity. State/National conferences directly relating to an employee’s current job assignment do not need pre-approval.

9) How many IPDP’s must you have?

Educators will have one IPDP. Many educators hold multiple certificates; however, each educator will have just one IPDP. Ultimately, each educator will have just one license.

10) What if your work assignment changes?

If there is a significant change in your work assignment, you may revise and resubmit your IPDP. However, all activities accumulated prior to the revision of your IPDP will be applied to your 180-clock hour requirement.

11) How many licenses will I have?

Each educator will eventually have only one license. Multiple certificates will be phased out. As your previous certificates expire and are added to your existing license, there will be a fee each time areas are added to your license.

12) What about substitute teachers?

Substitute teachers must use the six-hour requirement and apply for renewal directly to the State Department of Education.

13) What licensure/certification services does the LPDC not provide?

The LPDC does not renew or approve temporary certificates, licenses or validations, or add new areas to a certificate or license. Information about these areas may be obtained from KCESC.

The LPDC does not renew certificates or licenses for substitute teachers.

The LPDC does not renew the certificates or licenses of some ODE certificate holders who also hold licenses from their respective State of Ohio licensing boards (i.e.: school audiologists, school social workers, school speech-language pathologists, school nurses.)

14) Is there a limit to the type/amount of independent activities that will count toward licensure?

Yes. Please refer to the chart titled Group Activity Comparison.

Responsibilities of the educator

Educators working under provisional certificates, professional certificates, or professional licenses are responsible for meeting the requirements of those certificates or licenses. Educators scheduled to renew certificates after January 1, 1999 must work with their LPDC to complete the renewal process.

Each educator will have the opportunity and responsibility to (1) develop and implement his or her professional development plan, (2) document his or her professional development and maintain a record of such work, and (3) follow renewal procedures and timelines. Such an opportunity allows the individual educator to take responsibility for his or her own growth by creating a plan and engaging in relevant professional development.

Educators wishing to renew an 8-year certificate may do so until September 1, 2006.

Ø Meet the 1987 Standards for renewing an 8-year certificate

Ø Work with the LPDC for approval of CEU’s

Ø Work through the LPDC for verification that the requirements in the 1987 Standards have been met

Ø Submit the renewal application to the ODE with the LPDC’s verification signature

Educators wishing to convert to or renew a 5-year license must:

Ø Complete an IPDP and obtain approval for the plan from the LPDC by December 31 of year certificate/license issued

Ø Work with the LPDC for approval of CEU’s and equivalent activities

Ø Work through the LPDC for verification that the requirements in the 1998 Standards have been met

Ø Submit the application to the ODE with the LPDC’s verifying signature

As educators transfer to the new teaching license, they will become subject to the new 1998 Teacher Education and Licensure Standards. Under the new licensure standards, educators must:

Ø Develop an Individual Professional Development Plan by December 31 of year certificate/license is issued

Ø Base the IPDP on the needs of the district CIP at the school, the educator, and the students

Ø Submit the IPDP to the LPDC for approval prior to completion of the plan’s activities

Ø Maintain their own records and document that the activities within the IPDP have been completed

Transition to a License

Educators may elect to make the transition to the 5-year license at the time their certificate expires in 1998 or thereafter, or they may choose to renew once, after September 2, 1998, under the 1987 Standards. After the grace renewal under the 1987 Standards, educators will then be required to transfer to a license when the certificate expires.

When making the transition to the 5-year license, educators must meet the requirements in the new Teacher Education and Licensure Standards. That is, they must complete an IPDP, have it approved by the LPDC, and meet the professional development requirements listed below:

Ø Six semester hours of college coursework, or 18 CEU’s

Ø Coursework and CEU’s, with one semester hour equaling three CEU’s

Ø Coursework and professional development requirements may not be reduced by the number of years of work experience

Ø Other professional development activities may be counted toward the renewal requirements if approved by the LPDC and converted to CEU’s

Transition Dates and Deadlines

The holder of a professional certificate prior to September 1, 1998, may:

Ø Renew once after September 1, 1998, under the 1987 Standards until September 2, 2006, then change to the 5-year license when that certificate expires by meeting the new license requirements

The holder of a permanent certificate does not need to renew.

Fredericktown Local Schools

Development Committee

Individual Professional Development Plan

Section I

Educator’s Name: _________________________________________________________

SS#_______________________________ Date: ________________________________

Present Teaching Assignment: _______________________________________________

Certificate/License types/dates of expiration: _____________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Section I must be completed for all IPDP proposals. Select one option.

Professional Growth Options:

(Check where applicable) *The activities must be consistent with the district or building Improvement Plan (CIP), goal, or mission statement and relate to your current work assignment or goal (as stated in your IPDP).

_____ Option 1: Six semester hours or nine-quarter hours

_____ Option 2: 18 CEU’s (180 clock hours) CEU numbers listed are the maximum awarded per license cycle. All Option 2 activities must be accompanied by an Activity Documentation Form.

Group A: Workshops (Maximum 18 CEU’s total for this group)

_____ Workshops

Group B: Local Requirements (Maximum 13 CEU’s total for this group. Specific limit listed for each activity.)

_____ Local Requirements

Group C: Committee Work (Maximum 13 CEU’s total for this group. Specific limit listed for each activity.)

_____ Mentoring (6 CEU’s)

_____ Curriculum Development (13 CEU’s)

_____ Professional Committee (13 CEU’s)

_____ Grant Writing (6 CEU’s)

Group D: Independent Activities/Projects (Maximum 13 CEU’s total for this group. Specific limit listed for each activity.)

_____ Activities/Projects (6 CEU’s)

_____ Publication (13 CEU’s)

_____ Peer Observation (1 CEU)

_____ National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (13 CEU’s)

_____ Professional Vocational Board (6 CEU’s)

_____ Cooperating Teacher for Student Teacher(s) (6 CEU’s)

_____ Option 3: Combination of Options 1 and 2 (Equivalent of 18 CEU’s)

_____ Semester Hours

_____ CEU’s

Please retain a copy for your records. Revised August 5, 2003

Fredericktown Local Schools

Development Committee

Individual Professional Development Plan

Section II

A. List your professional development goals: (Please number) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

B. Briefly explain how these goals relate to your school district and/or building goals:

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

C. Proposed Plan completion date (must be prior to certificate expiration date): _____________________________________________________________________

D. Signatures

Educator: __________________________________ Date: ________________________

FPDC ____________________________________ Date: ________________________

FPDC ____________________________________ Date: ________________________

Please retain a copy for your records. Revised August 5, 2003

Fredericktown Local Schools

Development Committee

Individual Professional Development Plan

Section III

Level I

Approved/Not Approved

(To be completed by FPDC)

_____ This Individual Professional Development Plan has been approved as submitted

FPDC ______________________________________ Date: _______________________

FPDC ______________________________________ Date: _______________________

Or

_____ This Individual Professional Development Plan has merit, but has not been approved as submitted. Please note highlighted sections, revise, and resubmit your IPDP to the FPDC within five business days. A meeting will be held between the FPDC and the educator within ten business days of the receipt of the revision to give opportunity for discussion. (Level I)

FPDC ______________________________________ Date: _______________________

FPDC ______________________________________ Date: _______________________

Please retain a copy for your records. Revised August 5, 2003

Fredericktown Local Schools

Development Committee

Individual Professional Development Plan

Section III

Level II

This form must be submitted to FPDC within five business days of the meeting between the FPDC and the educator.

Educator’s Name: ________________________________________________________

SS# ______________________________ Date: ________________________________

Present Teaching Assignment: _______________________________________________

Date of Level I written response: _____________________________________________

Date of Level II Appeals Procedure Form: ______________________________________

I wish to appeal the Level I finding of the FPDC:

Educator’s Signature: _________________________________ Date: ________________

Appeal Procedure:

The FPDC shall select a certified/licensed person, the educator shall select a certified/licensed person and the two selected people shall select a third certified/licensed person to form a three-member panel. The panel will hear arguments from both the FPDC and the educator to determine if the FPDC standards and procedures were met. The panel shall respond in writing within five business days.

The finding of this panel is binding and final.

Please retain a copy for your records. Revised August 5, 2003

Fredericktown Local Schools

Development Committee

Reciprocity Verification Form

For Educators Leaving/Entering Fredericktown Local Schools

Educator’s Name: _________________________________________________________

Has completed _____ college/university semester hours and/or _____ CEU’s totaling _____ CEU’s toward the completion of his/her IPDP.

LPDC Signature: _______________________________________ Date: _____________

LPDC Address: __________________________________________________________

LPDC Contact Person: _____________________________________________________

LPDC Telephone: ________________________

Please attach a copy of educator’s IPDP.

Please retain a copy for your records. Revised August 5, 2003

Fredericktown Local Schools

Development Committee

Conversion Chart

(Semester Hours, Quarter Hours, CEU’s, Contact Hours)

Please retain a copy for your records. Revised August 5, 2003

Fredericktown Local Schools

Development Committee

In-service/Workshop/Class/Independent Activity

Application/Verification Form

Educator’s Name: _______________________________________________________

College Course, Workshop, Mentoring, Curriculum Development, Professional Committee, Grant Writing, Activity, Publication, Peer Observation, National Board of Professional Teaching, Professional Vocational Board, Cooperating Teacher for a Student Teacher (see Group Action Comparison sheet in LPDC handbook for maximum hours allowable in each area) (Circle one.)

Name of Activity/Course Description: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Number of Hours: ______ (Please specify _____________________________________)

Location/Presenter: _______________________________________________________

Date: ___________________________________________________________________

Signature of Educator: _____________________________________________________

Please attach verification or grade slip.

Please explain the basis for choosing this course or program, and how it relates to the district’s CIP and/or your IPDP: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Notes:

ü Applications submitted to the FPDC after the class or presentation has been completed may not be approved

ü Coursework must be from an accredited institution of higher learning

ü Each course must be submitted on a separate page

____ Pre-Approved (please resubmit with verification after completion)

____ Approved _____ Disapproved ____________________________________

(FPDP signature, date)

Please retain a copy for your records. Revised August 5, 2003

Fredericktown Local Schools

Development Committee

Documentation Sheet for Type C and D Activities