Search

DMA (TSBVI) Professional Staff Development: Required Staff Development

STAFF DEVELOPMENT

Staff development shall be predominantly campus-based, related to achieving campus performance objectives, and developed and approved by the schoolwide committee [see Policy BQA].

Educator

The staff development provided by TSBVI to an educator other than a principal must be conducted in accordance with standards developed by the School and designed to improve education at TSBVI.

Principal

The staff development provided by TSBVI to a principal shall be governed by Education Code 21.3541 and rules adopted under that section. [See Policy DNB]

Education Code 21.451(a), (a-1)

Training Specifics for Educators

The staff development provided by TSBVI must be conducted in accordance with standards developed by the School, related to achieving campus performance objectives, approved by the district-level committee and designed to improve education at TSBVI. Education Code 21.451(b), (c)

Required Training for Educators

Staff development must include training on:

  1. Suicide prevention;
  2. Recognizing signs of mental health conditions and substance abuse;
  3. Strategies for establishing and maintaining positive relationships among students, including conflict resolution;
  4. How grief and trauma affect student learning and behavior and how evidence-based, grief-informed, and trauma-informed strategies support the academic success of students affected by grief and trauma; and
  5. Preventing, identifying, responding to, and reporting incidents of discrimination, bullying and sexual harassment;
  6. Preventing identifying and reporting human trafficking.

Required training above must be provided to all new school educators, on an annual basis to all educators, as part of a new employee orientation, and to existing TSBVI educators on a schedule adopted by TEA (Texas Education Agency) rule. The training must use a best practice-based program recommended by TEA in coordination with the Health and Human Services Commission under Education Code 38.351 [see Policy FFEB], and may include two or more topics listed together. The sexual harassment prevention training must be provided to all employees and volunteers of TSBVI as required by Title IX federal regulations.

Education Code 21.451 (d-1), (d-2), (d-3); 19 TAC 153.1013; 34 CFR Part 106; (See Policies FFEBFFHFFGFFI)

Education Code 21.452(c)

Optional Training

The staff development may include training in:

  1. Technology;
  2. Ethics;
  3. Positive behavior intervention and support strategies, including classroom management, the School discipline policies, and the Student Code of Conduct;
  4. Training that relates to instruction of students with disabilities; and
  5. Digital learning training must:
    1. Discuss basic technology proficiency expectations and methods to increase an educator’s digital literacy; and
    2. Assist an educator in the use of digital technology in learning activities that improve teaching, assessment, and instructional practices.
  6. Staff development may include instruction as to what is permissible under law, including opinions of the United States Supreme Court, regarding prayer in public school.

The digital learning training must discuss basic technology proficiency expectations, cybersecurity,   and methods to increase an educator’s digital literacy, and assist an educator in the use of digital technology in learning activities that improve teaching, assessment, and instructional practices.

Education Code 21.451(b), (c), (d), (d-1), (d-3), (g); 37.108; Gov’t Code 2054.059; 20 U.S.C. 1681-1687 [Also see Policies DHDHBDHGDIA, and FFB]

Instruction of Students with Disabilities

Staff development must include training that is evidence-based, as defined by Section 8101, Every Student Succeeds Act (20 USC 7801), that relates to the instruction of students with disabilities (including students with other intellectual or mental health conditions) and is designed for educators working in special education.

TSBVI is required to provide such training only if the educator does not possess the knowledge and skills necessary to implement the individualized education program developed for a student receiving instruction from the educator. TSBVI will determine the time and place at which the training is delivered.

In developing or maintaining such training, TSBVI must consult with persons with expertise in research-based practices for students with disabilities, including colleges, universities, private and nonprofit organizations, regional education service centers, qualified school personnel, and any other persons identified as qualified by TSBVI.

Education Code 21.451(d)(2), (e)-(f)

Suicide Prevention

The required suicide prevention training may be satisfied through independent review of suicide prevention training material that complies with guidelines developed by TEA and is offered online. Education Code 21.451(d-2); 19 TAC 153.1013(d)

The Suicide prevention programs on the TEA’s list of recommended best practice-based programs [See Policy FFEB] must include components that provide for training counselors, teachers, nurses, administrators, and other staff, as well as security officers and social workers who regularly interact with students, to:

  1. Recognize students at risk of attempting suicide, including students who are or may be the victims of or who engage in bullying;
  2. Recognize students displaying early warning signs and a possible need for early mental health or substance abuse intervention, which warning signs may include declining academic performance, depression, anxiety, isolation, unexplained changes in sleep or eating habits, and destructive behavior toward self and others;
  3. Intervene effectively with students described above by providing notice and referral to a parent or guardian so appropriate action, such as seeking mental health or substance abuse services, may be taken by a parent or guardian; and
  4. Assist students in returning to their local school district following treatment of a mental health concern or suicide attempt.

Required Training

TSBVI shall provide training described in components 1–4 above for teachers, principals, school counselors and all other appropriate personnel. The School may use a program from the DSHS (Texas Department of State Health Services) list above to satisfy the training requirements.

TSBVI is required to provide the training in the elementary school only to the extent that sufficient funding and programs are available. TSBVI may implement a program on TEA’s list of recommended best-practices programs to satisfy this training requirement.

If TSBVI provides the training, a School employee must participate in the training at least one time, and TSBVI shall maintain records that include the name of each employee who participated in the training.

Health and Safety Code 161.325; Education Code 38.351(e), (g), (h); 19 TAC 153.1013

Child Abuse, Trafficking and Maltreatment

Methods for increasing awareness of issues regarding prevention of sexual abuse and other maltreatment of children must address employee training. [see Policy BQ, School Improvement Plan and Policy FFG]

The training must be provided as part of employee orientation to all new employees and to existing staff not previously trained. The training is included in staff development under Education Code 21.451.

The training must include:

  1. Factors indicating a child is at risk for sexual abuse, human trafficking or other maltreatment;
  2. Warning signs indicating a child may be a victim of sexual abuse, human trafficking, or other maltreatment;
  3. Internal procedures for seeking assistance for a child who is at risk for sexual abuse, human trafficking or other maltreatment, including referral to a social worker, or another mental health professional;
  4. Techniques for reducing a child’s risk of sexual abuse, human trafficking or other maltreatment, including referral for services; and
  5. Information about community organizations that have relevant research-based programs and that are able to provide training or other education for TSBVI staff, volunteers, students, and parents.

TSBVI must maintain records of the training that include the name of each volunteer or staff member who participated in the training.

If TSBVI determines that the School does not have sufficient resources to provide the required training, TSBVI shall work with a community organization to provide the training at no cost to TSBVI.

Gov’t Code 402.035; Education Code 38.0041(c)-(f); 19 TAC 61.1051(d)

Trauma-Informed Care

TSBVI’s efforts to increase awareness and implementation of trauma-informed care must include training new and existing employees. [See Policy BQFFBAEducation Code 38.036(c)

Student Discipline

Each principal or other appropriate administrator who oversees student discipline shall, at least once every three school years, attend professional development training regarding Education Code Chapter 37, Subchapter G. The professional development shall include training relating to the distinction between a discipline management technique used at the principal’s discretion under Education Code 37.002(a) and the discretionary authority of a teacher to remove a disruptive student under Education Code 37.002(b) [see Policy FOA].

The professional development training may be provided in coordination with an education service center through the use of distance learning methods, such as telecommunications networks, and using available TEA resources.

Education Code 37.0181

Test Administration Procedures

TSBVI shall ensure that test coordinators and administrators receive training to ensure that testing personnel have the necessary skills and knowledge required to administer assessment instruments in a valid, standardized, and secure manner. 19 TAC 101.3031(c)

Cybersecurity Training

Employees identified by the School with access to a TSBVI computer system or database must complete a cybersecurity training program selected by the Director of Information Resources. [See Policy CQB]

Gov’t Code 2054.5191(a-1)

Automated External Defibrillators

TSBVI shall annually make available to employees and volunteers instruction in the principles and techniques of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).

The instruction provided in the use of AEDs must meet guidelines for approved AED training under Health and Safety Code 779.002. Each school nurse, assistant school nurse, athletic coach or sponsor, physical education instructor, cheerleading coach, and any other employee specified by the commissioner, and each student who serves as an athletic trainer, must:

  1. Participate in the instruction; and
  2. Receive and maintain certification in the use of an AED from the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, or a similar nationally recognized association.

Education Code 22.902

Extracurricular Activity Safety Training

The following persons must satisfactorily complete the extracurricular activity safety training program:

  1. A coach or sponsor for an extracurricular athletic activity;
  2. A trainer, unless the trainer has completed the educational requirements for licensure as a licensed athletic trainer set forth at 22 Administrative Code 871.7 and the continuing education requirements at 22 Administrative Code 871.12; and
  3. A physician who is employed by TSBVI or who volunteers to assist with an extracurricular athletic activity, unless the physician attends a continuing medical education course that specifically addresses emergency medicine.

The training must be conducted by TSBVI, or by the University Interscholastic League (UIL), or by another organization as determined by the UIL that can meet the needs of visually impaired students.

If the Superintendent determines that the School is out of compliance with the safety training requirements, TSBVI will be subject to the range of penalties determined by the UIL.

Education Code 33.202(b), (e), (f); 19 TAC 76.1003

Records

The Superintendent shall maintain complete and accurate records of TSBVI’s compliance with professional development and TSBVI shall make available to the public proof of compliance and staff qualifications for each person employed by or volunteering for the School who is required to receive safety training.

Education Code 33.206; 19 TAC 76.1003(e)

Steroids

TSBVI shall require that each employee who serves as an athletic coach at or above the seventh grade level for an extracurricular athletic activity sponsored or sanctioned by the UIL complete:

  1. The educational program developed by the UIL regarding the health effects of steroids; or
  2. A comparable program developed by TSBVI or a private entity with relevant expertise.

Education Code 33.091(c-1)

Concussions

At least once every two years, the following employees shall take a course from an authorized provider in the subject matter of concussions:

  1. A coach of an interscholastic athletic activity shall take a course approved by the UIL.
  2. An athletic trainer who serves as a member of TSBVI’s concussion oversight team shall take a course approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) or a course approved for continuing education credit by the licensing authority for athletic trainers.
  3. A school nurse or licensed health-care professional, other than an athletic trainer, who serves as a member of the TSBVI concussion oversight team shall take a course approved by the UIL, TDLR, or the appropriate licensing authority for the profession.

The employee must submit proof of timely completion of an approved course to the Superintendent or designee. A school nurse or licensed health-care professional who is not in compliance with these training requirements may not serve on a concussion oversight team in any capacity. [See Policy FM]

Education Code 38.158

Seizure Recognition and Related First Aid

A school nurse employed by TSBVI must complete a TEA-approved online course of instruction for school nurses regarding managing students with seizure disorders that includes information about seizure recognition and related first aid.

A TSBVI employee, other than a school nurse, whose duties at the School include regular contact with students must complete a TEA-approved online course of instruction for school personnel regarding awareness of students with seizure disorders that includes information about seizure recognition and related first aid.

Education Code 38.003(a),(b) [See Policy FFAF for information about seizure management and treatment plan.]

Bleeding Control Training

A TSBVI employee who may be reasonably expected to use a bleeding control kit in the event of an injury to another person is to receive TEA approved training. Instruction will be provided by TSBVI nurses and will include TEA approved instructional documents and materials detailing methods to prevent blood loss following a traumatic event. Education Code 38.030

Special Programs Training

Texas Adolescent Literacy Academies

A teacher shall attend a Texas adolescent literacy academy under 19 Administrative Code 102.1101:

  1. If TSBVI receives a rating that reflects unacceptable performance and that fails to meet the state system safeguard performance target in reading for one or more student groups; and
  2. The teacher teaches in special education or English as a second language for students in grade 6, 7, or 8, and:
    1. The teacher is a certified, full-time English language arts and reading teacher who instructs English language arts and/or reading for at least 50 percent of the teacher’s instructional duties; or
    2. The teacher is a certified, full-time content area teacher who instructs mathematics, science, and/or social studies for at least 50 percent of the teacher’s instructional duties.

A teacher described above is required to complete the training not later than December 31 of the calendar year in which the rating that reflects unacceptable performance is assigned.

A teacher who is required to attend an academy is eligible for a teacher stipend upon completion of face-to-face training if funds have been appropriated and are available for that purpose. A teacher who completes online training is not eligible for a stipend.

The stipend shall not be considered in determining whether TSBVI is paying the teacher the state minimum monthly salary [See Policy DEA and DEAA].

Each school with teachers required to attend and complete Texas adolescent reading academies must maintain records to verify teacher attendance and completion in accordance with TSBVI’s record retention policy.

Education Code 21.4551(c), (e); 19 TAC 102.1101

Teacher Literacy Achievement Academies

TSBVI shall ensure that:

  1. Not later than the 2021–22 school year, each classroom teacher in first, second, or third grade and each principal at a campus with first, second, or third grade has attended a teacher literacy achievement academy developed under Education Code 21.4552; and
  2. Each classroom teacher and each principal initially employed in a grade level or at a campus described above for the 2021–22 school year or a subsequent school year has attended a teacher literacy achievement academy developed under Education Code 21.4552 before the teacher’s or principal’s first year of placement in that grade level or campus.

Education Code 28.0062(a)(2); [See Policy EHAB for grade 1 – grade 3 reading standards]

Elective Bible Course

A teacher of an elective Bible course offered under Education Code 28.011 [see Policy EMI] must hold a minimum of a High School Composite Certification in language arts, social studies, or history with, where practical, a minor in religious or biblical studies. The teacher must successfully complete the staff development training developed by the Commissioner with respect to Bible elective courses. Education Code 28.011(f)

Adopted:         3/7/80

Amended:       7/12/85, 10/25/85, 1/14/88, 9/15/88, 1/26/90, 9/27/90, 9/27/91, 5/26/94, 11/14/97, 1/24/02, 1/31/03, 5/25/05, 8/9/18, 5/27/21

Reviewed: