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PAR Center FAQ
[printable version]

What services are offered at PAR Center?
The PAR Center offers services ranging from CSET test prep for teachers getting ready to begin their careers, a BTSA program, the Hart Induction Program, ongoing professional development offerings, to assistance for veteran teachers referred by their principals because of unsatisfactory evaluations.

Where is the PAR Center and how do I contact it?
The PAR Center is located at 26111 Bouquet Canyon Road in Suite H-1. It can be found at the back of the parking lot for IHOP) in the Santa Clarita Plaza. The office phone is 661.259.0017. The administrative assistant is Mary Delgado, mdelgad@hartdistrict.org. During the school year, office hours mimic site hours: 8:00am to 3:30pm. For a map from Google click here.

What facilities are offered by PAR?
There is a library of books and articles on teaching practice and subject matter content areas, a computer ready to burn movies into CD-ROMs and a laminator for teacher use.

Who is served by PAR?
PAR is for teachers who are new to the district and have fewer than three years teaching experience with a clear credential. Veteran teachers who have been referred by their principals are also served by PAR. See section in notebook for additional information about the history, contract language and forms endemic to the PAR Program.

What do all of these services have in common?
All of them are driven by teaching performance exemplified and delineated by the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTPs).

Who receives services from BTSA?
Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment, BTSA, is the name of the program sponsored by the state of California to afford new teachers support during the first three years of their practice with a preliminary or clear credential. The Hart district contract requires that teachers complete an induction program: BTSA is one; several universities offer a fifth year option for Ryan credentials that is the equivalent to induction. BTSA has a comprehensive website a www.btsa.ca.gov/.

How is the 2042 Hart Induction Program different from BTSA?
The main difference is that the Hart Induction Program is used to change credential status from preliminary to clear. It involves additional seminars, proficiencies, and a portfolio not required of BTSA participants. They have many similarities: They both use mentors, FAS and require attendance at four workshops each year.

What is a 2042 Induction Program?
SB2042, passed in 1998, is legislation that restructured teacher credentialing in California. Highlights include:

• The creation of multiple, standards-based routes into teaching, including blended programs of undergraduate teacher preparation
• Alignment of teacher preparation standards with state-adopted academic content and performance standards for students
• A new requirement that teachers pass a teaching performance assessment (TPA) embedded in their preparation program prior to earning a preliminary teaching credential
• A new requirement that teachers complete a two-year induction program of support and formative assessment during the first two years of teaching as a requirement for earning a clear professional teaching credential

Who is affected by SB2042?
The induction requirements mainly affect beginning teachers and teachers trained outside the state of California. To find out if you are required or allowed to clear your credential using the Hart Induction Program, examine your preliminary credential. This information also is available at www.ctc.ca.gov/.

What are the requirements of the Hart Induction Program?
Teachers in the program sign a contract acknowledging the requirements that include but are not limited to:

• Completion of a consent form and survey
• Working for two years in a thoughtful relationship with a Support Provider
• Completion of two FAS Cycles
• Completion of a portfolio
• Completion of proficiencies
• Attendance at seminars

Who pays for induction?
The state and the district bear the costs. There is no cost for teachers. Universities offer their programs for a fee.

What is the timeline for completion of the BTSA Program or the Hart Induction Program?
It is expected that the program will last two years. Teachers with three or more years of teaching experience may apply to the Induction Director for an application for an Early Completion Option (ECO).

Can I receive university credit for my participation in BTSA and/or the Hart Induction Program?
Yes. See the section of the notebook on BTSA and CSUB credits (4).

What is FAS?
FAS is a type of Formative Assessment developed by the New Teacher Center in conjunction with the University of California, Santa Cruz. Teachers monitor, assess and reflect on their own teaching practice through the lens of the CSTPs. The FAS cycle includes:

• Collaborative Assessment Logs
• Individual Learning Plan
• Case Study, School and Community Resources, and Synthesizing Student Data
• Analysis of Student Work
• Lesson Planning and Scripted Observations
• Self-Assessment Survey and Mid-year Review
• Professional Growth Reflection
• Professional Development Plan (four required workshops during the school year)
• Benchmark meetings and a Colloquium

How do I find out when the workshops and seminars are offered?
The PAR Center workshops are listed at the district website along with directions on how to sign up.

When is CSET test prep offered?
The PAR Center published brochures announcing test prep dates that are scheduled immediately prior to the state's six testing dates. Contact the office for more information.