ABOUT SB-CEUS AND UNIVERSITY CREDIT

In Michigan, SB-CEUs and/or university credits are used to renew educators' certificates.

SB stands for State Board. CEU stands for Continuing Education Unit.

In order to use continuing education units to renew your certificate, they must be SB-CEUs. In other words,

Michigan (only MICHIGAN) Department of Education Board approved Continuing Education Units.

How many SB-CEUs do I need to renew my certificate?

The following chart can help when using a combination of SB-CEUs and credit:

Number of Semester Hours Completed Balance Needed in SB-CEUs

UNIVERSITY CREDIT HOURS SB-CEUs

6 0

5 3

4 6

3 9

2 12

1 15

0 18

Fraudulent use of SB-CEUs is a FELONY:

PA 96 Advisory: It is a criminal offense to use or attempt to use a State Board of Education Continuing Education Unit transcript or certificate of completion that is fraudulently obtained, altered, or forged to obtain and/or maintain school administrator, teacher, and/ or school psychologist certification, or other State Board approval.

Are there advantages or disadvantages to SB-CEUs?

What are the advantages of using SB-CEUs?

COST -- compared to University Credit. SB-CEUS are free from Calhoun ISD. There may be a minimal charge by other agencies.

University Credit – (2007-08: approx $250-380 per credit hour plus fees)

3.0 SB-CEUs equal 1 University credit.

What are the disadvantages of SB-CEUs?

SB-CEUs allow absolutely no flexibility of contact hours listed.

If a participant is absent, late, or leaves early for any reason at any time, s/he will lose all SB-CEUs for a given program. This includes chatting in the hall with friends, as well as frequent or lengthy cell phone conversations.

There can be no exceptions when it comes to absence, arriving late or leaving early. Because the MDE is strict with us, it is our responsibility to be strict with you.

So why would I choose university credit when SB-CEUs are free?

If you are working on an advanced degree (always check with your advisor to see if the course will apply to your program).

If your school district uses university credit for advancement on the pay scale.

If you need some flexibility in regard to attendance. Instructors will often work with participants who have minor attendance issues, while the MDE will not.

What are the requirements to receive SB-CEUs?

By applying for SB-CEUs, you agree and understand that:

1. The MDE requires 100% attendance for this program. No SB-CEUs will be awarded if any part of the program is missed (arriving late, leaving early). Make-ups are not available.

2. You cannot receive SB-CEU credit and university credit. It must be one or the other.

3. Your role will be that of an active participant.

4. If out-of-class assignments are required, you will complete them in order to receive the SB-CEUs.

5. If the class is offered for Direct College Conversion, a final paper is required. Before SB-CEUs can be granted, the instructor will need to receive your final project. SB-CEU credit will not be issued without completion of the required final project.

6. You must complete an evaluation/feedback form for the program. It would be wise to sign your form so that the monitor will know you did complete the feedback form. Credit will not be issued without your feedback.

Besides a workshop, what other programs award SB-CEUs?

The MDE provides approval for all of the programs below. At the end of the first and second semester, a form that you need to apply will be emailed to all principals and instructional coordinating council members. They are asked to share this information with all educators in their district so that everyone has the opportunity to apply for SB-CEU credit, provided they fulfill the criteria. The form is also published on the Calhoun ISD website.

Serving as mentor teacher (can earn 3.0 each semester. A total of 9.0 can be earned during the five year renewal period with this activity.)

Serving as a new principal mentor (can earn 3.0 per year. A total of 9.0 can be earned during the five year renewal period with this activity.)

Serving as a supervising teacher (can earn 3.0 each semester. A total of 9.0 can be earned during the five year renewal period with this activity.)

Serving as a supervisor for a school counselor (can earn 3.0 each semester. A total of 9.0 can be earned during the five year renewal period with this activity.)

Serving as a supervisor for a school psychologist (can earn 3.0 each semester. A total of 9.0 can be earned during the five year renewal period with this activity.)

Serving as a supervisor for a student teacher/teacher intern (can earn 3.0 each semester. A total of 9.0 can be earned during the five year renewal period with this activity.)

Serving on a professional development committee (can earn 3.0 each year. A total of 9.0 can be earned during the five year renewal period with this activity.) NOTE: you can only earn credit for one committee, not multiple committees during the year.

Serving on a school improvement team (can earn 3.0 each year. A total of 9.0 can be earned during the five year renewal period with this activity.) [Can be a building or district PA 25 team.]

If you are serving in one or more of the programs above, be sure to go to the Calhoun ISD website as the end of the semester approaches. You can print the form you need to apply for the SB-CEUs. All applications must be submitted to the CISD SB-CEU coordinator within 30 days of the program end date. Be sure to include the needed documentation.

IACET approved programs

The International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and the MDE has a partnership. If a program has the IACET logo indicating it is sponsored by an IACET Authorized Sponsor/Provider, you are eligible for State Board Continuing Education Units for attending the training. Conference/program preapproval from the MDE is not necessary.

What you must do to convert your IACET CEUs into SB-CEUs:

Submit the following to the SB-CEU coordinator:

1. An official brochure which advertises the program in which you have participated.

2. An official transcript from the IACET Sponsor/Provider (a Certificate of Completion is unacceptable).

3. Send these documents to the ISD SB-CEU coordinator, preferably within 30 days following the

end date of the training, workshop, and/or conference.

Michigan Virtual University or LEARNPORT

Will you be taking a MVU or Learnport course? If so, you are eligible for SB-CEU credit.

Upon completion of the MVU offered training:
Within 30 days of the end of the training, send the following to the SB-CEU coordinator at the Calhoun ISD: Certificate of Completion from MVU or Learnport with your signature, agenda or brochure of the program, be sure to include your PIN number, district, and email address for your transcript. MVU will provide the certificate that contains the name of the program, date, location, SB-CEUs earned. (Likewise for a Learnport program)

You will be awarded SB-CEUs once the program has been approved by the MDE and assigned the SB-CEU approval number and your information is entered into the CISD database. An updated transcript with the class will be e-mailed to you.

How do I keep track of my SB-CEUs or university credit hours?

Always keep the verification that you receive when you are granted SB-CEU credit. Your verification should contain everything you need to complete your renewal certificate and/or request a transcript (name, address of issuing agency).
Remember: There is no Central Registry for tracking SB-CEUs for an individual. It is your responsibility to keep track of where you receive SB-CEUs.
If you need a transcript of the SB-CEUs that you have earned, you will need to contact each sponsoring agency for your transcript from that agency. SB-CEU transcripts are like college transcripts, you need to contact each agency that issues credit to you.
To receive either an unofficial (no charge by Calhoun ISD) transcript, please email Cathy Galloway with the last 4 digits of your SS# and the transcript will be emailed to you.
For an official (signed and raised-stamped) transcript, ($5 fee payable to Calhoun ISD), you must email Cathy Galloway with the last 4 digits of your SS# and an official transcript will be sent to you upon receipt of the $5 and your mailing address.
Only SB-CEUs (or college credit) that is earned during the five year period between renewals can be used to renew your certificate. No credit can be “banked” for the next renewal period.

What is direct college conversion?

If a program is being offered for university credit, the sponsoring agency can apply for SB-CEUs under “Direct College Conversion.” In other words, since the conversion rate of SB-CEUs to university credits is 3:1, the equivalent of 1 college credit can be earned in (3.0) SB-CEUs.

For example, if the training is 12 contact hours and has been approved for 1 college/university credit, rather than earning 1.2 SB-CEUs for the 12 contact hours, 3.0 can be earned because the program has been approved for 1 college credit. However, absolutely no class time can be missed.

Who can apply to offer SB-CEUS through Calhoun ISD?

Each district in Barry, Branch, and Calhoun counties is welcome to apply through CISD to offer SB-CEUs for professional development programs they offer within their district. The only requirement is that each district must have a trained staff member who will serve as the contact for your district. There is no charge for districts within these three counties to apply for SB-CEUS.

Community agencies providing professional development programs for educators may also apply to offer SB-CEUs through the Calhoun ISD. There is a $25 application fee.

Contact Cathy Galloway for more information.

Personal identification number

Please use the last 4 digits of your social security number as an ID. If you choose a different number one time and something else the next, not all of your credit will appear in your transcript. There will be a charge to correct your record.

Finally – if you have submitted a form without an PIN number, your credit will not be logged into the Calhoun ISD system, thus – no credit was awarded.

How can I offer SB-CEUs for a workshop I and conducting?

First, you will need to work through the contact person for your district.
Open and save the SB-CEU program application to your computer.
It is a word document, so you will be able to work in the application, save it, and email it to your district contact person.
This should be done at least 40 days prior to the start date of your program. If you submit it less than 40 days in advance, you risk not meeting the timeline required by the State.
If the application is complete and correct, your district contact person will submit it electronically to the CISD SB-CEU coordinator.
The CISD coordinator will submit the application to the MDE and wait for approval. If you do not hear anything within two weeks, please notify your contact person.

I have applied to offer SB-CEUs for a program, and my program was approved, now what?

You will receive the forms you need to offer SB-CEUs, and instructions so that you will know what is required of you from the CISD coordinator.
Your program must be conducted exactly as it was submitted on your application. The start and end time must remain the same. If this procedure is not followed, you risk losing the SB-CEUS for which you applied. -- It will be your responsibility to inform your program participants if credit is lost for this reason.
It is a good idea to always announce to the class that missing any portion of the class will cost them their SB-CEUs.
100% attendance is required.
The MDE has strict requirements for monitoring a program. You will serve as the monitor for this program and your duties are listed below. Please read them carefully and comply with the directions.

Attendance Record:

You will be sent a sign-in/out sheet for the program that serves as verification/attendance record for issuing SB-CEUs.
As the monitor, please be sure ALL OF THESE SPOTS ARE COMPLETED BY THE PARTICIPANTS!
The PIN# (the last 4 digits of the ss#) is needed to enter the participant’s credit into the transcript. If this is not included, credit cannot be awarded.
The participant’s signature is required as proof of attendance.
The in and out time verifies compliance with program time.
The participant’s email address is needed to send their current transcript after the program.
The monitor’s signature (in red) is required on each page as proof of monitoring the program and that all information is correct for issuance of SB-CEUs. (Remember the PA 96 Advisory.)

Program Monitor Cover Letter:

Complete the SB-CEU Program Monitor Cover Letter and send with the original SB-CEU attendance sign-in/ sign-out sheet signed and dated in red by you, the monitor.
Highlight the names on the sign-in/signout sheet of those people who successfully earned SB-CEU credit.

Evaluation/Feedback:

Not an option! An evaluation/feedback form must be completed by everyone wanting SB-CEUs. This is a newer requirement from the MDE. Compile the results and send to the SB-CEU coordinator for the file.
You may design your own feedback form to garner the information you want to know.
Include a signature line on the evaluation so that you can verify those wanting SB-CEUs did complete the evaluation as required.
The one (or two) page compilation may be mailed within two weeks after the conclusion of the program. Do not send all the evaluations! They will be returned to you for a compilation.

Proof of SB-CEU credit for the participant:

Once the participant’s information is entered into the database, they will receive an updated unofficial transcript of the SB-CEUs earned through the Calhoun ISD.

MONITOR’S CHECKLIST: (The documentation must be mailed to the district contact upon the program’s conclusion)

The SB-CEU Program Monitor Cover Letter
The sign-in sheet with highlighted names of those successfully earning SB-CEUs, signed (in red) by you.
Be sure a PIN is included with every name wanting SB-CEUs.
The compilation of evaluation results.

When does the program file close?

The program file is CLOSED at the end of 30 days. Please have everything completed by that time or your applicants will not receive their SB-CEUs. You are responsible for notifing the applicants if this happens.
If your SB-CEU approved program is cancelled for any reason, please notify the SB-CEU coordinator as the program must be canceled with the MDE.
If you need to change the date for any reason (snow days, presenter, schedule), call 269-789-2452 to have the date changed with the MDE.

POSSIBLE PROBLEM AREAS:

Plan ahead!

The MDE will not accept applications sent to them less than 30 days before the start date. Be sure to have your application to your district contact person before 30 days.

With time being a BIG factor, can I build in some "Wiggle Room?"

Yes, and it is a good idea to do so, especially in the winter!

If you have a 6 hour program, you can apply for .5, leaving 1 hour for emergency use.

The agenda MUST be set prior to submitting the application for approval.

If the agenda has not been set, how do you guarantee how many hours the program will be? Be sure you have the correct information from the presenter.

Applying for a multiple-day program in one application.

This is fine to do, but the problem lies in missing a few minutes of the program and losing all of the credit for the entire program.

For example, if a program is three days long, someone has been there the entire time the

first two days, but on the third day is sick, ALL credit is lost because the last day has been missed. It’s best to apply for each day individually.

Presenters who dismiss early:

The program should be conducted as the agenda indicates. If you have a presenter who finishes a few minutes early, they should continue the program in some fashion (question and answer period, etc.) and release the group at the designated time.

If this is a “habit” of the presenter, on future applications, cut down the amount of SB-CEUs (wiggle room for early dismissal).

Wanting college conversion prior tro college approval:

The program must be approved by a four-year college or university before applying for direct college conversion.
Always include the name and phone number of the person at the university in the application, and also send proof that credit has been granted.
If you have a program that has been approved for 1 hour of university credit, you are able to apply for 3.0 SBCEUs for that program regardless of the number of contact hours. Remember, 1 university credit is equal to 3.0, 2 credit hours = 6.0, and so on.
List the correct number of contact hours, but apply the correct number of SB-CEUs for the number of college credits available.

Administrative certificate - THERE IS NONE!

However, administrators must meet requirements for continuing employment.

(6 semester hours or 18 SB-CEUs).

Out of state conferences:

If you plan to attend an out-of-state conference, you may apply for SB-CEUs. You must, however, apply before the 30 day time line to be sure it is approved and you have what you need prior to the conference. Forty-five days would be best. Also include a website where conference information can be checked.

The MDE and the Sponsors rights:

The Calhoun ISD is proud to be a sponsor for State Board of Education Continuing Education Units. We do not want to lose this privilege as it is a service we like to provide to all of our constituent districts in Barry, Branch, and Calhoun counties.

However, if through the audit process, we are found not to be in compliance with state

requirements, the MDE can (and will) pull our right to be a sponsor.

If you send an application to the CISD and receive approval to offer credit for your program, it is your responsibility to conduct the program as stated in the application and agenda. Since the MDE is strict with us, we must be strict with you. You must, in turn, be strict with the program participants and uphold the rules and regulations for conducting a program in your district.

Calhoun ISD also holds the right to deny your district’s applications if you do not comply with stated rules.

What about programs offering (Just Plain Ole) CEUs?

You may have seen many professional development brochures advertising CEUs. For example, Skillpath programs, or out-of-state programs may say CEUs Available!

Be aware that these CEUs will mean nothing when renewing your certificate.

Without the SB (State Board), a CEU will only record your professional development time.
You can, however, submit an application to receive SB-CEUs for the program you plan to attend. This must be done in accordance with the application timeline.

If your application is approved, you will receive instructions and a form to take to the conference or workshop with you.

Where can I find information about what is available in my area or across the state?

There is a website listing every program that has been approved to offer SB-CEU credit. You will find programs listed by month, subject area, and sponsor. You will also find the contact information in case you might be interested in taking a class.

Welcome to Michigan’s Office of Professional Preparation Services ON-Line SB-CEU Master Listing System

SB-CEUS available by month, subject area, sponsor:

If I have extra SB-CEUs, can I carry them over into the next renewal period?

NO! Only SB-CEUs that have been earned during the five year renewal period will count.

Do I have to wait until June to renew my certificate if I have all of my SB-CEUs early?

NO! You may renew as early as January of the expiration year. The earlier you apply, the earlier you will receive your renewed certificate.

Where do I get the form to renew my certificate?

Form for administrators

Renewable application form for teachers

Look in left margin for: License/Certification Application Forms

(http://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,1607,7-140-6530_5683---,00.html)

Please check www.michigan.gov/mde for other helpful information.

Whose certificates need renewal?

The teachers who have already completed their initial 18 hours of credit and have received their professional certificates.

To keep a professional certificate (issued since 1992):

The certificate must be renewed every five years with the completion of 6 semester hours OR 18 SB-CEUs OR a combination of both. The deadline is always June 30.
Only SB-CEUs earned from issuance date to expiration date of certificate may be used toward certificate renewal. SB-CEUs cannot be carried over.
DO NOT WAIT or put off getting your requirements completed.

Other certificates needing renewal (same requirements):

• School Administrator Certificate
• School Psychologist
• Occupational Education Certificate (formerly Full Vocational Certificate)

SB-CEUs CANNOT be used for Social Worker Renewal.

For more information, please check the Michigan Chapter Association Social Worker Board, Credentials, website.

For information, questions, or complaints, contact Calhoun ISD first.

Be sure to contact the ISD first! Please do not call the MDE because they will ask you if you have contacted your local sponsor. If you haven’t, you will be referred back to us.'