NEW HIRE QUICK START GUIDEHelpful resources and information for starting a successful career with Austin ISD

Welcome to AISD!

// Welcome to Team AISD (2)

// Our Strategic Direction (3-4)

// Our Board Priorities (5-6)

// Human Capital Strategy (7-8)

// Getting Started

9 General Questions

10 Benefits

11-12 Compensation

13-14 Leave Time

15 Dates to Remember

16 Technology Resources

// Advance Your Career 17 Professional Development 18 Strategic Compensation19-20 Leadership Programs

// Phone Numbers & Acronyms (21-22)

CONTENTS

We are extremely happy that you have joined our family of educators. As Chief Human Capital Officer, I understand the value of your contribution toward the education of the students of Austin. You have a world of opportunities ahead of you working for one of the most progressive, largest and diverse school districts in Texas. I hope you will find our district to be a rewarding place to work.

This guide is designed to provide you with helpful information and resources to ensure a successful transition into your new career.

Best wishes for success!

Michael HouserChief Human Capital Officer

WELCOME TO TEAM AISD!

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The district vision, mission, core values and goals are stated in the AISD Strategic Plan for 2010-2015, as adopted by the Board of Trustees.

Our employees are focused on the goals and strategies that will best prepare all students for college, career and life in a globally competitive environment.

OUR MISSION

OUR VISION

OUR CORE VALUES

STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS1. All students will perform at or above grade level.

2. Achievement gaps among all student groups will be eliminated.

3. All students will graduate ready for college, career and life in a globally competitive economy.

4. All schools will meet or exceed state accountability standards, and the district will meet federal standards and exceed state standards.

• Focus on Children• Excellence• Integrity

Austin ISD will be nationally recognized as an outstanding school district, instilling a passion for life-long learning in all students.

In partnership with parents and our community, Austin ISD exists to provide a comprehensive educational experience that is high quality, challenging and inspires all students to make a positive contribution to society.

• Equity • Respect• Health and Safety

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OUR BOARD PRIORITIES

College, Career, Life Readiness

80%

Graduation rates for AISD’s

class of 2011 increased to 80

percent, according to Texas

Education Agency’s recently

released report on graduation

and completion rates.

Expansion of academic (intellectual), physical (health, wellness, and safety), social, and emotional initiatives and programs to enhance the education of the whole child.

Expand and enhance advanced academic programs to prepare all students for college, career and life.

WHOLE CHILD, EVERY CHILD

COLLEGE-READY CULTURE

RICH PORTFOLIO OF OPTIONS

Exploration and establishment of new delivery models to provide an enhanced portfolio of academic options to promote graduation rates and higher achievement for students.

HUMAN CAPITAL

Refinements to our human capital strategy to recruit, retain, promote, reward, evaluate and develop the highest quality educators.

SYSTEMS

Systems improvement through accessible performance management, shared data, technology integration, facility master planning and aligned operations.

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IT STARTS WITH YOU.

Whether you are an experienced administrator or student teacher, AISD offers a dynamic, diverse and supportive environment tailored to individual needs and optimal for teaching, learning and advancing careers.

At the core of our district are the skills, knowledge, passion and talent of our people-our human capital.

To ensure that we have the right capabilities in the right places, AISD’s three pronged Human Capital Organizational Strategy brings together three divisions to serve our employees: Human Resources, Educator Quality and Technology.

We are focused on accelerating leadership development and evolving our culture to meet the needs of our diverse workforce.

From professional development and leadership opportunities to making connections with the community and world, we offer complete support for employees through every career phase.

Le a r n m o re a b o u t A ISD h u m a n c a p i t a l s e r v i c e s a t w w w. a u s t i n i s d .o rg / h c .

HUMAN CAPITAL

The Office of Human Resources supports the district‘s mission and

reputation for excellence by providing expertise in maximizing the potential

of the employees we serve. We recruit, retain and inspire excellence

in our diverse and talented workforce and promote and support a positive

work environment.

HUMAN RESOURCESRecruiting & Retaining Austin’s Talent

The Office of Educator Quality supports the district‘s mission of providing high quality teaching for every student, in every classroom by developing

the capacity of employees and building leaders from within. Our office provides high quality

training, leadership and professional learning opportunities to ensure employees succeed in their

current role or advance in their career.

EDUCATOR QUALITYDeveloping & Advancing Careers

TECHNOLOGYInnovating Austin’s Classrooms

The Department of Technology unleashes AISD‘s human capacity to innovate, communicate, educate and

transform lives. We provide employees, students and parents

online access to relevant educational resources from anywhere and at any time.

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What is TIP and why should I attend?The Teacher Induction Program provides professional learning opportunities, guidance and support for beginning teachers.

The program includes comprehensive year-long support in small content specific cohorts. In August, new teachers attend a four-day orientation week with a focus on classroom management, technology and the curriculum navigation system. The district also continues to provide support and just-in-time training for new employees throughout the year.

How do I get an employee ID badgeEmployee security access badges can be obtained through your principal or supervisor. They must submit your photo along with employee information to the AISD Police Department via the online Access Request Database. AISD PD will process the security access badge and will deliver your badge.

All badges MUST BE APPROVED by your principal or supervisor before they are processed.

If you have any questions about security access badges, email us at accessrequest@austin.org.

How do I access my AISD e-mail?Human Resources provides new employees with a Employee ID number. For those employees that automatically receive email, your address will be your firstname.lastname@austinisd.org.

LOGIN or USERNAME: this will be your EID number (e.g. E123456).

PASSWORD: It is initially temporarily set to EID.last 4 digits of your social security number (e.g. E123456.4444).

Please call the Help Desk at 414-TECH (8324) if you need assistance logging into your computer.

What is the AISD Cloud and how do I access it?Clunky desktop machines are a thing of the past. The Cloud gives students, teachers and staff members access to programs, resources and data from almost any device, any time of day and from any location.

You can find over 80 district core applications on the Cloud, in addition to electronic textbooks, email, video conferencing, educational apps, Google apps, Microsoft Web Office and many more.

TO ACCESS THE CLOUD: Click on the Cloud icon on your desktop or use the url address “my.austinisd.org” from any computer inside or outside the district. Sign in with your network login id/password.

What is the AISD Staff Portal and how do I access it?The Staff Portal provides employees access to pay statements, leave balances and benefits information.

TWO WAYS TO ACCESS THE STAFF PORTAL: 1. from within the Cloud you can access

the portal from any computer. 2. type the url “portal.austinisd.org” into

your web browser.

From attending new teacher orientation to receiving your first paycheck, we’ve pulled together helpful information to ensure you are comfortable and prepared as you begin your new career with AISD.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

When is the benefits enrollment deadline?You have 31 days after your start date to enroll in the AISD benefits program. If you miss the enrollment deadline, you will not have coverage for the remainder of the school year and your next opportunity to enroll will be during AISD’s Open Enrollment Period held in July.

When do my benefits begin?You will be sent an email to sign up for benefits within 10-15 days of employment. Upon your enrollment, benefits coverage begins on your benefits effective date, which is the first of the month after your starting date. For example, if your start date is August 15, your benefits begin September 1.

What coverage will I have if I don’t enroll in any district benefits?If you are a newly eligible employee and you do not enroll, you will not have any district benefits coverage.

What happens if I have a life changing event?You may change your benefit election during the year if you experience a life event (birth, death of dependent, marriage, loss of job, etc.).

This change must be made within 31 days of the event.

Who should I call with benefits questions?We’re here to help! Please call the AISD Benefits Information Line for assistance at 414-1739, from 7:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday or visit the AISD benefits website at www.austinisd.org/benefits.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Visit the AISD Technology website for additional information and resources.

www.austinisd.org/technology

AISD was chosen as one of the 2012 Healthiest Employers of Central Texas by the Austin Business Journal. Learn about our wellness initiative.

www.austinisd.org/wellness

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When will I receive my first paycheck?The date an employee receives his/her first paycheck will depend on their start date.

Depending on the annual start date of the position, your 12-month pay cycle runs from either “July through June” or “August through July.”

However, if you started work after the payroll closing date for the month in which you began, then you will receive your first paycheck on the following month’s scheduled payday.

How do I access my paycheck?AISD no longer issues live paper checks. All employees must sign up for either: 1. Direct Deposit, or2. a Pay Card account.

You may access your personal check stub, leave balances, benefits information and more through the AISD Staff Portal.

The login name and password that is issued to you for computer access will also be used to access the Staff Portal.

THREE WAYS TO ACCESS THE STAFF PORTAL: 1. from within the Cloud you can

access your portal from any computer

2. from www.austinisd.org - click just below the search window on STAFF, scroll under the RESOURCES column, and click on STAFF PORTAL, then sign in with your login id/password

3. from the url address bar type: “portal.austinisd.org”

To view your check stub after entering the Staff Portal, click on the “Payroll” button featured in the top portion of the home page.

Please contact the AISD Payroll Office at 414-1734 for additional information and assistance with forms.

COMPENSATION

Learn about employee policies on the AISD website.

www.austinisd.org

How often will I get paid?The annual salary of a professional employee, administrative and monthly paid classified employee is paid in 12 monthly payments. This is intended to provide continuous, year round income for all monthly employees, including those on a 10 or 11-month work schedule.

BI-WEEKLY EMPLOYEES: Paid at an hourly rate every two weeks for actual hours

reported through the designated payroll closing date. Bi-weekly paid employees not working during the summer will not receive checks in the summer.

HOURLY EMPLOYEES (OTHER THAN BI-WEEKLY): Paid at their hourly rate for actual hours reported through the designated payroll closing date on the monthly scheduled payday.

Substitute employees are paid for time reported to the payroll office by the designated closing date on the monthly scheduled payday.

Your final check for the school year will be based on multiplying the number of days actually worked during the year by your daily rate of pay and subtracting any amount previously paid.

Who should I call with payroll questions?Please contact the AISD Payroll Office at 414-1734 for assistance.

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LEAVE TIMEHow many days of paid leave do AISD employees receive per year? The State of Texas provides five days of personal leave each school year. State personal leave may be used at the employee’s discretion, subject to policy limitations (see policy DEC on the AISD website). The district also provides sick leave according to the following schedule:

State Personal AISD Sick Total Leave10-month employee 5 4 911-month employee 5 5 1012-month employee 5 6 11

What is the difference between state and local leave? State minimum personal leave is dictated by the Texas Education Agency. The remaining balance of your state leave can be transferred to any K-12 institution within the state of Texas should you choose to leave AISD. Local leave days are provided by AISD and are not transferable to any other institution.

When can employees use their state/local leave? • USE OF DISCRETIONARY LEAVE: Except in extenuating circumstances, a notice of

request for discretionary personal leave needs to be submitted to the principal, or the supervisor or designee two days in advance of the anticipated absence.

• DURATION OF LEAVE: Discretionary use of state personal leave cannot exceed three consecutive workdays unless approved by the Superintendent or designee.

• SCHEDULE LIMITATIONS: Discretionary personal leave is not allowed on the day before a school holiday, the day after a school holiday, or days scheduled for Districtwide standardized tests unless approved by the Superintendent or designee.

Please refer to the AISD Employee Handbook for additional details.

What happens if I have leftover leave time?At the end of each school year, any unused local sick leave, state sick leave and state personal leave is carried over to the next school year. Local sick leave, state sick leave and state personal leave will not be approved for more than the unused leave carried over from prior years plus the leave time earned during the current school year.

Who should I call with leave questions?Employees should first direct specific questions about leave balances and usage to the campus or department timekeeper and/or supervisor. If you need additional assistance, please contact the AISD Leave Office:• Frank Cantu (Professional/Administrative Employees) 414-2601.• Lisa Capdevielle (Classified Employees) 414-2602.

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August 201213-17 New Teacher Orientation20-22 Staff Development23-24 Planning & Prep27 First Day of Classes

September 20123 Student & Staff Holiday – Labor Day13 Late Start Day – High School Only27 Late Start Day – High School Only

October 20128 Early Release Day – Elementary Only18 Late Start Day – High School Only

November 20121 Late Start Day – High School Only12 Student Holiday – Staff Development21-23 Thanksgiving Holiday

December 20126 Late Start Day – High School Only21 Student Holiday – Planning & Prep22 Winter Break Begins

January 20137 Classes Resume17 Late Start Day – High School Only21 Student & Staff Holiday – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day31 Late Start Day – High School Only

February 201314 Late Start Day – High School Only18 Student Holiday – ElementaryParent Conference; Secondary Staff Development 1st Bad Weather Makeup Day28 Late Start Day – High School Only

DATESto REMEMBER

March 201311-15 Spring Break29 Student & Staff Holiday

April 201311 Late Start Day – High School Only

May 201327 Student & Staff Holiday – Memorial Day

June 20135 Last Day of Classes6 Planning & Prep 2nd Bad Weather Makeup Day

STAY CONNECTED! Visit the AISD website for good news, events and more.

www.austinisd.org

GET IN THE CLOUD• Type the url https://my.austinisd.org in your

web browser.• Log in with your employee username,

district password.

TEACHER LAPTOPS• Pick up or return at the Skyline Building,

1949 S IH35, 414-9215 or email techcompliance@austinisd.org.

GET INFORMATION• Visit the AISD Techology website at

www.austinisd.org/technology, click on Resources page to find tech tools and information.

• Type AISDWEB into your browser inside the district to access the intranet Technology website.

REQUEST TECH HELP• Call or log in to our central Help

Desk for fix it issues and repairs, how-to questions, tech training requests, or anything that affects technology.

• Type HEATWEB in your browser while inside the district.

• Log in via the Helpdesk Assistant icon on your desktop or on the web through the Cloud.

• Call 414-TECH.

CYBER SAFETY RESOURCES• Type CYBERSAFETY in your

browser while inside the district or type cybersafety.austinisd.org from anywhere, to find helpful Cyber Safety resources and information.

• Report suspected Cyber Safety or security infractions to your principal immediately.

Visit the AISD Technology website for additional information and resources.

www.austinisd.org/technology

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RESOURCESTECHNOLOGY

AISD offers several programs that speak to different stages of our employees’ careers. We are committed to helping you learn, grow and advance your career.

SAMPLING OF PD PROGRAMS & STRATEGIC COMPENSATIONTeacher Mentoring ProgramsThrough the Office of Educator Quality, AISD teachers in their first three years of service receive formal, ongoing support by a mentor. New teachers and their mentors engage in a learning centered relationship, which includes classroom observations, problem-solving, book/article studies and other opportunities. Each campus also has a Lead Mentor Teacher Contact committed to carrying out the encessary components for successful induction.

Teachers at REACH-Strategic Compensation campuses are also supported by full-time mentors who have been released from their teaching responsibilities to work exclusively with novice teachers.

National Board Certification ProgramsThe National Board Certification Program is designed to promote excellence in teaching through intense self reflection and study of practice. Quite simply, the process makes good teachers even better!

AISD currently has more than 200 active NBCTs working in various roles across the district. In addition, there are cohorts of 50 candidates and 30 pre-candidates in the certification process. The National Board also is adding principal certification for the 2012-13 school year.

Online Professional DevelopmentThe Office of Educator Quality designs and develops online professional development through the use of a variety of technology tools and venues. Our goal is to provide staff members with access to content-focused eLearning in support of district priorities and initiatives.

District Staff DevelopmentThe Office of Educator Quality also plans and coordinates staff development for offices, programs, groups and initiatives across the district. Some examples include:

• just-in-time campus support• Schoolnet • Administrative Assistants • District Wide Staff Development Days

• Community Education • Human Resources• Ombudsman

VisittheAISDOfficeofEducatorQualitywebsite to learn about our programs.www.austinisd.org/edquality.

TOP TEACHERS! AISD boasts more than 200 NationalBoardCertified

Teachers—more than any

other Texas school district! // 18

REACH-Strategic CompensationREACH-the district’s strategic compensation program, was designed to advance our efforts to recruit and retain the very best teachers and principals for Austin schools.

This innovative program offers incentives for raising the academic achievement of students and combines significant performance rewards with targeted supports and leadership opportunities.

The program also supplies full-time mentors who support novice teachers with high-quality, individualized professional development, guidance and classroom support.

Educators at REACH schools can earn up to $12,500 by meeting a variety of performance measures including, student learning objectives, professional development units, among others.

REACH is currently offered at a third of our campuses, including high-need schools.

Educators at REACH schools can earn up to $12,500 by meeting a variety of performance measures...

Leadership Development SchoolsLeadership Development Schools function in education much like teaching hospitals function in medicine.

In addition to providing a high-quality education to the adult students, the model allows for the delivery of an authentic, job-embedded context for the Principal and Assistant Principal Interns. The Interns then develop and apply research-based administrative strategies with ongoing support from district and campus administrators.

Assistant Principal Professional DevelopmentThe Office of Educator Quality supports our frontline campus administrators with monthly and just-in-time staff development that focuses on the district’s goals of college readiness and high student achievement for all. The sessions also allow administrators to network with one another around shared problems of practice.

Principal Mentoring ProgramThe Office of Educator Quality supports a Principal Mentoring Program for new AISD Principals. Associate Superintendents select the principals who serve as mentors and the Principal Mentor commits to facilitating the learning of a mentee as a necessary element of a quality principal induction experience.

Teacher Leader NetworkThe Teacher Leader Network aims to expand the powerful potential of teacher leadership and improve student learning by enhancing the teaching profession.

Various PD (i.e. Online Community, Demonstration Classrooms, Targeted PD, Aspiring Teachers Program and PDUs) will create opportunities for emerging teacher leaders to collaborate, share knowledge, experience and access resources that will strengthen their ability to lead.

AISD is committed to growing talent from within by accelerating leadership development and evolving the district’s culture to meet the needs of our students and diverse workforce.

SAMPLING OF LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS

Explore leadership opportunities offered bytheOfficeofEducatorQuality.

www.austinisd.org/ld.

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Quick Reference PHONE NUMBERS

Superintendent 414-2412Internal Audit 414-6710

General Counsel 414-1706Intergovernmental Relations 414-1706

Chief of Staff 414-2412Public Information 414-2412

PR & Multicultural Outreach 414-9832Communications 414-2715Community Engagement 414-0022Ombudsman 414-9882

Innovation & Development 414-4851Austin Partners in Education 637-0900State & Federal Grants 414-9963

Chief Academic Officer 414-9662OfficeofAcademics 414-4854

Chief Schools Office 414-4820Assoc. Superintendent - Area 1 Elem. 414-1708Assoc. Superintendent - Area 2 Elem. 414-4481Assoc. Superintendent - Area 3 Elem. 414-0038Assoc. Superintendent - High Schools 414-4471

Chief Performance Officer 414-4540Campus & District Accountability 414-9953

Chief Human Capital Officer 414-2714Human Resources 414-1721Educator Quality 414-9834Technology 414-9200

Chief Operations Officer 414-4450Facilities 414-2667Bond Implementation 414-2663Construction Management 414-1715Food Services 414-0251Police 414-1703Transportation 414-0238

Chief Financial Officer 414-2263EmployeeBenefits 414-1739Contract Procurement 414-1723

1. PLC - Professional Learning Communities2. ARD - Admission, Review, & Dismissal3. eCST - Child Study Team4. PBS - Positive Behavior Support5. CRM‘s - Curriculum Road Map6. CIP - Campus Improvement Plan7. AU - Academically Unacceptable8. TINA - Teacher in need of assistance9. IEP - Individualized Educational Plan10. SEL- Social & Emotional Learning11. SBS - Social Behavior Services12. PPCD - Pre-School Program for Children w/ Disabilities 13. POS - Point of Service14. SC - Short Cycle (or SCA- Short Cycle Assessment)15. SBDM - Site-Based Decision-Making16. ED - Economically disadvantage17. AYP - Annual yearly progress18. DRA - Developmental Reading Assessment19. T.P.R.I - Texas Primary Reading Inventory20. LPAC-LanguageProficiencyAssessmentCommittee21. CAC - Campus Advisory Committe22. ELL‘s - English Language Learners23. GT - Gifted and Talented24. LD - Learning Disabled25. BOY - Beginning of Year 26. MOY - Middle of Year27. EOY - End of Year28. EOC - End of Course29. PDAS - Professional Development Appraisal System30. ILT - Instructional Leadership Team31. PD - Professional Development32. PEIMS - Public Education Info. Management System 33. ATVS - Assessment Test Validation System34. SLO - Student Learning Objective35. PDU - Professional Development Unit36. PRMO - Public Relations & Multicultural Outreach

Quick Reference DISTRICT ACRONYMS

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Produced by the AISD Human Capital ServicesTeam: Offices of Human Resources, Technology and Educator Quality.

Learn more about AISD Human Capi ta l Serv ices at www.aust in isd.org/hc

Austin Independent School District 1111 W. 6th St. | Austin, TX 78701 | (512) 414-1721