We have a new on-line staff development system!  Now you will have access to your records, transcript, and certificates, as well as online workshops you can take at your own convenience.  Outlined below is how to access this system, along with a list of frequently asked questions.

Getting Started

• The link to this new system can be found by logging on to the TISD Website.  Click "Curriculum" and then click "Staff Development."

• Next, click "Learning Management System."

• You can use this document to guide you through your first log-in to the new system.

• In order to receive staff development credit, you must attend the full workshop and sign your name to the sign-in sheet for that workshop. 
• Upon completion of the workshop, you must log on to the Learning Management System and complete the evaluation for the workshop attended. 
• Click on "My Courses," and then click on the name of the workshop you attended followed by "Evaluation" (example: Microsoft Word Evaluation). 
• Credit will not be given until this evaluation form has been completed. 
• If you would like to print your certificate, you can click the "Complete" link and follow directions.

1.

• Go to the following website:  Learning Management System (http://txkisd.howtomaster.com) or go online to the TISD Website and click For Curriculum-->Staff Development--> Learning Management System.

• Your username is your last name and the first letter of your first name (example: John Smith = smithj).

• Everyone will use "password" (without quotation marks) as their password for the first log-in.

2.

Can I modify my record once I log in to the Learning Management System?

You may modify your password under My Info-->Profile.  To view your statistics, such as your name, email address, and campus, click on My Info-->Statistics.  Any information that is not correct here should be emailed to Brandy Burnett (burnettb@txkisd.net) or Karen Ottinger (ottingerk@txkisd.net).

3.

Where can I get a list of all staff development workshops being offered?

Once you have logged in to the Learning Management System, go to My Calendar.  Use the drop down box to select Available Events.  This will let you see what workshops are occurring during each month.  You can use the arrows to go to the next month.  You also can click on the workshop name to give you a more detailed description of the workshop, and then you may register if you like.

4.

How do I register for workshops?

Register on line at the Learning Management System.  Log in and go to My Calendar.  Use the drop down box to select Available Events and then click on the course you want to attend.  Once you have selected the course, click the “register” button and follow the directions.  You can see the events you are registered for by clicking on "My Events."

Can I add this event to my Outlook calendar?

Yes.  You can do this by going to "My Calendar" and clicking the event for which you have registered.  Next, click on the button "Add to Outlook."  An email will be sent to you with instructions on how to do this.

How do I know when a workshop I have registered for is approaching?

You will receive an e-mail reminder before the day the workshop occurs.

How do I cancel my registration for a workshop?

To cancel your registration, go to "My Events" and click on the withdraw. tab.  Click on the title of the workshop you want to withdraw from, and when this page comes up, click the withdraw button. 

How do I receive credit for a workshop?

You must attend the full workshop and sign the sign-in sheet. Once you receive confirmation via e-mail that credit has been given, you must log on to the Learning Management System and complete the evaluation.  To do this, go to "My Events" and click on the title of the workshop.  You will see the survey to the right.  Click on it to take the survey.

How do I know how many staff development hours I have?

You may log on to the Learning Management System and view your statistics.  This will tell you the total hours of workshops you have attended.

What is the TISD Staff Development Stipend?

The purpose of this stipend is to encourage professional staff members to continue in their professional growth throughout the year.  Any hours accumulated beyond the required district staff development days will be eligible for the District Staff Development Stipend.  The guidelines for obtaining the stipend are as follows:

• The workshop must be held outside of the contracted work day.  District and campus development days are contracted work days.

• Teachers who attend a staff development session or series not conducted by Texarkana ISD (AP, TEXTEAMS, etc.) must have prior written administrative approval to be eligible for the TISD Staff Development Stipend.

• Teachers attending any workshop that offers a stipend for attendance will not be eligible for Texarkana ISD compensation.

• The stipend will be awarded in increments of 4, 8, 12, and 16 hours.  If a teacher accumulates hours between the hours listed, the lesser increment shall be awarded.

• Repeat sessions are eligible only with prior administrative approval.

• Payment for the Staff Development Stipend will be determined in the final month of the instructional year and will be awarded in June.

What are the stipend amounts?

The stipend amounts are as follows:

• 4-7 hours= $25

• 8-11 hours= $50

• 12-15 hours= $75

• 16+ hours= $100

Aides do not qualify for this stipend.  Stipends are awarded in June.

Why aren’t my staff development hours before 2005-2006 showing up on my transcript?

All hours accumulated beginning with the 2005-06 school year will be listed through the new system and will appear on your transcript.  To obtain a copy of your transcript from previous years, contact Karen Ottinger at ottingerk@txkisd.net or call extension 1312.

I attended this workshop, so why does it show that I was given 0 hours?

Sometimes workshops are offered during the contracted work day.  In this case, we will keep a record of your attendance at the workshop; however, it will not count for staff development credit.  There also may be circumstances when you are required to attend a workshop outside of the contracted work day, but you don’t receive any hours.  If this happens, it is because you have traded off another day at the end of the school year for this workshop.  If you have questions about this, e-mail Brandy Burnett, burnettb@txkisd.net.

Contact Brandy Burnett before attempting to receive credit for a workshop that is not held by TISD.  If you attend an out-of-district workshop, you need to send your certificate or documentation of attendance to Brandy Burnett at School Improvement in order to receive credit.

15.

Where can I find a list of the available online workshops that I can take at my own convenience? 

You can find a list of the available online workshops by logging in and clicking on "My Courses."  Two LIBRARIES are available, as well as Microsoft Office training.  Click on the titles and pick and choose the courses you want to take at any time.  If you are not able to complete a workshop in one sitting, you can log out of the system and resume your workshop once you have logged back in.  You will begin where you left off.

Who should I contact if I have a question about staff development or my transcript?

You may contact one of the following School Improvement staff members:

Brandy Burnett

burnettb@txkisd.net

Extension 1308

Karen Ottinger

ottingerk@txkisd.net.

Extension 1312