Common use of Professional Growth Clause in Contracts

Professional Growth. The policy of the District shall be to encourage continued and active participation on the part of classified employees in a program of professional growth activities designed to improve service to students and the District, and to assist in the personal and professional development of the employee. Professional growth is designed as a continuous purposeful program of study/training to retain and extend the high standards of the classified employees. The purpose of this program will be: 1. To improve the standard of service of the classified staff; 2. To extend and constantly improve the standards of on-the-job performance; 3. To provide opportunities for personal growth and advancement and thereby exert a concerted effort to retain qualified classified personnel. The policy shall be interpreted and implemented as follows: 1. Professional growth credit shall be given for unit credit collegiate-level coursework. Non-collegiate courses shall be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the employee’s immediate supervisor and the Chief Human Resources Officer or designee. 2. Professional growth credit will be provided for coursework completed on the employee’s own time. Released time for on-the-job training to participate in study/coursework, etc., shall not result in professional growth credit. 3. Professional growth credit shall be given only for that coursework begun and completed subsequent to the effective date of the Agreement into which this proposal is incorporated. 4. All coursework for professional growth credit shall be job-related or related to advancement to another District job and subject to prior approval of the employee’s immediate supervisor and the Chief Human Resources Officer. The burden of proof of job-relatedness falls to the employee making request for professional growth credit. 5. If the District determines that the coursework is not job related, the employee may appeal this decision using an appeal process similar to the one now operating with working out-of-class provisions of the Agreement. 6. Upon promotion of the employee to a new classification, the units completed for professional growth credit shall be reviewed by the new supervisor and the supervisor’s vice president to determine whether the growth credits shall carry over. a. If units were gained completing courses which provided employee with prerequisite skills for the new position, the professional growth credit will not be carried over. b. If the credit is not job-related to the new position, the credit will not be carried over. c. In both “a” and “b” above, the appeal process of Paragraph 5 shall apply.

Professional Growth. ‌ The policy of the District shall be to encourage continued and active participation on the part of classified employees in a program of professional growth activities designed to improve service to students and the District, and to assist in the personal and professional development of the employee. Professional growth is designed as a continuous purposeful program of study/training to retain and extend the high standards of the classified employees. The purpose of this program will be: 1. To improve the standard of service of the classified staff; 2. To extend and constantly improve the standards of on-the-job performance; 3. To provide opportunities for personal growth and advancement and thereby exert a concerted effort to retain qualified classified personnel. The policy shall be interpreted and implemented as follows: 1. Professional growth credit shall be given for unit credit collegiate-level coursework. Non-Non- collegiate courses shall be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the employee’s immediate supervisor and the Chief Human Resources Officer or designee. 2. Professional growth credit will be provided for coursework completed on the employee’s own time. Released time for on-the-job training to participate in study/coursework, etc., shall not result in professional growth credit. 3. Professional growth credit shall be given only for that coursework begun and completed subsequent to the effective date of the Agreement into which this proposal is incorporated. 4. All coursework for professional growth credit shall be job-related or related to advancement to another District job and subject to prior approval of the employee’s immediate supervisor and the Chief Human Resources Officer. The burden of proof of job-relatedness falls to the employee making request for professional growth credit. 5. If the District determines that the coursework is not job related, the employee may appeal this decision using an appeal process similar to the one now operating with working out-out- of-class provisions of the Agreement. 6. Upon promotion of the employee to a new classification, the units completed for professional growth credit shall be reviewed by the new supervisor and the supervisor’s vice president to determine whether the growth credits shall carry over. a. If units were gained completing courses which provided employee with prerequisite skills for the new position, the professional growth credit will not be carried over. b. If the credit is not job-related to the new position, the credit will not be carried over. c. In both “a” and “b” above, the appeal process of Paragraph 5 shall apply. 7. The District shall have the right to require appropriate coursework as part of any professional growth program for an employee. 8. An employee shall have three (3) years in which to complete any cycle of professional growth. Units will not be carried over if the cycle is not completed within the three (3) years. 9. Upon completion of twelve (12) units (within the three-year timeline), the employee shall be eligible for the first step of professional growth increment. 10. Upon completion of an additional twelve (12) units (within the three-year timeline), the employee shall be eligible for a second step of the professional growth. 11. Professional growth increment shall be a flat rate of $50.00 per month per step.

Professional Growth. Section 1. The policy of the District shall be to encourage continued and active participation on the part of classified employees in a program of professional growth activities designed to improve service to students and students, the District, and to assist in the personal and professional development of the employee. Professional growth is designed as a continuous continuous, purposeful program of study/training to retain and extend the high standards of the classified employees. The purpose of this program will shall be: 1. To improve the standard of service of the classified staff; 2. To extend and constantly improve the standards of on-the-job performance; 3. To provide opportunities for personal growth and advancement and thereby exert a concerted effort to retain qualified classified personnel. Section 2. The policy shall be interpreted and implemented as follows: 1. Professional growth credit shall be given for relevant unit credit collegiate-collegiate level coursework. NonCredit may be obtained for non-collegiate courses shall be evaluated on coursework, but in order to obtain such credit, the employee must obtain prior approval of the work and a case-by-case basis by prior assignment of credit to such work (assuming successful completion) from the employee’s immediate supervisor and the Chief Director of Human Resources Officer or designeeand Equal Employment Opportunity. 2. Professional growth credit will be provided for coursework completed on the employee’s 's own time. Released time for on-the-job training to participate in study/coursework, etc., shall not result in professional growth credit. 3. Professional growth credit shall be given only for that coursework course work begun and completed subsequent to the effective date of the Agreement into which this proposal is incorporated. 4. All coursework for professional growth credit shall be job-related or related to advancement to another District bargaining unit job and subject to prior approval of the employee’s 's immediate supervisor and the Chief Director of Human Resources Officerand Equal Employment Opportunity. The burden of proof of job-relatedness falls to on the employee making request for professional growth credit. All college-level course work (minimum - 3 semester unit course) in minority culture and its primary language, where use of such minority culture and language are a significant part of the employee's job, shall be deemed job-related; provided, however, prior approval of the course work (prior to commencement of the course work) by the District is required. 5. If the District determines that the coursework is not job related, the employee may appeal this decision using an An appeal process would be established similar to the one that now operating with working out-out- of-class provisions of the Agreement. 6. Upon promotion of the employee to a new classification, the units completed for professional growth credit shall be reviewed by the new supervisor and the supervisor’s vice president to determine whether the growth credits shall carry overVice President/Administrative Services. a. 7. If units were gained completing courses which provided employee with prerequisite skills for the new position, the professional growth credit will not be carried over. b. 8. If the credit is not job-related to the new position, the credit will not be carried over. c. 9. In both “a” A. and “b” B. above, the appeal process of Paragraph 5 shall apply. 10. The District shall have the right to require appropriate coursework as part of any professional growth program for an employee. 11. An employee shall have three (3) years in which to complete any cycle of professional growth. Units will not be carried over if the cycle is not completed within the three (3) years. 12. Upon completion of twelve (12) units (within the three-year timeline), the employee shall be eligible for the first step of the professional growth increment. Effective January 1, 1996, upon completion of nine (9) units (within the three-year timeline), the employee shall be eligible for the first step of the professional growth increment. If an employee started a cycle for an increment prior to January 1, 1996, the old 12 unit requirement will apply. The new 9 uni t requirement will apply to cycles started on o r after January 1, 1996. 13. Upon completion of an additional twelve (12) units (within the three-year timeline), the employee shall be eligible for a second step of the professional growth increment. Effective January 1, 1996, upon c ompletion of an additional nine (9) units (within the three-year timeline), the employee shall be eligible for an additional step of the professional growth increment. If an employee started a cycle for an increment prior to January 1, 1996, the old 12 unit requirement will apply. The new 9 unit requirement will apply to cycles started on or after January 1, 1996. 14. Professional growth increment shall be a flat rate of $50.00 pe r month per step. Any person receiving a professional growth increment at the rate of $25.00 a s of April 15, 1988, shall continue to be paid $25.00 for the increment subject to paragraph 16 above and shall not receive $50.00 for a professional growth increment unless and until an additional increment is earned after April 15, 1 988. Anyone who has taken any units before April 15, 1988 b ut completes the necessary 12 uni ts after April 15, 1988 s hall receive the $50.00 increment.

Professional Growth. The policy of A. Unit members who wish to increase their efficiency and effectiveness on the District job are encouraged to undertake appropriate courses and/or inservice experiences for this purpose. Credit for professional growth shall be to encourage continued and active participation on granted under the part of classified employees in a program of professional growth activities designed to improve service to students and the District, and to assist in the personal and professional development of the employee. Professional growth is designed as a continuous purposeful program of study/training to retain and extend the high standards of the classified employees. The purpose of this program will be:following conditions. 1. To improve Prior approval must be obtained from the standard of service of the classified staff; 2. To extend and constantly improve the standards of on-the-job performance; 3. To provide opportunities for personal growth and advancement and thereby exert a concerted effort to retain qualified classified personnel. The policy shall be interpreted and implemented as follows: 1. Professional growth credit shall be given for unit credit collegiate-level coursework. Non-collegiate courses shall be evaluated on a case-by-case basis Leadership Team Member designated by the employee’s immediate supervisor and the Chief Human Resources Officer or designeeSuperintendent. 2. Professional growth credit will Prior approval must also be provided for coursework completed on obtained from the employee’s own time. Released time for on-the-job training to participate in study/coursework, etc., shall not result in professional growth creditChapter President as well as the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. 3. Professional growth credit shall Pre-approval of the Chapter President as well as the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources may be given only for that coursework begun for: a. Coursework: College and completed subsequent to the effective date of the Agreement into which this proposal is incorporated.Community College Courses Adult Education Courses Correspondence Courses Trade Schools (including Business Colleges) b. Individual Research (within a program meeting established criteria) c. District In-Service Workshops/District-wide Staff Development d. Special Activities: Lecture Series Institutes Educational Conferences Workshops 4. All coursework for District professional growth credit shall not be considered appropriate except as the projected coursework can reasonably be expected to contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of the unit member in his/her present assignment and in other areas of the classified service to prepare for promotional or transfer opportunities. In that context, coursework deemed to be appropriate would include one or more of the following: a. Communication skills (speech, writing, English, bilingual ability, and other job-related or related to advancement to another District job skills) b. Interpersonal relations skills (psychology, sociology, operation of an organization, and subject to prior approval of the employee’s immediate supervisor and the Chief Human Resources Officer. The burden of proof of other job-relatedness falls to the employee making request for professional growth credit.related skills) c. Technical skills (typing, computer skills, carpentry, gardening, and other job-related skills} 5. If the District determines that the coursework is not job relatedAfter gaining pre-approval as noted, the employee unit member will undertake the professional growth experience. Upon successful completion of such experience, the unit member will apply for final approval and credit recommendation as noted above with appropriate documentation. Successful completion will be a grade of "C" or better in those cases where a grade is given, or a "pass" if on a pass/fail system. Necessary forms will be supplied by the District. a. A unit of professional growth shall be defined as ten (10) hours of actual instruction. A college semester unit shall count as thirty (30) hours of instruction or three (3) professional growth units. Unit members shall be entitled to receive credit for up to nine (9) units per year and a maximum of twenty-seven (27) units in the professional growth program. b. Unit members shall be entitled to one (1) additional day of vacation per year, effective July 1 of the ensuing school year, for each nine units that are successfully completed. c. As an alternative to an additional day of vacation for each nine (9) units successfully completed, the unit member may appeal this decision using an appeal process similar elect to be paid a stipend of $135 per year. This stipend shall be prorated as the number of hours a unit member works per week bears to forty (40). The stipend shall be paid to the one now operating with working out-of-class provisions unit member over the course of the Agreementtheir work year and shall be considered a part of their regular pay. 6. Upon promotion of the employee to a new classification, the units completed for All professional growth experiences submitted for credit shall must be reviewed by accomplished on the new supervisor unit member's own time and at the supervisor’s vice president to determine whether the growth credits shall carry overunit member's own expense. a. If units were gained completing courses which provided employee with prerequisite skills for the new position, the professional growth credit will not be carried over. b. If the credit is not job-related to the new position, the credit will not be carried over. c. In both “a” and “b” above, the appeal process of Paragraph 5 shall apply.

Professional Growth. 23.1 The policy Classified Employees’ Professional Growth Program is designed to encourage classified employees to enhance their skills, to prepare for jobs in a changing workplace and to demonstrate the Board and Administration’s commitment to education and the professional growth of all employees. 23.2 All classified employees within the District shall be are eligible to encourage continued and active participation on the part of classified employees in a program of professional growth activities designed to improve service to students and the District, and to assist in the personal and professional development of the employee. Professional growth is designed as a continuous purposeful program of study/training to retain and extend the high standards of the classified employees. The purpose of this program will be: 1. To improve the standard of service of the classified staff; 2. To extend and constantly improve the standards of on-the-job performance; 3. To provide opportunities for personal growth and advancement and thereby exert a concerted effort to retain qualified classified personnel. The policy shall be interpreted and implemented as follows: 1. Professional growth credit shall be given for unit credit collegiate-level coursework. Non-collegiate courses shall be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the employee’s immediate supervisor and the Chief Human Resources Officer or designeeparticipate. 2. 23.3 All Professional growth credit will be provided for coursework completed on the employee’s own time. Released time for on-the-job training to participate in studyGrowth credits/coursework, etc., shall not result in professional growth credit. 3. Professional growth credit shall be given only for that coursework begun and completed subsequent to the effective date of the Agreement into which this proposal is incorporated. 4. All coursework for professional growth credit shall be job-related or related to advancement to another District job and subject to units must have prior approval of the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. The employee shall complete the Professional Growth Approval Form available in Human Resources. 23.4 Professional Growth credits/units shall be directly related to the employee’s immediate supervisor duties defined by: • Present job description. • Job description of an appropriate promotional position within the Natomas Unified School District. • The development of personal awareness of human and social factors useful in the Chief employee’s area of responsibility. 23.5 All Professional Growth credits/units to be compensated must be earned during hours the employee is not in paid status for the District. Compensation will not be granted for hours or credits/units earned whenever the District covers the cost of attending the workshop/class. Applicable credits/units may be earned by the successful completion of the following: • Courses taken at an accredited community college or four-year college or university. • Courses taken through the County Office of Education. • Adult education courses, continuing education courses, vocational courses, or other courses offered by District-approved educational agencies. • On-line courses. • Other. 23.6 Professional Growth credits/units will be awarded on a basis of fifteen clock hours per credit/unit. Activities of less than fifteen hours may be accumulated within a 3 year period and added together to equal a unit. 23.7 Verification of credits/units earned for Professional Growth shall be submitted to the Human Resources OfficerDepartment. The burden To be granted credit, a grade of proof “C” or better is required for graded classes. A “pass” is required in “pass/fail” graded classes. A certificate of job-relatedness falls to the employee making request completion is required for professional growth creditall other hours earned. 5. If 23.8 Upon satisfactory completion of the District determines that the coursework is not job relatedabove, the employee may appeal this decision using an appeal process similar will be compensated a one-time stipend of $50.00 per credit/unit (15 hours) earned. The employee will be allowed to receive compensation of up to $300.00 per year (six credits/units). 23.9 The District’s annual contribution to the one now operating with working outClassified Employees Professional Growth Program will be $3,000, to be distributed to qualifying employees on a first-ofcome, first-class provisions of the Agreementserve basis. All final completion forms and certifications are to be submitted by May 30th for that current fiscal year allocation. 6. Upon promotion of the employee to a new classification, the units completed for professional growth credit shall be reviewed by the new supervisor and the supervisor’s vice president to determine whether the growth credits shall carry over. a. If units were gained completing courses which provided employee with prerequisite skills for the new position, the professional growth credit will not be carried over. b. If the credit is not job-related to the new position, the credit will not be carried over. c. In both “a” and “b” above, the appeal process of Paragraph 5 shall apply.

Professional Growth. The policy of A. Unit members who wish to increase their efficiency and effectiveness on the District job are encouraged to undertake appropriate courses and/or inservice experiences for this purpose. Credit for professional growth shall be to encourage continued and active participation on granted under the part of classified employees in a program of professional growth activities designed to improve service to students and the District, and to assist in the personal and professional development of the employee. Professional growth is designed as a continuous purposeful program of study/training to retain and extend the high standards of the classified employees. The purpose of this program will be:following conditions. 1. To improve Prior approval must be obtained from the standard of service of the classified staff; 2. To extend and constantly improve the standards of on-the-job performance; 3. To provide opportunities for personal growth and advancement and thereby exert a concerted effort to retain qualified classified personnel. The policy shall be interpreted and implemented as follows: 1. Professional growth credit shall be given for unit credit collegiate-level coursework. Non-collegiate courses shall be evaluated on a case-by-case basis Leadership Team Member designated by the employee’s immediate supervisor and the Chief Human Resources Officer or designeeSuperintendent. 2. Prior approval must also be obtained from a Professional growth credit will be provided for coursework completed on Growth Committee composed of three unit members appointed by the employee’s own time. Released time for on-the-job training to participate in study/coursework, etc., shall not result in professional growth creditChapter President and two members of the District Leadership Team. 3. Pre-approval of the Leadership Team Member designated by the Superintendent and the Professional growth credit shall Growth Committee may be given only for that coursework begun for: a. Coursework: College and completed subsequent to the effective date of the Agreement into which this proposal is incorporated.Community College Courses Adult Education Courses Correspondence Courses Trade Schools (including Business Colleges) b. Individual Research (within a program meeting established criteria) c. District In-Service Workshops/District-wide Staff Development d. Special Activities: Lecture Series Institutes Educational Conferences Workshops 4. All coursework for District professional growth credit shall not be considered appropriate except as the projected coursework can reasonably be expected to contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of the unit member in his/her present assignment and in other areas of the classified service to prepare for promotional or transfer opportunities. In that context, coursework deemed to be appropriate would include one or more of the following: a. Communication skills (speech, writing, English, bilingual ability, and other job-related or related to advancement to another District job skills) b. Inter-personal relations skills (psychology, sociology, operation of an organization, and subject to prior approval of the employee’s immediate supervisor and the Chief Human Resources Officer. The burden of proof of other job-relatedness falls to the employee making request for professional growth credit.related skills) c. Technical skills (typing, computer skills, carpentry, gardening, and other job-related skills) 5. If After gaining pre-approval from the District determines that Leadership Team Member designated by the coursework is not job relatedSuperintendent and the committee as noted, the employee may appeal this decision using an appeal process similar to unit member will undertake the one now operating with working out-of-class provisions professional growth experience. Upon successful completion of such experience, the Agreementunit member will apply for final approval and credit recommendation from the Leadership Team Member designated by the Superintendent and Professional Growth Committee. Successful completion will be a grade of “C” or better in those cases where a grade is given, or a “pass” if on a pass/fail system. Necessary forms will be supplied by the District. 6. Upon promotion a. A unit of the employee to a new classification, the units completed for professional growth credit shall be reviewed by the new supervisor defined as ten (10) hours of actual instruction. A college semester unit shall count as thirty (30) hours of instruction or three (3) professional growth units. Unit members shall be entitled to receive credit for up to nine (9) units per year and the supervisor’s vice president to determine whether the growth credits shall carry over. a. If a maximum of twenty-seven (27) units were gained completing courses which provided employee with prerequisite skills for the new position, in the professional growth credit will not be carried overprogram. b. If the credit is not job-related to the new position, the credit will not be carried over. c. In both “a” and “b” above, the appeal process of Paragraph 5 shall apply.

Professional Growth. 23.1 The policy Classified Employees’ Professional Growth Program is designed to encourage classified employees to enhance their skills, to prepare for jobs in a changing workplace and to demonstrate the Board and Administration’s commitment to education and the professional growth of all employees. 23.2 All classified employees within the District shall be are eligible to encourage continued and active participation on the part of classified employees in a program of professional growth activities designed to improve service to students and the District, and to assist in the personal and professional development of the employee. Professional growth is designed as a continuous purposeful program of study/training to retain and extend the high standards of the classified employees. The purpose of this program will be: 1. To improve the standard of service of the classified staff; 2. To extend and constantly improve the standards of on-the-job performance; 3. To provide opportunities for personal growth and advancement and thereby exert a concerted effort to retain qualified classified personnel. The policy shall be interpreted and implemented as follows: 1. Professional growth credit shall be given for unit credit collegiate-level coursework. Non-collegiate courses shall be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the employee’s immediate supervisor and the Chief Human Resources Officer or designeeparticipate. 2. 23.3 All Professional growth credit will be provided for coursework completed on the employee’s own time. Released time for on-the-job training to participate in studyGrowth credits/coursework, etc., shall not result in professional growth credit. 3. Professional growth credit shall be given only for that coursework begun and completed subsequent to the effective date of the Agreement into which this proposal is incorporated. 4. All coursework for professional growth credit shall be job-related or related to advancement to another District job and subject to units must have prior approval of the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. The employee shall complete the Professional Growth Approval Form available in Human Resources. 23.4 Professional Growth credits/units shall be directly related to the employee’s immediate supervisor duties defined by: · Present job description. · Job description of an appropriate promotional position within the Natomas Unified School District. · The development of personal awareness of human and social factors useful in the Chief Human Resources Officer. The burden employee’s area of proof of job-relatedness falls responsibility. 23.5 All Professional Growth credits/units to be compensated must be earned during hours the employee making request for professional growth credit. 5. If the District determines that the coursework is not job related, the employee may appeal this decision using an appeal process similar to the one now operating with working out-of-class provisions of the Agreement. 6. Upon promotion of the employee to a new classification, the units completed for professional growth credit shall be reviewed by the new supervisor and the supervisor’s vice president to determine whether the growth credits shall carry over. a. If units were gained completing courses which provided employee with prerequisite skills in paid status for the new position, the professional growth credit District. Compensation will not be carried overgranted for hours or credits/units earned whenever the District covers the cost of attending the workshop/class. Applicable credits/units may be earned by the successful completion of the following: · Courses taken at an accredited community college or four-year college or University. · Courses taken through the County Office of Education. · Adult education courses, continuing education courses, vocational courses, or other courses offered by District-approved educational agencies. · On-line courses. · Other. b. If 23.6 Current 180 Day Employees Effective the credit is not job2019-related 20 school year, current 180-day employees in the following classifications will be reclassified as 182-day employees and will return to work 2 days prior to the new positionfirst student instructional day for the purpose of sharing, disseminating and discussing information that pertains to the credit will not be carried over. c. In both “a” operation of the classified employee’s current job position (in the areas of procedures and “b” aboveprotocols; student behavior management training; health and safety training; technical training, the appeal process of Paragraph 5 shall apply.as appropriate; other school or district business as assigned) and may include further professional development to enhance their current classification job skills. · Campus Safety I, II · Child Development Assistant/Child Development Assistant – Bilingual · Food Service Assistant I, II · Health Services Assistant I, II · Instructional Assistant I, II, III · Student Assistant · Bus Drivers · Bus Attendants

Professional Growth. Section 1. The policy of the District shall be to encourage continued and active participation on the part of classified employees in a program of professional growth activities designed to improve service to students and students, the District, and to assist in the personal and professional development of the employee. Professional growth is designed as a continuous continuous, purposeful program of study/training to retain and extend the high standards of the classified employees. The purpose of this program will shall be: 1. To improve the standard of service of the classified staff; 2. To extend and constantly improve the standards of on-the-job performance; 3. To provide opportunities for personal growth and advancement and thereby exert a concerted effort to retain qualified classified personnel. Section 2. The policy shall be interpreted and implemented as follows: 1. Professional growth credit shall be given for relevant unit credit collegiate-collegiate level coursework. NonCredit may be obtained for non-collegiate courses shall be evaluated on coursework, but in order to obtain such credit, the employee must obtain prior approval of the work and a case-by-case basis by prior assignment of credit to such work (assuming successful completion) from the employee’s immediate supervisor and the Chief Director of Human Resources Officer or designeeand Equal Employment Opportunity. 2. Professional growth credit will be provided for coursework completed on the employee’s 's own time. Released time for on-the-job training to participate in study/coursework, etc., shall not result in professional growth credit. 3. Professional growth credit shall be given only for that coursework course work begun and completed subsequent to the effective date of the Agreement into which this proposal is incorporated. 4. All coursework for professional growth credit shall be job-related or related to advancement to another District bargaining unit job and subject to prior approval of the employee’s 's immediate supervisor and the Chief Director of Human Resources Officerand Equal Employment Opportunity. The burden of proof of job-relatedness falls to on the employee making request for professional growth credit. All college-level course work (minimum - 3 semester unit course) in minority culture and its primary language, where use of such minority culture and language are a significant part of the employee's job, shall be deemed job-related; provided, however, prior approval of the course work (prior to commencement of the course work) by the District is required. 5. If the District determines that the coursework is not job related, the employee may appeal this decision using an An appeal process would be established similar to the one that now operating with working out-out- of-class provisions of the Agreement. 6. Upon promotion of the employee to a new classification, the units completed for professional growth credit shall be reviewed by the new supervisor and the supervisor’s vice president to determine whether the growth credits shall carry overVice President/Administrative Services. a. 7. If units were gained completing courses which provided employee with prerequisite skills for the new position, the professional growth credit will not be carried over. b. 8. If the credit is not job-related to the new position, the credit will not be carried over. c. 9. In both “a” A. and “b” B. above, the appeal process of Paragraph 5 shall apply. 10. The District shall have the right to require appropriate coursework as part of any professional growth program for an employee. 11. An employee shall have three (3) years in which to complete any cycle of professional growth. Units will not be carried over if the cycle is not completed within the three (3) years. 12. Upon completion of twelve (12) units (within the three-year timeline), the employee shall be eligible for the first step of the professional growth increment. Effective January 1, 1996, upon completion of nine (9) units (within the three-year timeline), the employee shall be eligible for the first step of the professional growth increment. If an employee started a cycle for an increment prior to January 1, 1996, the old 12 unit requirement will apply. The new 9 unit requirement will apply to cycles started on or after January 1, 1996. 13. Upon completion of an additional twelve (12) units (within the three-year timeline), the employee shall be eligible for a second step of the professional growth increment. Effective January 1, 1996, upon completion of an additional nine (9) units (within the three-year timeline), the employee shall be eligible for an additional step of the professional growth increment. If an employee started a cycle for an increment prior to January 1, 1996, the old 12 unit requirement will apply. The new 9 unit requirement will apply to cycles started on or after January 1, 1996. 14. Professional growth increment shall be a flat rate of $50.00 per month per step. Any person receiving a professional growth increment at the rate of $25.00 as of April 15, 1988, shall continue to be paid $25.00 for the increment subject to paragraph 16 above and shall not receive $50.00 for a professional growth increment unless and until an additional increment is earned after April 15, 1988. Anyone who has taken any units before April 15, 1988 but completes the necessary 12 units after April 15, 1988 shall receive the $50.00 increment.