| (a) A school district shall ensure that all teachers are provided with an orientation of the Professional Development and Appraisal System (PDAS) no later than the final day of the first three weeks of school and at least three weeks before the first observation. (1) Additional orientations shall be provided any time substantial changes occur in the PDAS. (2) A teacher new to the district shall be provided with an orientation of the PDAS at least three weeks before the teacher's first observation. (3) At least three weeks prior to the first formal observation, all teachers to be appraised under the PDAS shall be provided an annual review of this subchapter and district policy regarding teacher appraisal. (b) Teachers' orientation shall include materials approved by the commissioner of education. These materials shall include all state and local appraisal policies, the local appraisal calendar, and information on the requirements for the completion of the Teacher Self-Report Form. In addition to the orientation, campuses may hold other sessions sufficient in length allowing teachers to actively participate in a discussion of the PDAS specifics and to have their questions answered. |
