FAQ: Basic TTL

1. Q: I would like to attend TTL, but I will have to miss several days for a ------ event. Will this affect my TTL acceptance?

A: Due to the intensity of the Academy training, absence is inadvisable. Also, since participants are paid for Academy involvement, it is expected that they will participate fully. The only reasons for non-participation/non-attendance that are generally acceptable are illness or a family emergency.

A: No. To be eligible for TTL, you must be a) certified by the state of South Dakota, and b) under contract to teach at least one hour per day. This includes librarians, administrators, and other certified/contracted educators, but not aides, assistants, etc. You must meet both criteria.

4. Q: I am currently attending the TTL Summer Academy and have just accepted a position with a new school district. What should I do?

A: Immediately notify the TTL project Manager, Harris Haupt (hhaupt@tie.net). Give complete details of your changed situation. Be sure to include your telephone number and e-mail address so the manager can contact you if necessary.

5. Q: I recently completed the TTL Summer Academy and have now accepted employment with a new school district. Is there anything that I need to do?

A: Yes. Immediately notify the TTL project Manager, Harris Haupt (hhaupt@tie.net). Give complete details of your changed situation. Be sure to include your telephone number and e-mail address so the manager can contact you if necessary.

6. Q: What happens if I should have to drop out of the Academy after it has started? Do I loose the opportunity to attend in the future?

A: If you drop out due to unforeseen emergency reasons (health, family emergency, etc.), your chances for future attendance will not be impaired. However, if you drop out for light and transient reasons, doubt may be cast on your chances for future acceptance. If you foresee any circumstances that may prevent you from completing the Academy once you start and meeting the attendance requirements, it may be better that you opt to not apply during the current year.

A: Team applications are no longer required.

8. Q: I just want to learn how to operate a computer and a few programs. Should I attend TTL?

A: The TTL Academy’s major emphasis is on the integration of technology into teaching and learning and on creation of new teaching/learning environments that are possible through the use of technology. Some time is allotted and numerous opportunities are available during TTL for acquiring and honing technology operation skills and knowledge. However, those who are open to exploring new pedagogical opportunities gain a great deal more from the TTL experience. If your only motivation for attending TTL is to learn how to operate technology, you may wish to seek elsewhere.

A: Yes, it maybe. The major emphasis of TTL is on integration of technology into teaching and learning and on creation of new teaching and learning environments that are possible through the use of technology. Some time is allotted for instruction geared toward building technology, operating skills. During these times, students who already possess advanced skills are encouraged to work independently to extend their skill with the specified programs and/or pursue independent projects using the subject applications.

10. Q: What can I buy with my $1000 support allocation?

A: The support allocation may be used to purchase software and/or hardware that is necessary for participants to fully implement into their classrooms the units that they develop during the Academy.

12. Q: Can the district require that the support allocation be used to purchase a computer that meets the configuration requirements that are spelled out in the District Certified Assurances?

13. Q: Who owns the items that I purchase with my support allocation?

A: All items purchased with the support allocation are the property of the school district.

14. Q: Can items purchased with my support allocation be used by other teachers?

15. Q: I attended TTL and subsequently bought several peripherals with my support allocation. I am now being transferred to another school within the district. Should my district have to transfer all of the peripherals to my new school with me?

A: While it may not be feasible to transfer the actual items that were purchased with the support allocation to your new school, reason would dictate that the school district should insure that you have similar technology tools available in your new location. In this way, you can continue to build upon the skills and knowledge that you acquired as part of your TTL experience and continue using these skills and knowledge to benefit students in your school district. You can also continue to serve as a model for other teachers who have not yet benefited from TTL.

A: Requested changes from session to session or from one location to another will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Such change requests will be granted only if space and budgetary constraints permit.

All changes must be coordinated through the program manager, Harris Haupt (hhaupt@tie.net). Notify the manager IMMEDIATELY when changes are Necessary

17. Q: When will I receive my stipend?

A: The money to pay your stipend will be sent to your school district within three to four weeks after completion of the session that you attend. Additional time is required for local processing and school board approval.

A: The amount of the participant’s school district for payment through regular pay channels. However, the stipend is not part of the teacher’s negotiated payroll. Therefore, the stipend is subject to only customary and ordinary deductions.