Thank you for your interest in conducting the observation hours required by your Educator Preparation Program in Houston ISD.  Follow the instructions below to initiate a student observer criminal background check before reporting to an HISD campus. The process can take up to two weeks from submission to final approval. 

REQUIRED: A signed approval form from either an ACP, college, or university program stating the need to complete observation hours or field experience is required. 

• Student Observers must register and receive approval through the VIPS system

  • To initiate the process, click HERE

• After completing online orientation, you will be prompted to complete your VIPS registration and undergo a background check in order to receive approval.

• The background check can take up to 2 weeks to complete.
  

• Once you are APPROVED, you will receive an approval email from donotreply@raptortech.com regarding your approved status. You will have the option to create your own personal Raptor Portal Volunteer Account, however, the approval email is all you need for official clearance.

• Upon approval, student observers may contact any HISD campus to complete observation hours.

• You must present your Educational Preparation Program approval form along with the VIPS clearance email to the school(s) where you conduct your observation hours.

 

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