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403(b) (updated)
On July 26, 2007, the Internal Revenue Service released the final 403(b) regulations for public school employee retirement plans. This regulation requires school districts that sponsor a 403(b) plan to offer all employees the opportunity to set aside money on a tax-deferred basis for retirement using a payroll deduction process. Developed by Carleen Pierce of Canandaigua City School District in partnership with OMNI, this tutorial will help school employees understand the basic regulations which the school district imposes for participants in these programs. More specifically, you will learn about the Universal Availability Requirement, what a 403(b) plan is, the benefits of participating, who is eligible to participate, and what the contribution limits are.
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A Guide for Substitute Teachers (updated)
This tutorial provides Substitute Teachers with tips, advice, and best practices as they embark upon their substitute assignments. More specifically, substitutes will learn about preparation techniques, the responsibilities of substitute teaching, instructional delivery methods, classroom management, “tools” for a substitute, professionalism and confidentiality, dress codes, attitudes and general tips from other teachers and substitutes.
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ADAAA (new)
On September 25th, 2008, the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act, otherwise known as the ADA Amendment Act was signed into law and becomes effective on January 1st, 2009. The statute both expands the definition of "disability" and broadens employee protections. Written by Jared Koesten of the KOHR Group Human Capital Consulting, this tutorial will instruct you about the new Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act and your obligations as an employer.
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ADHD (updated)
Written by Melinda McGuffin, Director of Special Education at Leyden High School District 212, this tutorial provides the latest information for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD. More specifically, the objectives for the tutorial include: ADHD statistics and facts; what ADHD is; diagnosing ADHD; identification of the three subtypes of ADHD; treatment of ADHD including behavioral, pharmacological, and multimodal methods; managing teenagers as opposed to children; and what successful school programs include
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Alcohol and Drug Awareness for Employees (new)
Drug and alcohol use negatively affects every member in the work place increasing the risk of illness, injury or fatality and decreasing productivity, morale, and attendance. With over 70% o substance users employed at least part-time, your chances of dealing with drug and alcohol related issues are high. This tutorial for Employees will define substance abuse, provide statistics, help identify signs of use, and discuss prevention measures.
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Alcohol and Drug Awareness for Supervisors (updated)
The chances of employees abusing alcohol or using illicit drugs are great. Employee substance abuse has a tremendous impact on an organization’s productivity and profitability. This tutorial will identify statistics involving drugs and alcohol, provide a strategy for combating substance abuse, identify signs of abuse, and provide a plan for addressing the problem through employee discipline.
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Allergy Management
The incidence of allergies in children has increased significantly in the last two decades. School districts can reduce the risk of exposure to allergens by working with students, parents, and physicians to minimize risks and provide a safe educational environment for students with allergies. Written by Deanna Culberson, a school nurse at Utica Community Schools, this tutorial will review allergic reactions, common allergens, Peanut Safe Zones, why there are more allergies now, symptoms of allergies, medications for both minor and major reactions, who can carry EpiPens, EpiPen use, treatment of allergies, allergy management plans and school allergy checklists.
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Asbestos Awareness (new)
Concern about worker and occupant exposure to asbestos fibers has been a health, environmental and regulatory issue for many years. Inhaling asbestos fibers is a health concern, which can lead to lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. Develop by Villa Environmental, this tutorial provides an individual with little or no asbestos experience the ability to make reasonable decisions as to whether the situation is safe and who to contact to assure there is little or no asbestos exposure. DISCLAIMER: Not all states accept online Asbestos Awareness training. Please check with your supervisor and/or State OSHA or related asbestos regulatory department regarding whether they accept asbestos awareness training online.
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Asthma
Asthma is a major public health problem. Nearly five million children have asthma. It affects at least two students in every classroom of 30. It is the most common chronic illness cause of school absenteeism. This tutorial's goal is to support student management of asthma in the classroom through teacher education.
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Autism (updated)
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act has mandated that school aged children from ages 3 to 21 receive a “free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment.” This has resulted in a large percentage of students with autism, Asperger syndrome, non-verbal learning disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder being included in regular public schools and classrooms. The main objective for this tutorial is to support school security personnel in maintaining a safe and secure learning environment in schools where students with autism spectrum disorders are among the learners.
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Back Safety (new)
More than one million workers suffer back injuries each year. Back injuries account for one of every five workplace injuries or illnesses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 25 percent of all compensation indemnity claims involve back injuries, costing employers billions of dollars. Written by Villa Environmental, this tutorial teaches proper techniques and procedures for back safety.
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Bloodborne Pathogens (updated)
This tutorial provides basic awareness level training for the Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. This standard requires employers to train employees who are a reasonable risk of exposure to blood and other infectious material. The training must be completed at the time of initial assignment and annually thereafter. The Employer Exposure Control Plan as well as workplace and job duty specific requirements are the responsibility of the employer.
(Available in Spanish)
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Bullying
Written by Mhora Newsom-Stewart, Ph.D., the Director of Collaborative Evaluation and Strategic Change in Health and Education at the EDUCATION CONNECTION, this tutorial advocates the establishment of good school climate in reducing aggressive behaviors. Objectives for the tutorial include defining bullying, describing the impact bullying has on the aggressor, the target and the by-stander, understanding the increasing frequency of school shootings, identifying the characteristics shared by all school shooters, and how to develop a positive school climate.
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Child Abuse
Child abuse has long-terms effects on children and the rest of society. Each person in the general population has a role to play in preventing child abuse. The first step in helping abused children is learning to recognize the signs of child abuse. In this tutorial, you will learn about the four types of abuse including their definitions and their signs; how to respond to a child’s disclosure; how to report the suspected abuse; and about the confidentiality of the report.
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Classroom Management -- Elementary (new)
Classroom management is often the most challenging aspect of being an elementary school teacher. Your students will need to learn appropriate classroom behavior and form positive habits that will last them throughout their school years. Creating and promoting a stable classroom environment takes practice, patience, and determination. This tutorial will address the importance of effective classroom management and provide tips for success.
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Classroom Management -- High School (new)
Whether you are a new or veteran high school teacher, effective classroom management is the single most valuable tool to a successful and productive school year. Creating and promoting a stable classroom environment takes practice, patience, and determination. This tutorial will address the importance of effective classroom management and provide tips for success.
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Classroom Management -- Middle (new)
Classroom management is often the most challenging aspect of being a middle school teacher. In addition to teaching new classroom procedures, you will continuously re-enforce ones taught in previous years. Your students will be transitioning from childhood to early adolescence at different rates and will experience a multitude of changes. While many students will still strive to please, others will challenge the rules in order to assert independence. Management plans often depend on the individual students and should be implemented accordingly. This tutorial will address the importance of effective classroom management and provide tips for success.
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Computer Use Policies
Vast educational value may be acquired through proper usage of the internet and other computerized information resources. Along with the enormous value that the internet provides, the risk of abuse is always present. In this tutorial, uers will learn about appropriate vs. inappropriate usage of computerized information resources in the workplace specifically as they relate to educational institutions.
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Copyright Law for Educators
This tutorial enables instructors and students to understand and adhere to copyright laws and regulations. Reviewed for accuracy and completeness by Ken Salomon from Dow, Lohnes and Albertson, the tutorial will be continually updated to reflect any amendments to the Copyright Act. Content includes basic copyright purposes and provisions, fair use guidelines, the educational use exemption, licensing, infringement penalties, and voluntary guidelines.
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Corporal Punishment
Written by Roy Henley of Thrun Law Firm, Corporal Punishment is specific to Michigan law. More specifically, the tutorial contains the following information: The Michigan Revised School Code, Exemptions to the Michigan Revised School Code, Who the code applies to, Physical Force that is Allowed, The "Necessary" and "Reasonable" standard, Special Education Student Restraint and Seclusion Techniques, Consequences of Violation, Statutory Immunity, Coverdell Teacher Protection Act, Qualified immunity, Michigan Child Protection Law, Reporting/Failing to Report, and School District Policy-based Standards.
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Cyber Bullying (new)
Thousands of children are assaulted physically, verbally, or emotionally each day of school throughout the United States. "The National Education Association estimates that 160,000 students miss school every day because of fear of attack or intimidation by a bully". However, with the advancements of today's technology and the availability of this technology to our young children, a new and more devastating form of bullying called cyber bullying is emerging as an advanced method of inflicting social cruelty to its victims in a way that surpasses conventional bullying methods. Written by Nathan Kleefisch from the Tri-Creek School Corporation, in this tutorial, you will learn about the general characteristics of cyber bullying; about the definition of cyber bullying; to identify the roles of the bully, victim and the bystanders relative to cyber bullying; and to identify ways in which schools and adults can reduce school violence and cyber bullying.
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Diabetes (new)
Diabetes is the most prevalent chronic disease among children and adolescents. Studies have estimated that diabetes affects approximately 1 in 400 school-age children and with increasing trends of childhood obesity, this number is continually rising. As a teacher, you will likely have the responsibility of caring for the safety and education of a child afflicted with diabetes. Written by Brittany Gage, GCN's Research & Writer, you will learn the following objectives in this tutorial: What is Diabetes, Types of Diabetes, Symptoms, Health Risks, How is Diabetes Managed, Low Blood Glucose, High Blood Glucose, Elements of Diabetes Management, Who is Responsible, Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP), Education Plan, Diabetes and the Law, And emphasizing nutrition and exercise.
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Discrimination
Issues related to discrimination in employment are varied. Anyone in a position of authority over another employee (whether direct or indirect) needs to be aware of the many ways discrimination may occur, whether it is intentional or, and more likely, unintentional. This tutorial will review the definition of discrimination; protected classifications and how they became protected; policies of non-discrimination and the rights of employees to make a claim; handling a claim of discrimination; and supervisory responsibilities.
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Diversity
The demographics of America's population have significantly changed. Minority populations continue to grow. And there are more employees with physical and mental disabilities in the work place. This diverse population is the pool of future employees, supervisors, students, teachers, etc. The labor pool is also expected to diminish with the upcoming retirement of baby boomers. It is expected that their will not be enough individuals to fill the open jobs. In this tutorial developed by Toni Talbot of Human Resource Management Services, you will learn what diversity is and why it is important; learn how to make diversity part of your organization's culture via policy, practice and training; learn that diversity is more about respect and appreciation of others rather than differences; and you will learn that it takes time, determination and planning to instill diversity but that the gain is worth the effort.
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FERPA
This tutorial educates all educational staff about confidentiality regarding student records as mandated by FERPA (Family Education Rights and Privacy Act) and State Special Education rules and regulations. Upon completion of this tutorial, staff will gain a knowledge of the law and policies; an understanding of their responsibilities; and an understanding of how to protect a family's right to privacy.
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Fire Extinguisher
How to Properly Use a Fire Extinguisher: OSHA mandates that if a workplace has fire extinguishers available for employee use, the employer must notify their workers about the general principles of fire extinguisher use. This tutorial reviews the types of fires, types of fire extinguishers, the rules for fighting fires, fire extinguisher use, fire extinguisher inspection, and fire extinguisher maintenance.
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First Aid in Schools (new)
Being familiar with first aid procedures can significantly reduce the risk of death or serious injury. First Aid has three major goals: To preserve life, prevent further harm, and promote recovery. This tutorial will illustrate your role in achieving these goals and providing safety in the classroom.
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FLSA (new)
The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, also known as FLSA is the federal law establishing minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and youth employment standards. These standards impact more than 100 million workers in both the public and private sectors. The FLSA is intended to set basic wage and hour standards to protect the best interest of the American workforce. Written by Jared Koesten of the KOHR Group Human Capital Consulting, this tutorial will instruct you about the four areas FLSA oversees; exemptions; the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007; overtime pay; recordkeeping; Youth Employment; employment practices; FLSA administration and Enforcement; what employers must do for Compliance; and Penalties.
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FMLA
Written by Daniel R. Murphy of McLocklin, Murphy & Dishman LLP, this tutorial reviews the three conditions required for employee eligibility for benefits under the Act. Condition 1: The employee must have worked for the district for at least 12 calendar months. Condition 2: The employee must have actually worked at least 1,250 hours during the most recent 12 months. Condition 3: The employee must work at a worksite with at least 50 employees within 75 miles of the worksite. Several examples are also provided.
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Food Safety (new)
Foodborne illness affects millions of persons each year and costs billions of dollars due to loss of consumers, negative publicity, loss of reputation, legal fees, and lost days from work due to illness. The number one way to avoid allegations of food borne illness is to have a comprehensive food safety program with management commitment and well-trained employees. Developed by Diane Schweitzer of the School City of Hammond, this tutorial will show you how you can accomplish such a successful food safety program.
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Forklift Safety
It is a violation of Federal law for anyone under 18 years of age to operate a forklift or for anyone 18 or over who is not properly trained and certified to do so. Developed in partnership with Enviroair, this tutorial describes the rules and responsibilities required for correct forklift safety.
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Fraud Prevention (new)
Fraud and theft costs school districts, colleges and universities millions of dollars every year, dollars that can be used for the direct benefit of educating students. Written by Diane Schweitzer of the School City of Hammond, in this tutorial, you will learn: The definition of fraud; Who commits fraud; Legal and social implications of fraud; Why people commit fraud; What motivates employees to commit fraud; What conditions present the opportunity to commit fraud; How administrators may unwittingly allow fraud to occur; About risky environments for fraud; Items typically targeted for fraud; What raises auditor red flags for fraud; How educational administrators can be more vigilant about fraud; And about internal control measures to prevent fraud.
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General Harassment
Employees now have a reasonable expectation that they will be treated respectfully and professionally by their co-workers, vendors, and especially their boss. Essentially, employees know that they will not be harassed on the basis of their gender, age, race, religion, national origin, or other protected classification. In this tutorial, you will learn about the concept of harassment, employers’ responsibilities, employees’ responsibilities, potential consequences for violations, and taking personal responsibility.
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Hand Washing (new)
Hand washing is a simple habit most people do without thinking. Yet hand washing, when done properly, is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick and can significantly reduce the spread of infectious diseases. This tutorial will discuss the dangers of not washing your hands; diseases commonly spread through hand contact; food related illnesses; when you should wash your hands; what to wash hands with; proper hand washing with soap and water; and proper use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
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Hazard Communications (updated)
This tutorial provides the minimum legal compliance required for the Hazard Communications Standard. According to this standard, every employee has the right to know about any operation in his or her work area when hazardous chemicals are present. The training must be completed at the time of initial assignment and whenever a new chemical is introduced into the employee's work area.
(Available in Spanish)
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HIPAA (updated)
On April 14, 2003, the "Privacy Rule“ of the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 or "HIPAA" came into effect. This regulatory scheme for the first time provides nationally applicable privacy standards regarding personal health information. This tutorial provides an overview of the Privacy Rule as it applies to employers outside of the healthcare industry.
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Interviewing Skills
Developed in partnership with Hiring Solutions, Inc., this tutorial describes the three basic steps to the interview process (pre-interview preparation, the interview itself, and the post-interview follow-up), reviews lawful and unlawful questions that can be asked during an interview, and provides sample job related questions.
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Ladder Safety (new)
Under the provisions of the OSHA standard, employers must provide a training program for each employee using ladders. The program must enable each employee to recognize hazards related to ladders and to use proper procedures to minimize these hazards. Written by Villa Environmental, this tutorial will review training requirements, general requirements, key requirements for fixed ladders, ladder safety devices and related support systems for fixed ladders, use and placement of all ladders, ladder safety when using a ladder and structural defect procedures.
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Lock-out Tag-out (new)
According to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147, it is required that all equipment be locked out during servicing and/or maintenance work to protect against accidental or inadvertent activation that could result in personal injury or equipment damage. Written by Villa Environmental, this tutorial establishes the minimum requirements for the lockout of energy sources whenever maintenance or servicing work is done on machines or equipment.
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Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (new)
This tutorial provides an updated summary of the basic provisions of the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) as amended by 1996 PA 553. The Freedom of Information Act regulates and sets requirements for the disclosure of public records by all “public bodies” in the state of Michigan.
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Mold Indoor Air Quality (new)
Concern about indoor exposure to mold has been increasing as the public becomes aware that exposure to mold can cause a variety of health effects and symptoms, including allergic reactions. Health concerns are an important reason to prevent mold growth and to clean up molds in indoor environments. Written by Villa Environmental, this tutorial is a guide for building managers, maintenance personnel, custodians, and others who are responsible for commercial, governmental or school buildings and operations. Using this tutorial, individuals with little or no mold experience should be able to make a reasonable decision as to whether the situation can be handled by your own staff.
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Office Ergonomics (new)
Ergonomics is a discipline that involves arranging the environment to fit the person in it. When ergonomics is applied correctly in the work environment, visual and musculoskeletal discomfort and fatigue are reduced significantly. Written by Villa Environmental, in this tutorial you will learn what is ergonomics, two categories of ergonomic factors, definition of Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTD's), risk factors of office related CTDs, types of repetition tasks that cause CTDs, awkward positions that cause CTDs, excessive force tasks that cause CTD's, prevention Strategies for CTD's, signs and Symptoms of CTD's, headaches/eyestrain, and ergonomic products.
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Personal Protection Equipment
Developed in partnership with the Michigan School Business Officials (MSBO), this tutorial describes the types of equipment most commonly used for the protection of the head, eyes and face, ears, respiratory, torso, arm and hand, and foot and leg. The personal protection equipment information described in this tutorial is framed in general terms and is intended to complement the relevant OSHA regulations and requirements.
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Playground Safety
Developed in partnership with the Michigan School Business Officials (MSBO), this tutorial describes playground safety precautions including surfacing, use/fall zone for equipment, layout and design of playgrounds, general hazards, supervision guidelines, inspection, maintenance and record keeping. It was developed as a guideline to help communities, school, day-care centers and other groups build safe playgrounds.
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School Bus Driver Safety
Written by Mark Niewonder of the Van Buren Intermediate School District, an authority in School Bus Driver Safety, this tutorial provides the school bus driver with several tips to safely carry out their daily school bus driving tasks. The content includes: Injury Protection, Passenger Management, Post-Trip Inspection, Dealing with Emergency Situations, and Positive Parent Contacts Methods.
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Section 504 (new)
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was the first federal legislation written to respond to civil rights protection for “handicapped persons.” Unfortunately, even in 1977 when Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act was put into action, there still was much confusion as to what was the responsibility of Section 504 in comparison to existing special education laws. It was not until 1991 that the differences and the similarities of all existing legislation were clarified. Written my Michael Livovich, Owner/Consultant for Partners for Educational Reform, this tutorial will will focus on the following aspects of the 504 Section of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973: The Statute for Section 504; Compliance requirements for Section 504; and Identification and location of children and adults that may qualify for Section 504 protection.
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Sexual Harassment
This tutorial educates employees about the basics of sexual harassment (including how to prevent it in the workplace), what to do if you feel you have been sexually harassed, and what to do if you witness or are a victim of sexual harassment. Reviewed for accuracy and completeness by Dow, Lohnes and Albertson, the tutorial also provides several sexual harassment case scenarios.
(Available in Spanish)
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Slip & Fall Prevention (new)
Slips and falls are the second leading cause of accidental death in the workplace and are one of the most costly types of workers’ compensation and general liability claims. Written by Rick Villa of Villa Environmental, in this tutorial you will learn how slips occur; how trips and falls occur; about trips and falls on stairs; about various slip, trip and fall trouble zones; about cleaning spills; how to prevent slips, trips and falls; how to fall properly; what to do if a slip, trip or fall occurs; and about the employee role in preventing slips, trip and falls.
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State and Federal Laws Review
This tutorial provides a summary of selected laws that gives your employees basic under-standing of the regulations contained within them. The laws include Drug Free Workplace and Substance Abuse, Family and Medical Leave Act, Equal Employment Opportunity / Non-Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Continuation of Benefits, Asbestos, Family Education Right to Privacy Act among others.
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Steroid Use Awareness (new)
Steroid use by high school students, especially by athletes, has become an issue of national concern, especially with the media attention on illicit steroid use by professional athletes. Students look to professional athletes as role models, admiring them for athletic abilities and record-setting feats. Students wishing to attain the same level of success may look to performance enhancing, non-prescription steroids as a shortcut to achieve the same results as star athletes. Written by Diane Schweitzer of the School City of Hammond, this tutorial describes what steroids are, how they are used by licensed physicians, how they may be used illegally for performance enhancing purposes, symptoms and side effects of steroid use, and what school administrator can do about steroid use.
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Suicide Prevention (new)
In 2006, suicide was ranked the 3rd leading cause of death in youth ages 15-24, according to the American Association of Suicidology. Suicide rates for a younger age group (10-14) increased 50% btween 1981 and 2006. Furthermore, it is estimated that for every one completed suicide, there are 100-200 suicide attempts. Written by GCN's Researcher/Writer Brittany Gage, in this tutorial you will learn about Basic Suicide Facts, Risk Factors, Warning Signs: Early Signs, Warning Signs: Late Signs, Prevention Overview, Prevention: Protective Factors, Intervention, Resources for help, Handling an Attempt on School Premises, and Postvention.
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Swine Flu (H1N1) -- Higher Ed Action Plan (updated)
This tutorial is meant for administrators in Higher Education and contains recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Swine Flu (H1N1) -- School Action Plan (updated)
The Swine Flu -- School Action Plan tutorial is meant for administrators at K – 12 schools. It includes recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on school dismissal for K – 12 schools. School dismissal are an important part of a comprehensive, layered mitigation approach aimed at reducing disease transmission and associated morbidity and mortality during the 2009 Swine Flu virus outbreak in the US.
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Swine Flu (H1N1) General Overview (new)
Novel H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of novel H1N1 flu was underway. This tutorial provides a general overview of the swine flu. The content comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Videoconferencing Success Strategies
This tutorial provides Interactive Television (ITV) instructors, ITV students and any other staff conducting or participating in a videoconference with the knowledge and skills required to achieve success in that medium. Content areas include why videoconferencing, types of connectivity, the equipment, visual impact, tips for success, and legal and ethical considerations.
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Workplace Violence
Employers and their staff must be diligent and have a degree of knowledge on how to deal with acts of violence in the workplace. In this tutorial written by Toni Talbot from Human Resource Management Services, LLC, you will learn about the types of violence both direct and implied; sources of violence; methods of prevention; policies and procedures for workplace violence; dealing with the aftermath; recognizing that you can not do everything to prevent violence; and the potential liability of workplace violence.
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Education Connection
hrmPlus
KOHR Group Human Capital Consulting
Northwest Indiana Education Service Center
Professional Contract Management, Inc. (PCMI)
Professional Education Services Group (PESG)
Southeastern Association of School Business Officials
Villa Environmental Consultants, Inc.
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