February 5, 2009 Consultation

HOUSTON FEDERATION OF TEACHERS

Please include the following to the February 5, 2009 Instructional Consultation agenda:

1. ASPIRE

We need a clear explanation of the data and the formulas used to determine ASPIRE awards including any calculations previously or currently listed as proprietary .

2. MPDAS

What is the rationale behind placing an MPDAS teacher who voluntarily transfers from one campus to another on PDAS for as many as three years?

3. Teacher Dress Codes

We continue to receive complaints form teachers who are being forced to comply with individual building administrator’s taste in dress. The latest round of complaints are coming from the South Region and the regional superintendent is supporting the administrators.

4. Identification requirements for school visitors.

Are school visitors required to leave their identification with school administration after they have
received their temporary ID badge?

5. Gifts to administrators

Is there a maximum to the value of a gift a building administrator may receive from the faculty/staff?

6. Nurses teaching ancillary classes.

What is the maximum number of classes a nurse may be required to teach?

7. Work permits for foreign nationals

Can we get a copy of the rules and laws that govern the conditions of employment for foreign nationals working in HISD on permits? What fees are HISD required to pay for these permits?

8. Consultation minutes

The last time minutes were posted on the employee portal was April, 2008. How do we get minutes in a timely fashion?

9. Centralized heating/cooling

What criteria are used to control the schools on the centralized heating/cooling system’s temperature?
Is there a way the needs of individual classrooms can be addressed?