Directions for Request Form

Doyle Administration Building adison 545 West Dayton Street MetropolitanSchool District Madison, WI 53703-1995 Department of Educational Services Jack Jorgensen, Director

August 12, 2005

TO: Building Principals School Secretaries Educational Assistant Unit Members Special Education Coordinators

FROM: June Glennon Theresa Grueneberg

RE: EA Training and Development Funds (Updated for 2005-2006)

Training Opportunities: The EA Collective Bargaining Agreement provides an opportunity for EAs to attend approved training sessions/courses for compensation and reimbursement. (See back for detailed information about contract provisions.)

Conditions of approval:  A professional development activity that an EA unit member wishes to be paid to attend requires prior approval from a principal/supervisor as a first step.  The principal/supervisor must review the request and determine that the staff development activity/training is related to the EA unit member’s job responsibilities. (Approval for nursing assistants must also be obtained through Health Services.)  Funds are available on a first-come/first-serve basis.  Exception: Prior approval to be paid for attending is NOT required for EA unit members who attend the following MMSD sponsored activities:  EA unit member workshops during WEAC and SWEIO  SEA topical training sessions  Autism workshops (except Data Collection Methods)  Managing Threatening Confrontations workshops/Brain Development and Challenging Behaviors workshop  Parents and Teachers as Allies: Recognizing early onset of mental illness workshop (when offered)  Selected workshops on Assistive Technology  Required orientation (for newly hired SEAs only)

Compensation (with proper prior approval):  If you attend a training activity during a normal workday, you will be paid at your regular hourly rate excluding your lunch break. The registration fee for the activity (if any) will be paid and you may request a substitute.  Substitutes may not be available for specific dates. It is the responsibility of the EA unit member to confirm that a substitute will be available for the day(s) desired before finalizing plans to attend the activity (e.g., before paying the registration fee).  Training during the evening, on a weekend or during summer vacation is not subject to compensation unless you are directed to attend by your principal and you follow the procedures for approval of funds (see back page). If you are required to attend, you will be compensated at your regular hourly rate (excluding your lunch break) and registration fees will be paid (if applicable).  See MMSD Travel and Conference Policies for information about reimbursement for mileage, parking and other travel expenses.

Number of days you may attend: Each EA unit member may be granted up to two (2) release days per school year to attend training sessions, workshops and/or conferences, funds permitting.

How to get approval: Step #1: Complete the Educational Assistant Training and Development form. A copy of this form is attached. Additional copies of the form are available at two locations on the District Intranet:  Educational Services: dww.madison.k12.wi.us/es/SpecEd/es_home.htm  Administrative Services: dww.madison.k12.wi.us/admsvc

Step #2: For reimbursement through the EA Training and Development funds: Obtain prior approval from your principal/supervisor (nursing assistants also obtain approval from Health Services). Submit the form to Educational Services three (3) weeks prior to the professional development activity. You will be notified regarding your final approval within 10 days. For reimbursement through school-based funds supported by the principal: Submit the form to your principal three (3) weeks prior to the professional development activity. After obtaining the principal’s approval on the form, submit the form to Administrative Services.

Step #3: Register for the class or workshop. For professional development activities offered through the MMSD, you may register through the MMSD professional development web site. For non-district professional development activities, you may request prepayment of your registration by attaching a completed registration form when you submit your Educational Assistant Training and Development form. Remember to also note on your request that prepayment is needed.

Note: Approval for compensation/reimbursement and registering for classes/workshops are separate activities. Both steps must be completed. If you have registered for a class/workshop and are denied approval for reimbursement, and you choose not to attend, you have the responsibility to cancel your registration.

C: MTI, Mike Malesytcki, Freddi Adelson, Marian Matthews, Elaine Wirsbinski

Section III-K of the Educational Assistant Collective Bargaining Agreement provides that:

1. EA unit members shall have the option on a first-come/first-serve basis of attending training courses offered by the District during WEAC and SWEIO. Educational Assistants who attend such sessions/courses shall be compensated for their attendance at their regular hourly rate of pay.

2. In addition to training courses offered by the District in III-K-1 above, an employee may be granted time off, without loss of pay or use of accumulated leave time, up to two (2) days per school year, to attend training sessions, workshops, and conferences pertaining to the employee’s work as authorized by the employee’s principal and the special education coordinator. The District shall pay for the cost of registration, mileage and other pre-approved expenses for pre-approved courses that have been properly submitted on the “Out-of-District Activity” form.

3. An educational assistant who does not attend the teachers’ convention may: (1) with the approval of her/his principal, work; (2) attend staff training offered by the District on teacher convention days; or (3) the educational assistant may choose to take the day off without pay. Educational assistants shall be paid at their normal hourly rates for participation in staff training or for services performed in his/her school.

4. Educational assistants who are recommended or directed by their supervisor to attend training offered during non-scheduled work hours or during summer vacation shall be compensated for their attendance at their regular hourly rate of pay provided the training and funding has been pre-approved by Educational Services.

(8/2004 – 8/2006 Agreement)

7-25-05