FLEX will be earned online for the 2020-2021 school year!
ACS is excited to offer virtual online professional development options through the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) platform for FLEX PD 2020-21. All full-time instructional staff members (faculty), including teachers, counselors, and therapists (those who are on the 10-month calendar) are required to earn the equivalent of four (4) professional development days (28 hours).
Click here to view the FLEX PD Flyer.
Click here to download the FLEX PD request form. (More Information Below)
Click here to view the Trevecca Training for Tennessee Teachers
What is Flexible Professional Learning (FLEX)?
Arlington Community Schools is committed to improvement through intentional, reflective and empowering professional learning that meets the individual needs of each school and our instructional staff members. By providing opportunities for flexible professional development hours specific to school needs, professional development is more closely aligned to the district’s strategic goals and targeted to the needs of the teachers. FLEX Professional Learning sessions will be offered through December 23, with the expectation that all designated faculty members will earn hours equivalent to 4 professional development days built into the 2020-21 instructional calendar.
Who is required to earn FLEX hours?
All full time instructional staff members (faculty), including teachers, counselors, and therapists (those who are on the 10-month calendar) are required to earn the equivalent of 4 professional development days.
What are the timeline requirements for FLEX hours?
- Faculty is required to earn a total of 28 FLEX hours for the 2020-21 school year.
- June 2020 begins the FLEX cycle for the 2020-21 school year.
All 28 hours must be earned by the end of the 1st Semester (Dec. 2020).
- SAFE SCHOOLS module completion is due by September 7, 2020 and will be monitored by district office.
- The final certificate from PD InFocus, reflecting 24 hours, is due to your district office designee by December 23, 2020. Who to submit final certificate to: AES & DES to Tonya Hawkins / AHS & AMS to Rochelle Douglas.
How will I earn my 28 FLEX hours?
- The District Office will offer FLEX sessions June 1st through December 23rd via an online platform, PD InFocus from ASCD.
- Four hours of FLEX will be recorded by district office for completion of the SAFE SCHOOLS modules.
Will I receive FLEX credit for completion of the required SAFE Schools modules?
Yes, upon completion of the required modules by September 7th, 4 hours of FLEX credit will be recorded by the district office.
How do I request FLEX credit for events not hosted by the district?
At least two weeks prior to the event, submit a Request for Flex PD form to Rochelle Douglas. The request will be reviewed and either approved or denied. The PD opportunity should relate to one’s teaching duties.
How do I access the ASCD PD InFocus site?
- Check your email for log in information from ASCD.
- Follow the steps for Set Up Account in the email.
- Once logged in, select PD InFocus from the top navigation bar or the tile.
- Choose CHANNELS from the menu on the left.
- Choose the CUSTOM CHANNELS tab.
- Select the ACS FLEX PD 2020-21Channel.
- Begin your online PD and start earning your 24 virtual clock hours.
When can I begin earning my hours for 2020-21?
Your ASCD accounts will become active on June 1, 2020.
Can I choose any PD from PD InFocus for earning my FLEX hours?
No. Although the site has many resources for professional development, FLEX PD hours must be earned from the custom ACS FLEX PD 2020-21 channel.
How will my FLEX hours be recorded?
Hours earned through PD InFocus will be recorded as clock hours within the site.
- Select PD InFocus from the top navigation bar or the tile.
- Choose REPORTS from the menu on the left.
- Mark the date range as 6/1/2020 – 12/23/20 (or current date).
- Your total clock hours are visible from this screen.
- Click CERTIFICATE to print or download.
- Submit your certificate (email or hard copy) to your district office designee upon completion of your 24 hours.
Will FLEX hours count for Professional Development Points (PDP’s)?
Yes, your FLEX Professional Learning hours , if applicable to your current role, may be entered in TN Compass as professional development points towards renewing or advancing your license. Your Activate PD InFocus “Clock Hours by Resource” PDF export will serve as the documentation you will attach in TNCompass. Safe Schools modules cannot be counted as PDPs.
Will I report to school on the designated 4 FLEX PD days listed on the ACS Instructional Calendar?
No, schools will not be open for regular business on these days. Faculty members are expected to earn the hours during the June 2020 – December 2020 window.
What are the consequences for not fulfilling the required hours?
- Faculty are expected to earn 28 hours. Professional development is a required component of your annual contract; it is not optional.
- Failure to meet the 28 hours will result in a payroll deduction on the January 15th paycheck. Employees will not be paid for partial credit.