PAR Center Services

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; the HART Induction Program, which serves general, Education Specialist and Administrative Candidates; ongoing professional learning 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 31575 Valley Creek Road, Castaic. The office phone number is 661.259.0017. The Administrative Assistant is Mary Delgado, mdelgado@hartdistrict.org. During the school year, office hours mimic site hours: 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

What facilities are offered by PAR?

There is a library of books and articles on teaching practice and subject matter content areas, a computer, document camera, 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 sections 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 (CSTP).

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.

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:

• Working for two years in a thoughtful relationship with a Mentor.
• Develop and maintain an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) to forward teacher growth.
• Completion of an online portfolio.
• Reflection on CSTP and school district goals to determine Professional Learning.
• Attendance at Academies and Professional Development.
• Participate in an exit interview to determine candidate competence.

Who pays for Induction?

The District bears the costs. There is no cost for teachers. Universities offer their programs for a fee.

What is the timeline for completion of the Hart Induction Program?

It is expected that the program will last two years. Teachers with two or more years of teaching experience in the district may apply to the Induction Director for an application for an Early Completion Option (ECO).

Is there a penalty for not finishing on time?

The contract requires completion in two years or a salary freeze is imposed until completion is verified.

Can I receive university credit for my participation in the Hart Induction Program?

Yes. See the information on Induction and university credits. We have relationships with USD and Brandman University to earn Induction units for each year.

How do I find out when the workshops and Academies are offered?

The PAR Center workshops are listed at the district webpage along with directions on how to sign up for InductionSupport.com. Please call our office for more information.