SDER FAQ
This FAQ provides information for Human Resource Directors and District Administrators to support the submission of the annual School District Employee Report (SDER) data to ADE for the purposes of calculating Teacher Experience Index (TEI).
What is SDER?
The primary use of School District Employee Report (SDER) data is to calculate your district's Teacher Experience Index (TEI) per A.R.S. § 15-941. This TEI calculation may have the effect of increasing your budget limit and equalization assistance (state aid) in the subsequent year.
When is the SDER due?
The due date for SDER data is October 15th. The window for submissions will open one month prior to the due date. If a district needs to revise the submitted SDER data, the window for SDER revisions will open on February 1. The final deadline within the current fiscal year is March 1.
Can a district revise SDER data?
It is important to note that a district cannot update prior year SDER data. SDER data revisions are between February 1 and March 1 of the current year. The new application requires that the SDER file be resubmitted to replace all data. The system does not allow a district to make individual edits.
Who should report SDER data?
Pursuant to A.R.S. § 15-941, teacher experience data must be transmitted to the Superintendent of Public Instruction by October 15th at 4:30 p.m. This requirement is for school districts only. Charter districts do not have to submit this information at this time.
What staff should a district report on the SDER?
A district must report all full-time and part-time district employees paid from the district budget. Individuals who are no longer employed by your district as of October 1 of the current school year must not be reported unless they are now filling a position in your district as a Purchased Service Personnel (PSP).
How do I access the SDER application?
The School District Employee Report (SDER) application is in ADEConnect. If you do not have access to the SDER application in ADEConnect your district Entity can assign you the role "SDER - LEA User".
Where can I find a manual for SDER manual?
The updated SDER manual can be viewed here: https://www.azed.gov/sites/default/files/2021/10/SDER%20Manual%20Revised%2010.7.21.pdf
Our auditors need proof of SDER submission date, where can I find this information?
There is an excel spreadsheet posted online that show when each district submitted SDER data. https://www.azed.gov/finance/reports
Should I report substitute teachers on the SDER?
Report substitute teachers that are under contract with the district. An emergency substitute does not require a degree, only a high school diploma. Emergency substitute teachers’ years of experience should be reported as 1 year of experience. The employee number can be reported as the employee’s certificate issued by the ADE Teacher Certification, or you may enter their Social Security Number. For classified employees, you may enter SSN or another identifying ID.
When I upload my file, I receive a warning that displays “system failure” what do I do if I receive such a message?
The system only allows for .xlsx extensions. Try resaving your file to .xlsx instead of xls. and reupload the file.
I submitted my district SDER data, but my reports show that I have no TEI. How do I correct this?
If the SDER reports shows No TEI and the SDER shows your most recent submission was a Current Usable File, download the file and check to see whether Column B has a School CTDS number for each of your teachers, not the District CTDS that ends with 000. Correct and re-submit if needed.
Where can I find my district CTDS number?
Currently, you can view your district and school sites CTDS numbers on the Find-A-School website listed here: http://www.ade.az.gov/edd/
