Where can I find more information about the TEA reimbursement process
Information and reimbursement applications will be posted on the TEA website at http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/gted/ in the near future.
Who can I contact at TEA if I have questions?
Kelly Callaway
Director, Advanced Academics/Gifted Education
Division of Curriculum
Texas Education Agency
kelly.callaway@tea.state.tx.us
512.463.9581 fax: 512.463.8057
Are teachers limited to attending LTF training in the summer in order for the district to receive reimbursement?
No, training may be scheduled throughout the year. Teachers must attend 30 hours of LTF training (4 days) in order to be eligible for reimbursement.
We had teachers who attended two days of LTF training in the fall of 2008 and who will attend two days of training in the spring of 2009. Since teachers will complete the 30 hours of training in 2009 may we submit for TEA reimbursement?
Yes. Training which began on or after September 1, 2008 and ends by August 31, 2009 is eligible for reimbursement if all TEA criteria have been met.
May a Texas Education Service Center submit for reimbursement to TEA if the service center provides training to teachers in member districts at no cost?
No, only districts may apply for these funds.
Can we be reimbursed for a teacher who attends LTF training in 2009 if we were reimbursed for this same teacher to attend a College Board summer institute in 2008?
No. Teachers whose training was reimbursed in 2008 should not apply for TTR in 2009.
Does reimbursement cover travel?
No. Only training fees (tuition) are covered by the TTR.
What is the process for seeking reimbursement for training?
The process for reimbursement will not change significantly from years past. Watch the TEA Advanced Academics page and make sure you are a member of the AP/IB listserv in order to receive updates from TEA. You can join the AP/IB listserv at http://miller.tea.state.tx.us/list/.
What is the deadline for seeking reimbursement for training?
The deadline for districts to submit for TEA reimbursement for training during the 2008-2009 school year is September 25, 2009.
Must a teacher currently be teaching a Pre-AP or AP class in order for the district to be reimbursed for training?
Teachers must be teaching a Pre-AP or AP class at the time of the reimbursement request. Teachers who attend LTF training during the 2008-2009 school year must be teaching a Pre-AP or AP class in the 2009-2010 school year to be eligible for reimbursement.
Can we have a teacher attend LTF training the summer prior to teaching a Pre-AP or AP class and still be reimbursed?
Yes. See above.
Can an individual teacher pay for training and apply for reimbursement?
An individual teacher may only be reimbursed for training if the teacher goes through the district application process. The district must verify the teacher as eligible and request reimbursement from the state for the district. It is up to the district to reimburse the teacher. Applications from individual teachers will not be accepted.
What is the maximum amount of reimbursement we can receive per teacher?
The maximum amount of reimbursement is $450. This reimbursement is for tuition only. Fees for LTF guides and science kits are part of the tuition for LTF training.
What type of verification is needed in order to receive reimbursement?
All requirements will be listed on the TEA website within the next few weeks. http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/gted/.
Can a district receive reimbursement for LTF training if the training is held in the district?
Yes, as long as all TEA criteria are met.
Since LTF requires a three year commitment and TEA only reimburses every other year, can we skip a year between year one and year two training?
LTF training requires a commitment to three consecutive years of training. Districts may want to consider requesting reimbursement for only ½ of the eligible teachers each year. This would provide reimbursement of ½ of the total funding required for training.
Can charter schools apply for reimbursement?
Yes.
Are there other funding sources for Laying the Foundation teacher training?
Yes, there are other sources of funding for LTF training such as High School Allotment Funds, Title II, etc. More specific information about possible funding sources will be available on the LTF website within the next week.