BHS STEM 19/20 Questions by Morgen Crowder

mecrowder — 2019-02-13 23:26:47 UTC

ll Made with panache Avatar of Morgen Crowder Morgen Crowder ● 1m

Plan for Tardies with shorter passing period?

ravicksell — 2019-02-14 15:26:42 UTC

Tardies are already completely out of control in this school. I'm concerned that the 5 minute passing period will only exacerbate the problem even more.There are classes where I already have to wait to start instruction because too many students wander in late with a 6 minute passing period. While 4 minutes less in a class isn't too bad, when you add more time to wait on late students it adds up. Very few students seem to be receiving consequences on the current plan. Will there be a new plan to deal with tardies?

We are working on revamping the tardy policy. We are open for teacher feedback on your ideas and suggestions on how to improve the tardy policy. We asked for feedback 1/31 and one teacher has responded. We need your help with this.

8 periods

ktorrevi — 2019-02-14 15:32:37 UTC

If we are going to block in 20-21 we should take the lead in the district as the STEM school and just do it. If we are all going to be Stem teachers we will need the time to teach project base learning.

At this time the district is not prepared for us to go to block.

Block Schedule

2019-02-14 15:57:37 UTC

Could we go ahead and test out block schedule? Then students don't have a schedule for next year and then a new schedule the next year. Or just go ahead and test out 5 minute passing periods at least next year to prepare?

Just for reference since I have had the chance to speak with other teachers who have had success with it, could the block schedule of 4 classes a semester be looked at? Students would take 4 classes and earn the entire year of credit in the one semester. Then second semester is the second set of classes for a total of 8 by the end of the year. <-- Perhaps this would also allow for more interdisciplinary lessons?

^AP classes and athletics would need to meet both semesters? I would need to do more research to see how these are incorporated. My three teacher colleagues who teach AP chemistry with this schedule have two semesters with the content (almost double the class time compared to our current schedule)

At this time the district is not prepared for us to go to block.

8 Periods

2019-02-14 15:58:47 UTC

Can the idea be discussed again not to have core classes 1st and 8th period?
This would not reduce class sizes.

Love the concept of smaller classes if they are actually balanced. I've had a class of 11 and then a class of 35 because balancing does not occur. Makes grouping more difficult for the teacher.

PBL

2019-02-14 16:01:10 UTC

How will the 8 periods help with interdisciplinary approaches and different subjects working together? Now there would be even less of an ability to have students end up in the same science/english, history/english, math/science periods so that cross curricular can happen easier, if there was a goal to try to make this happen.

Creating schedules where students were grouped together for their core classes was not a goal.

Teacher Training (STEM)

2019-02-14 16:04:12 UTC

Since we are the professionals in the classroom with our students giving the STEM dream, when will training opportunities and expectations be provided? A week before classes in the summer is not sufficient. Is this starting this semester soon?

We will be sharing more about the plan for teacher training Monday 2/18.

Students

2019-02-14 16:06:16 UTC

What has been decided about students who are not interested in the STEM pathways?

The 6 pathways were explained at the 1/31 faculty meeting. All BHS electives fall under one of the pathways and if they chose to not attend Berkner they can apply for a transfer to one of the other RISD high schools.
Here is the link to the pathways with descriptions:
https://sites.google.com/g.risd.org/berknertstem/

Tardies

2019-02-14 16:07:07 UTC

I think students can deal with a 5 minute passing periods (just like what was mentioned in the staff meeting). There just needs to be a consistent consequence for tardies. Just as the wandering halls annoys the administrators, the tardies not being followed through on when we enter them after wandering doesn't solve the issue. Similar to teaching, when they see that someone is caring (even in the consequence side), they follow through.

We are working on revamping the tardy policy. We are open for teacher feedback on your ideas and suggestions on how to improve the tardy policy. We asked for feedback 1/31 and one teacher has responded. We need your help with this.

Lunches/Bell Schedule

2019-02-14 16:14:19 UTC

Will we no longer have bells? The timing for periods does not match up for 3/4/5 for the different bell schedules. I'm okay with no bells, as long as there is an agreed upon time that is dictated that we folow - computer time, BHS time (??), teacher phone, etc..
There will be bells.

Will students get choice over lunch? A lunch is 11:30 and C lunch is 1:12. Big difference in timing compared to now!
Lunches will be determined by classes. Students will not get a choice in their lunch.

Teacher Profile

2019-02-14 16:17:30 UTC

At the bottom, it says "STEM for ALL teachers invest extra time to create classroom experiences to offer students a unique learning environment".

-what is meant by the "extra time"? Will we have STEM planning days frequently where students are expected to be electronic learners from home (we have the internet access for all students with the hot spots from the library, so kids can be held accountable!) so that teachers can collaborate?

-what is the unique learning environment that you are going for if we are still limited by 46 minute classes, lack of time to create connections with teachers in other disciplines, lack of time/resources outside of the classroom to find authentic audiences

We will be covering this in more detail Monday 2/18.

Overall

2019-02-14 16:19:56 UTC

There are more questions than answers because while there has been a lot of work for STEM for All from the higher ups and administration, the teachers who are not in the "in crowd" have not been given overviews, just little bits here and there as logistics are worked out above us (unless there was a committee of teachers who got to give feedback about a bell schedule before the 8 period announcement? disregard this statement if the bell schedule presented is still up for discussion but it seemed pretty decided upon). We want this be revolutionary and be a big culture shift, so let those teachers who want to be part of the change get on board by training!

This information has been shared with the Campus Instructional Leadership Team to gain their insight and to allow them to be a voice for their departments.
Further training opportunities will be shared Monday 2/18.

Academic Calendar 19/20

2019-02-14 16:23:46 UTC

When will this be posted? If the teacher arrival time will be earlier than normal for getting our PD hours early through STEM training, we need to know now!

More details will be shared on this Monday Feb. 18th.

Parent Culture

2019-02-14 16:24:31 UTC

As of right now, when parents get disgruntled when we do not "stand and deliver", administration does not always support the teachers whose expectations are the students are the drivers of their learning experience due to researched practices that are for long term learning. Will this be a focus to include parents on the culture of the new school and expectations? And educating them on this more effective method of learning will be the focus on parent/administration meetings rather than trying to take the easy road?

Just food for thought. Lifting up both the student and parent will improve the community as a whole, considering the home lives many of our students come from.

I love the term "lifting up the parent and student". We are working on student and parent contracts to outline the expectations for both parents and students. We can also continue to message this through schedule pick up, Open House etc.

Big Fan

kcraig14 — 2019-02-14 16:55:11 UTC

I love the idea of this new schedule. As a STEM innovator, the smaller class sizes and no longer split 4th will allow for the ability to do so much more with classes. I think the benefits greatly outweigh the potential inconveniences and I'm super excited about moving to block. Just my $0.02.

Thanks for sharing!

Extra Pay

kreinhar — 2019-02-14 17:08:58 UTC

Will teachers who pick up an extra class be paid differently since the scale is 1/7 now? Will it switch to 1/8?

We are working to get clarification on this with HR and will report back once they have informed us.

Back to Back

crbentley — 2019-02-14 17:33:33 UTC

Will there be any considerations for teachers with back to back PLC and conference periods so that they don't have to teach 5 classes back to back during the rest of the day?
We will try. We are using the scheduler program feature in FOCUS this year to increase the percentage of class requests matching course offerings.

Smaller Classes = Yay

2019-02-14 17:44:41 UTC

Huge fan of the fact that this would lead to smaller class sizes, which is desperately needed by just about everyone.

I'll gladly teach 16 extra minutes a day to make this happen. If all the kinks are worked out, this could be quite good. I certainly like it better than block, which will take forever to sell me on.

Advisory Period

2019-02-14 18:31:17 UTC

Has there been any discussion of having an "advisory period" as one of the 8? Could be for announcements, maybe even attendance, then used for tutoring, special programming (like I know what to do), etc.

Could come up with a Ramtastic name for it????
We have talked about this. The concern is that if we plan an advisory period at the same time for everyone as one of the 8 we won't be able to alleviate the large class sizes. You know I am all about a Ramtastic name!

Will Zero hour classes still be offered in 2019-20?

2019-02-14 18:34:48 UTC

Asking for a friend.....
Please let your friend know that yes- we will still offer a zero hour. :)

Tardy terminator

carol_orloff — 2019-02-15 00:02:08 UTC

Why did we stop using the tardy terminator? If we had more stations around the school there wouldn't be long lines.

Tardy terminator was "terminated" for a couple of reasons- shortage of staff to run the terminator stations and a large reason was students taking a very scenic route to pick a terminator to get their tardy from.

Bell Schedule 4th & 5th Periods

sdthreadgill — 2019-02-15 04:15:56 UTC

Since there is a different Bell Schedule for 4th and 5th Periods depending on what lunch you have, what plans will be put in place if a teacher is attending an ARD and it runs over? Also, what plans will be put in place for Student Assemblies and Pep Rallies? In addition, if a student has a one semester class and a different class 2nd semester, will only their 4th and 5th period classes need to be changed if will student's whole schedule need to be change?

ARDs, Student Assemblies and pep rallies will be handled in a similar way as this year.

For a student with a semester schedule change, the same practice will be in place of moving the fewest of their classes possible.

is this new schedule RISD as a whole? or just Berkner? Will all school go to block scheduling in 20/21?

2019-02-15 14:31:01 UTC

The 8 periods for the 19/20 school year is just for Berkner. There is no official word yet if all of RISD high schools will go to block 20/21.

TRE passed... smaller classes promised

2019-02-15 14:52:38 UTC

just to be clear - is this in response for smaller class size? wasn't smaller class sizes part of the TRE that passed? it sounds like the solution has become having current teachers teach more students - broken up into smaller classes and having active instruction 26 more minutes a day - is this instead of opening up more sections and hiring more teachers?

This is not associated with the TRE. The smaller class sizes is an additional benefit of going to 8 periods. The 8th period allows for the Rams University course to be offered to all 9th/10th for the 19-20 year and will then grow by a grade level each year. The 8 periods allows for students to not lose a chance for an elective or required course in the place of Rams University.

We already have issues with teachers not putting in grades on time...so adding another class on their already overloaded work load makes sense?

2019-02-16 12:34:10 UTC

Grading is a basic requirement of the job and will not change.

Many students seem struggle with understanding and comprehending during the class period, not including additional tutoring. So taking minutes AWAY of instructional class time is a smart idea???

2019-02-16 12:35:37 UTC

The classes are being decreased by 4 minutes a period. The emphasis is teaching bell to bell.

"IF" block scheduling is adapted for the 20/21 school year, we will shorten classes for a year, then extend them the year after?? Seems like a lot of unnecessary shifting for students to adapt to.

2019-02-16 12:36:48 UTC

Woohoooo for BLOCK scheduling!!!! Longer classes for students to have in class. AWESOME idea!!!!!!!!!!!! Huge Fan!!

2019-02-16 12:38:14 UTC

Block scheduling will not happen 19-20 school year but possibly 20-21.

Times for Saturday sessions?

mecrowder — 2019-02-18 14:46:11 UTC

We have added this to our list of comments/suggestions to ask district admin.

2019-02-18 14:46:48 UTC

What’s the difference between a STEM school and an ACE school

ACE schools are elementary only and were schools chosen due to their struggling test scores. STEM is an opportunity that the Berkner feeder pattern was afforded due to the TI grant. This is not related to test scores or performance like ACE. Please let me know if that doesn't answer the question.

Can these hours count toward GT update?

mecrowder — 2019-02-18 14:47:06 UTC

We have added this to our list of comments/suggestions to ask district admin.

Meetings

2019-02-18 14:47:13 UTC

Will we have less spontaneous meetings and trainings throughout the year because now we have extra duties?

Can you please clarify what are the spontaneous trainings are? I want to make sure I fully answer the question.

Childcare during the summer days?

mecrowder — 2019-02-18 14:47:40 UTC

We have added this to our list of comments/suggestions to ask district admin.

Hours

2019-02-18 14:51:16 UTC

I'm currently in two masters and a STEM certification. On the letter it mentions opportunities to pursue degrees/certifications and supplemental pay. Good this be explained in more detail?

I believe the district will be rolling out this information March 27th 4:30-6:30 at the Spring into Your Pathway event. We can add the flyer to Buzz. We have not been given the details yet.

Summer sessions-= conflict if you teach summer school

2019-02-18 14:59:06 UTC

The first 2 summer sessions conflict with summer school. Will alternative online or face to face dates be available

We have added this to our list of comments/suggestions to ask district admin.

Teaching Assignments

2019-02-18 15:02:44 UTC

Will we know our teaching assignments before we have signing day?

Unfortunately no. We will not have student course requests numbers at that point.

1,000 stipend

kfavara — 2019-02-18 15:02:46 UTC

Will this be lumped in with our August/December check? If so.. is there anyway it can be a separate check or contract labor so we are not taxed as much? If it’s lumped in, we won’t be receiving much at all.

I believe the district will only due the two lump sums in August and December.

Does the signing form take place of the contract for the school year of 2019-2020? Or will we have to do sign another form for next year?

osniel_rives — 2019-02-18 15:03:00 UTC

No. Staff will still receive contracts later this spring to sign.

Admin

2019-02-18 15:03:20 UTC

Just like Mr. McKay had started using google forms to aid in communication, can some organizational processes be adjusted for teacher admin communication? Biggest issue right now is that it is difficult to actually get a hold of admin, in person, by phone, or email. Perhaps having office hours or "where to find me" or some thing?

If you need us during 4th period we are all in cafeteria. Passing periods we are in hallways. Please contact me (Crowder) if you need help hunting others down.

Also, can we pursue having the e staff meetings like kendall tried once
Yes- we will be incorporating more of those.

Stay but not stay

2019-02-18 15:15:31 UTC

What if you want to stay, but not in the same department you are currently in. Is that an option

If you are certified in that area and if there is an opening in that department then it is a possibility.

Stipend / Hours

2019-02-18 15:19:46 UTC

I understand that money is most likely not a option but I do feel that giving every teacher 12 more hours to reach our full 18 would be more than fair as we are giving up 10.5 days. Even with the $1000 giving us 18pd hours still us under the daily rate that we are paid, but at least we do not have to give up any additional time.

We are looking into the increase in PD hours and will report back.

Tardies

mdjohnson31 — 2019-02-18 15:22:23 UTC

From what I understand, going to 8 classes a day next year will require shorter passing periods. We already struggle holding the kids accountable to tardies and they have 6 minutes to get to class, it will only be worse if they have 5 minutes to get to class.

From what I understand we currently have a tardy policy and it isn't being implemented fully. We don't need feedback on a new policy, we need to enforce the current policy to see if it even works.

For the current policy, or any policy, to work their must be buy in from all stakeholders. We need all teachers inputting tardies every period, every kid, every day. Admin is working on our end to issue consequences. This takes a unified front of all staff in the building-not just admin.

How does this work if you cannot attend some of these sessions if you work another job, or have a unique PD opportunity?

jmgoodall — 2019-02-18 15:22:41 UTC

Also, hurray for a 30-minute lunch each day!

We have added this to our list of comments/suggestions to ask district admin.

Help for Advanced Degrees

2019-02-18 15:24:26 UTC

I am starting a Master's program this summer, how can I find out more about this?

As soon as we receive details from the district we will share.

Tardies

2019-02-18 15:27:15 UTC

Where is the tardy feedback

Please email me (Crowder) your tardy suggestions. I am compiling all of the information and will present at an admin meeting.

Chromebooks

2019-02-18 15:31:43 UTC

This may seem rather basic in light of all of these issues, but the biggest thing that gets in the way of utilizing all of these wonderful tech resources in class is when students don't bring chromebooks / can't because it's being repaired. I typically have 4-5 per class who don't bring a chromebook / broke it 3x and dont get a new one / etc.

We wouldn't tell a kid they can't participate in class because they forgot or couldn't afford a pencil. We do the exact thing with chromebooks though. I'm always at a bit of a loss what to do with them - not everything can be substituted on paper or worked on with a partner!

Students without Chromebooks I want to echo the comment about malfunctioning/lost/forgotten Chromebooks. It would be great to get a desktop or two in my classroom, or a couple of class Chromebooks, for students who consistently don't have a Chromebook for class. I teach all freshman (9th graders = not so good as keeping up with possessions), and it is particularly problematic that every time I attempt to use technology in my classes, a handful of kids in each period are not equipped to participate. It would be great if we had a technology contingency to address this.

larmet — 2019-02-18 15:51:44 UTC

I do not believe the resources are currently available to put extra computers in classrooms.

Student Engagement

2019-02-18 15:53:32 UTC

What will be the process for students who are not holding up their end of the expectations for STEM4All? Will they be transferred to a different campus?

I believe this is the time to start with the higher expectations for giving all the students who participate the chance to gain these valuable life skills.

High expectations will be set for all students. Students and parents will have to sign contracts outlining expectations. We will not be able to transfer students who we are their home campus.

Update Hours

2019-02-18 15:53:38 UTC

For GT we have an initial number of hours that we have to do just once and then we only have to get 6 hour updates after the following year.

Will these 10.5 hours just be an initial STEM training and then in the following years, the number of hours will be less? Will we continue to receive the $1000 stipend each year or is it only the initial first year?

We have added this to our list of comments/suggestions to ask district admin.

Is it really smart to go through the trouble of changing the school day schedule for one year only to turn around and change it again in 2020-2021?

larmet — 2019-02-18 15:56:31 UTC

To meet the requirements of the grant and to meet the needs of our students we are proposing making the change for next year.

Stipend for previously earned Master's?

2019-02-18 15:57:44 UTC

There is help for Advanced degrees which is great, but is there any conversation about helping those of us who spent thousands upon thousands earning an advanced degree before starting? I feel like I'm being punished for getting a Master's in teaching before I started teaching, and most districts offer stipends. I know this is not a campus decision, just saying :)

As soon as we receive information from HR in regards to this we will share.

Follow up for Teaching Assignments

2019-02-18 16:14:02 UTC

If we think we are teaching one thing, then find out we are teaching another after signing day will there be an opportunity to still switch to the open contract somewhere else in the district?

I believe the March 1st deadline is a set date and teachers will not be able to added to the STEM learning community transfer list.

We're building this up as a great #STEM4ALL thing, but everything I'm seeing is just good teaching practice that we should have been doing all along (4C's, using tech etc, real world connections). What exactly is so new about this vs simply using best practices?

2019-02-18 16:15:26 UTC

Discovery Ed

2019-02-18 16:32:42 UTC

What is Discovery Education? Is it a consortium of NGOs, Educational Foundations, or corporate interest(s). Do they stand to profit/benefit in some way from what they're offering us?

Are we paying them directly for their services?

My fear with this sort of public-private collaboration is what their agenda is? Who within our District/School ensures the supportive resources from DE are appropriate and agenda free?

I feel like we've been down this road before.

About a year or two after adopting all the "free" Google platforms and supports when we went 1:1, we learned their motives weren't pure (surprise, surprise!)

How long are the trainings, in terms of total hours?

jmgoodall — 2019-02-18 16:38:47 UTC

We have added this to our list of comments/suggestions to ask district admin.

I am not going to lie...all things considered, this definitely throws a curveball (not surprised completely, but surprised as to the details of said transition) into my future as an educator. Could we say we want to be placed into the transfer portal, but if the options are not to our liking, choose to stay with BHS STEM instead?

jmgoodall — 2019-02-18 18:25:58 UTC

Unfortunately , we wont be able to hold your position to allow time for you to pursue other options.

Resources

2019-02-18 19:33:18 UTC

As we are building community connections, can there be a BHS database for students to potentially use as a resource or for teachers to use to get ideas for authentic learning experiences?

This sounds like an interesting idea. Can you please clarify what you mean by a database for students? Do you mean a database of student work for teachers to use as a resource?

Grade Level Connections

2019-02-18 19:37:31 UTC

Will there be an attempt to help with cross curricular planning by giving grade level subjects planning time during the school day? Or can staff meetings turn into this? For example, sophomores typically take english 2, chemistry, and world history that can have overlap.

We would love for this to happen. We will have to look into the specifics of how we can make this work.

STEM Career "Issues"

2019-02-18 19:44:05 UTC

I've wondered about this for the past year or so, ever since hearing about what Berkner was planning on doing: somewhere around three-quarters of those with BAs/BSs in a STEM-related field aren't employed in the field. I'm just wondering if folks are aware of this or think this trend will cease?

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2014/07/10/census-stem-graduates/12492079/
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2014/07/10/census-stem-graduates/12492079/

Our focus is not creating 10,000 engineers but rather preparing students for the workforce who are able to communicate, collaborate, be creative and are critical thinkers.

What do they know...?

2019-02-18 19:56:17 UTC

Why are we pursuing the opposite course of action as people who know a lot more about tech than we do?

https://www.good.is/articles/why-are-silicon-valley-executives-sending-their-kids-to-a-tech-free-school
https://www.good.is/articles/why-are-silicon-valley-executives-sending-their-kids-to-a-tech-free-school

Something to think about, no?

Research has been done to see what career needs are in our area so that we can prepare students for future careers.

The people mentioned in the article have expansive technology resources available for their child/students at home. For many of our students, school is their only means to access technology.

Question

smount1 — 2019-02-18 21:00:25 UTC

What is Berkner? What is STEM? What is life?

Berkner and STEM are life.

Transfer List

smount1 — 2019-02-18 21:38:11 UTC

Will teachers have a chance to give input on who gets put on the transfer list?

You can't put friends on the transfer list. :) We are not voting coworkers off the island.

You will be put on the transfer list if you opt out of staying at BHS.

What is RAM University?

2019-02-18 22:41:15 UTC

1. What is RAM University?
2. I understand that this will be offered to next year's 9th and 10th graders but for next year's 11th & 12th graders will they get to take an extra class?

Question

kperry14 — 2019-02-19 13:28:59 UTC

Is the $1000 stipend every year? Does it go toward our TRE retirement?

We will ask and get clarification.

STEM campus PD

wcmikesell — 2019-02-19 16:31:09 UTC

I am genuinely concerned about going from being able to get all 18 hours of district PD completed before the school year begins to being 6 STEM Academy PD days behind from the start (because of teaching summer school) and maybe only having about ½ my district required PD done.

We are working to see if the number of hours for the summer days can be increased. We will report back when we hear more.

How many prep’s should I expect next year?

wcmikesell — 2019-02-19 16:32:31 UTC

With 6 classes a day, I understand that this will lower my students per class (less stress) while still seeing about the same number of students per day (probably about same amount of grading … not a problem). My concern is that our current 2-maybe-3-preps will become 3-maybe-4-preps and will result in the average teacher having more work. How have the other campuses that have made this move dealt with scheduling?

We will work to keep teacher preps low.

What can I expect in my classroom next year?

wcmikesell — 2019-02-19 16:33:33 UTC

I understand and value the role I play currently in offering “STEM for non-STEM majors” style classes. (Also, I have enjoyed seeing my class become more hands on, practical, and self-directed; but I have noticed that it has moved me from B/C’s to A/F’s (those that are engaged by the practicality and the challenge vs. those that are increasingly left behind by this more active approach) and that many of my B/C students have transferred to MPA.) What is the future of courses like Environmental Systems and Earth and Space Science? How will I use the new “STEM center”?

Environmental Systems and Earth/Space will still be offered to students.

The STEM center will be used by all of the BHS feeder pattern K-12. BHS classes will be able to use the STEM center for lessons, guest speakers etc.

Similar request as below

jhoupt — 2019-02-19 17:12:33 UTC

Would it be possible to get a handful of chromebooks, desktops, ipads (anything) to keep in the classroom? Hard to transfer some of the kids' work to paper when they leave their devices "
at home"

I don't believe there is a surplus of computers available for this.

Contract days

kreinhar — 2019-02-19 17:46:43 UTC

I am truly appreciative of the stipend but why is it not our contracted daily pay rate? Will our contract
days switch from 187 to 197.5?
This would resolve the issue of the 2 lump sums being taxed so harshly. The stipend would be dispersed throughout the paychecks as they do with the coaches 202 contractual days.

We have added this to our list of comments/suggestions to ask district admin.

Training compensation

2019-02-19 17:53:42 UTC

The 10.5 days of training equates to about 63 hours (assuming a PD day is 6 hours). If we get 6 of those hours as PD hours, that leaves 57 hours for which we are getting paid $1000. That works out to $17.50 an hour, which seems pretty low. Is this amount set in stone?

We have added this to our list of comments/suggestions to ask district admin.

Compensation

2019-02-19 22:12:42 UTC

$1000 is what we make in 3.3 days. 6 hours of PD is 1 day (totaling 4.3 days of compensation). That means we are required to work 6.2 days (out of 10.5) without compensation. This is in addition the increase in our class times by 26 minutes each day. (an additional 78 hours a year of instructional time (works out to be 13 additional days)).

So we are being asked to work ~19 days more than our RISD peers without being compensated. How can we be in the same contract as the other teachers in RISD and be required to work 19 additional uncompensated days?

We have added this to our list of comments/suggestions to ask district admin.

When will updates/answers from District Admin be presented?

2019-02-19 22:24:31 UTC

It feels like we’ve not been given enough time to really work through the options. March 1 is 8 business days away… and there are many unanswered questions. Why are we expected to sign an agreement when there are so many questions without answers:

Can compensation be more competitive/fair?

Child care during training?

What will the online options be for those who have already booked traveling for the summer?

How long will the $1000 stipend last?

How will the stipend be taxed?

How long will the training sessions be?

Can the hours go towards GT update?

We have submitted the questions and are waiting to hear back from HR. Please know we are all eager for the answers. I am sorry for the frustration that is caused by us not having all of the answers.

This will have no effect?

jhoupt — 2019-02-20 16:57:18 UTC

This will have no effect on our yearly raises correct?

This will not effect your yearly raises.

Deadline

2019-02-20 17:44:32 UTC

What if the "deadline" for "opting" comes before HR responds to our questions?

HR is currently working on an FAQ sheet to answer the questions we have posed. This will be available prior to March 1.

Have all these trainings been approved by the board?

2019-02-24 21:07:32 UTC

This information has come from RISD HR.

What happens if we do not sign the oath?

jmgoodall — 2019-02-26 19:59:52 UTC

Everyone must sign the opt in/opt out letter one way or the other. Those who do not will have to meet with Cage and HR.

Have all these trainings been approved by the board? ''This information has come from RISD HR.'' So we do not know if this has been board approved?

jmgoodall — 2019-03-04 16:36:59 UTC

Annouceme

2019-04-15 20:21:37 UTC

Will the annoucements be shorter 2nd period since we areg going from 50 minutes class periods to 45 minutes class period

Where can we sign up for the STEM training this Summer?

2019-04-24 14:18:10 UTC

I want to sign up for the training this June before it fills up. Can you please send a link or info about this? I want to confirm my attendance before I lose my chance.

Thank you.

Good questions on this padlet...when will all of them be answered? I know we (the teachers) will not like all the answers to said questions, but unlike Colonel Nathan Jessup said, "We can handle the truth!;)" So, from District Administration and other higher-ups/people-in-the-know, what are the answers to these questions? Thank you:)

2019-05-17 18:54:53 UTC