PD Frequently Asked Questions

How many professional development units are required this year?

• Staff employed an average of 20 hours or more each week = 8 PDUs.
• Staff employed an average of 19.75 hours or less each week = 2 PDUs.
• Less than 50 hours per year requires no PD.

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What is a PDU?
A professional development unit is the term given for the following categories:

• Investigate a new practice by attending a workshop, conference, pre-conference or review professional literature (1 PDU)
• Disseminate and share with colleagues a new instructional practice or present a session or workshop locally, regionally or at a statewide conference (3 PDUs)
• Demonstrate expertise by presenting at a national conference or having a report on your work published, for example (4 PDUs)
• Apply and Evaluate knowledge and skills in the classroom or program that leads to improved student outcomes (5 PDUs)

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I have a new instructor who teaches adult education only 3 hrs a week.  Is he or she required to take orientation training?
Yes, Orientation to Adult Education (KYAE200) is required for all new instructors regardless of their teaching load.  The online course must be completed within three months (one quarter) or the instructor’s enrollment will be cancelled.  In addition, new instructors must complete a specialty track within the first 24 months of employment.

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I have a new instructor who was hired in February.  Can the PD requirements be pro-rated?
All newly hired instructors have 24 months from the date of hire to complete a specialty track.

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I have an instructor who teaches an EXCEL class.  His contract is for 20 hrs per year.  Is he required to take KYAE200?
Computer instructors with a teaching contract less than 75 hours each year are not required to have adult education training.

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What kind of training or activities count toward PDUs?
Any course or workshop listed on PDtrack , which are all endorsed by KYAE, count toward PD credit. Self-directed activities and college credit should be approved on a case-by-case basis by your local supervisor. 

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I had to leave a workshop early.  Will I earn PDUs?
Participants will not earn credit for partial completion.

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We are required to attend our local board of education in-service at the beginning of a new school year.  Does this count toward PD?
An administrative meeting will not count toward PD credit.  PD activities must affect teaching and learning.  

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May I earn PD credit for taking a college course?
You may earn PDUs if the course is related to your current  position and will improve your skills as an adult educator.  In order to receive credit, you will need to indicate the course as a self-directed activity in your PD plan.  Your supervisor will update your registration status upon completion of the course.

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My school district has a PD hour requirement.  How do the new PDUs translate to hours?
We have listed the times for each workshop we offer.  You will need to determine the hours you will receive.

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Why did you change from PD credit hours to PDUs?
KYAE has historically provided training for new instructors.  As we move toward having higher skilled practitioners we want to focus on outcomes that bring about change for the instructor, the learner and the program.  Seat time does not give an indication of changes taking place.  By moving away from seat time toward more outcome-based professional development, we hope that adult educators will find the new PD requirements more effective to their practice.

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Why does the state adult education conference only count for 1 PDU?
All investigate activities count for 1 PDU regardless of the hours out of your program.  You may earn additional PDUs by attending the pre-conference and by doing additional activities with something you learned at the conference.  KYAE is interested in practitioners gaining more in-depth knowledge that will affect teaching and learning.

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Do all staff need to complete a Professional Development Plan?
Yes.  According to adult education PD policy, all instructional and management staff need to complete a professional development plan on PDtrack .  Data clerks do not have to complete a individual PD plan. PD plans must be in active status by October 1, 2006.

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Can we earn PDUs by attending a national conference?
You can earn 1 PDU by attending only those national conferences listed in the PD Handbook.  In order to receive credit, you will need to indicate the conference as a self-directed activity in your PD plan.  Your supervisor will update your registration status upon completion of the course.  Attendance at approved national conferences can be supported with PD funds or performance incentive funds if proper documentation is kept on file.

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Can I use PD funds for a program planning retreat?
Only performance incentive funds or developmental funds may be used for staff planning retreats.  Planning is considered an administrative function.

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Can I use PD funds to pay for a college course?
PD funds cannot be used for college tuition. The statewide professional organization, KAACE does provide scholarships to its members through an application process.

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May I use PD funds to attend in-state conferences?
Yes, you may use PD funds to pay the conference registration fee, travel expenses, and overnight accommodations as long as the state conference is listed in the Year at a Glance. Examples are: KYTESOL, KADE, KDE Teaching and Learning Conference, KCTCS Faculty Development Conference.

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I noticed that specialty tracks are listed.  Am I required to take these courses?
Taking the courses in the track are not required unless you are a new practitioner.  New educators have 24 months from the date of hire to complete a specialty track. If you are experienced the tracks serve as suggested courses you may want to take if you teach in a certain area. The tracks are based on the primary teaching assignments found in AERIN. 

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I have multiple teaching assignments that change from year to year.  How do I know what primary teaching assignment or track is appropriate for me?
The general specialty track may be right for you. Work with your supervisor to determine what track is most suited for you.  The intent of the track system is to encourage the development of expertise within a specific area.

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How do I earn credit for a self-directed activity?
All self-directed activities will enable you to earn PDUs that best match your personal goals AND your program improvement goals.  In order for these activities to appear in your PD history, you will need to indicate self-directed activities in your PD plan.  Your supervisor will update the registration status via PDtrack once you complete an activity and provide required documentation.

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