Multilevel Certification Plan FAQs

1. Is this a required plan for staff development?

No. This is a recommended plan of technology training that aligns with the Technology Competencies which have been defined in the 1997-2002 BISD Long Range Plan for Technology. As technology tools are coming into the classroom next year, many teachers have asked, "What workshops should I be taking?" This plan is intended to be a guide. To obtain additional hardware, teachers must complete Level II of the plan. Other incentives to progress through the plan are being investigated.

2. How do I know what level I am on or how many hours I have earned?

A one time summary of all courses you have completed in BISD since 1996-97 along with the level will be provided to each employee in Spring, 1999. After that, it will be the responsibility of the employee to maintain records of workshops attended so you may determine your own level.

3. How does the district keep track of what level I am on?

It is the employees responsibility to keep track of this. At the completion of Level I, Level II, and Level III, the teacher may apply for Level Recognition. The incentive to complete these levels and apply for recognition is so additional student stations and other hardware may be obtained. Other incentives are being investigated and will be reported to staff once determined.

4. Do the workshops I have attended in the past apply toward the multilevel certification plan hours?

Yes. Records for any technology workshops completed in BISD since the 1996-97 school year have been maintained on a data base and credit for those hours will go towards the plan.

5. Do I have to complete all hours from one level before taking a course from another level?

No. Some workshops may have hours that apply to more than one level.

6. What if I’ve taken a workshop that I don’t see listed in one of the levels?

This plan is only meant to be a minimum. There may be other training which goes beyond this plan. Also, many workshops do fit within the plan even if the exact title is not listed. For example, Living Books would count as Level III, TEKS Integration.

7. What if there is a competency course I do not need to take?

This plan is meant to be a guide. If you use advanced word processing skills and never took Intro to Word Processing, you certainly do not have to go back and take it. However, the training level hours must be fulfilled when applying for Level Recognition. Those hours may be substituted for something more appropriate for your needs. A substitution may only be made if the competency skill has been mastered without formal training.

8. What is Independent Study and Student Projects?

Independent Study is intended to recognize the time and professional growth which goes into the development of a technology unit or project. Criteria for these credit hours will be established and a final product is submitted for completion. Student Project hours are earned for any workshop which focuses on student use of technology. Remember, workshops may fulfill more than one level of competency.