Project EASIER (Electronic Access System for Iowa Education Records) is the Iowa Department of Education's initiative involving the transfer of individual student records. The mission of the project is to reduce data burden, encourage better decision-making by establishing and maintaining a cost effective method of accessing and transferring accurate and timely education information among school districts, post-secondary institutions and the DE.
To access the DE's Project EASIER resources, go to http://www.iowa.gov/educate/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=44&Itemid=1261.
If the documents on the Web site do not provide enough information or you need someone to talk to specifically about Project EASIER issues, please contact Jay Pennington at jay.pennington@iowa.gov.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Department of Education Site Visit Training Schedule
A choice of trainings is scheduled for school districts and accredited non-public schools receiving an Iowa Department of Education comprehensive site visit during the 2009-2010 school year. School districts and schools are encouraged to include the superintendent, curriculum director, building principals and other staff who will be involved in planning for the visit in the team it sends for training. Additionally, anyone serving as a team member on a site visit is highly encouraged to attend training. Please select one of the two face-to-face trainings that have been scheduled. Please send an e-mail to Julie Melcher, DE School Improvement Consultant (Julie.melcher@iowa.gov), to let her know how many from your district/school plan will attend and which training your staff will attend. Julie will respond to your email with site visit documents to be copied and brought to the training.
The Academy, January 13-14
Baxter, February 16-18
Carlisle (Equity Focus), December 15-17
Colfax-Mingo, February 23-25
Dowling Catholic High School, October 20-21
Holy Family School, October 15-16
Indianola, January 19-21
Knoxville, November 17-19
Madrid, December 8-10
Martensdale-St.Marys, February 9-11
Mt. Olive Lutheran, February 24-25
North Polk, January 26-28
Pella Christian Grade School, October 15-16
Pella Christian High School, October 12-13
Perry (Equity Focused), January 12-14
St. Augustin School, October 13-14
St. Cecilia School, October 27-28
Sully Christian School, November 17-18
West Des Moines, March 29-April 1
Persons wishing to register as a team member on one of the scheduled visit may do so through the following link, https://www.edinfo.state.ia.us/web/sitevisit.asp, at your earliest convenience.
Please contact Julie Melcher at Julie.melcher@iowa.gov or (515) 281-6293 with any questions.
- September 4, 2009 from 1:00 - 3:30 p.m., Heartland AEA, Johnston Office, Rooms 3 & 4, Johnston, Iowa (following the September Curriculum Network Meeting to be held at the same location)
- October 6, 2009 from 1:00 - 3:45 p.m., West Des Moines Learning Resource Center, 3550 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines (following the October Superintendent Meeting to be held at the same location)
- Face-to-face training at the Iowa Department of Education, State Board Room 2nd floor, September 22, 2009 from 1:00-3:30 p.m.
- ICN training, September 29,2009 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Site availability and additional information will be sent to each district receiving a focused equity visit.
The Academy, January 13-14
Baxter, February 16-18
Carlisle (Equity Focus), December 15-17
Colfax-Mingo, February 23-25
Dowling Catholic High School, October 20-21
Holy Family School, October 15-16
Indianola, January 19-21
Knoxville, November 17-19
Madrid, December 8-10
Martensdale-St.Marys, February 9-11
Mt. Olive Lutheran, February 24-25
North Polk, January 26-28
Pella Christian Grade School, October 15-16
Pella Christian High School, October 12-13
Perry (Equity Focused), January 12-14
St. Augustin School, October 13-14
St. Cecilia School, October 27-28
Sully Christian School, November 17-18
West Des Moines, March 29-April 1
Persons wishing to register as a team member on one of the scheduled visit may do so through the following link, https://www.edinfo.state.ia.us/web/sitevisit.asp, at your earliest convenience.
Please contact Julie Melcher at Julie.melcher@iowa.gov or (515) 281-6293 with any questions.
Heartland Leadership Development Offerings 2009-2010
Heartland has a broad set of options available for administrative teams and individuals for enhancing there leadership skills. Below is a list of the opportunities with brief descriptions that are available during this school year. Click here for more detailed descriptions of each activity as well as dates, contact/registration information and decision making guides to help with your planning. If a registration number is provided, you may go directly to the Heartland Professional Development Web site and register for the activity. If a contact person is provided, this is an activity that will be tailored directly to your district needs. You may also contact your Partnership Director for more information.
Believe and Achieve
This is a four-day workshop covering the basics of "School Leadership that Works". This would be an excellent opportunity for those who want follow-up to Balanced Leadership or for team members who did not have an opportunity to participate in Balanced Leadership.
Showcase and Network Events
Networking opportunities will be available four times this year in various locations throughout the AEA. These network events will be held late in the day and early evening in a social setting to allow administrators a relaxed atmosphere for connecting. Each session will be facilitated by a local administrator.
Building Background Knowledge through Academic Vocabulary Development
This is only available to teams who attended last year's sessions provided by Dr. Robert Marzano. Participants will have an opportunity to implement the process Dr. Marzano introduced to develop a building-wide vocabulary development program. Wendy Robinson will facilitate.
Tregoe
Tregoe Analytic Processes are useful tools for administrators to use with group decision making and facilitation.
Time Audits
Heartland has a process for administrative teams to analyze their use of time in relationship to the 21 responsibilities introduced in School Leadership that Works (Balanced Leadership). These sessions are facilitated by Roger Scott and Dick Sundblad.
CBAM - Concerns Based Adoption Model
CBAM is a useful set of processes for leaders to use when analyzing and supporting initiatives and change.
Study Group Options
A variety of study group options are available for teams of leaders.
Learning opportunities are developed and available according to district leadership needs for learning the area of special education procedures, rules, regulations etc. These sessions are typically held on site in the requesting district.
Superintendent Network
This is a learning opportunity for superintendents using the Instructional Rounds process.
Believe and Achieve
This is a four-day workshop covering the basics of "School Leadership that Works". This would be an excellent opportunity for those who want follow-up to Balanced Leadership or for team members who did not have an opportunity to participate in Balanced Leadership.
Showcase and Network Events
Networking opportunities will be available four times this year in various locations throughout the AEA. These network events will be held late in the day and early evening in a social setting to allow administrators a relaxed atmosphere for connecting. Each session will be facilitated by a local administrator.
Building Background Knowledge through Academic Vocabulary Development
This is only available to teams who attended last year's sessions provided by Dr. Robert Marzano. Participants will have an opportunity to implement the process Dr. Marzano introduced to develop a building-wide vocabulary development program. Wendy Robinson will facilitate.
Tregoe
Tregoe Analytic Processes are useful tools for administrators to use with group decision making and facilitation.
Time Audits
Heartland has a process for administrative teams to analyze their use of time in relationship to the 21 responsibilities introduced in School Leadership that Works (Balanced Leadership). These sessions are facilitated by Roger Scott and Dick Sundblad.
CBAM - Concerns Based Adoption Model
CBAM is a useful set of processes for leaders to use when analyzing and supporting initiatives and change.
Study Group Options
A variety of study group options are available for teams of leaders.
- Art and Science of Teaching
- Building Background Knowledge
- District Level Leadership
Learning opportunities are developed and available according to district leadership needs for learning the area of special education procedures, rules, regulations etc. These sessions are typically held on site in the requesting district.
Superintendent Network
This is a learning opportunity for superintendents using the Instructional Rounds process.
Changes to the Heartland Iowa Core Curriculum Web Page
The Heartland AEA 11 Iowa Core Curriculum team as made some changes to its Web page found on the Heartland site. Search by leadership session or by topic for resource materials. Several resources have been updated to reflect the most current version including the Iowa Core Curriculum Overview document, now dated June 2009. Questions related to the resources may be directed to Linda S. Biermann Hoobin, Teaching and Learning Consultant for the Iowa Core Curriculum, Johnston Office at lhoobin@aea11.k12.ia.us or (515) 270-9030 ext. 14327.
"Crafting the Art of Differentiation" with Rick Wormeli
Rick Wormeli is a National Board Certified Teacher and a columnist for Middle Ground magazine. For more than twenty years he has taught science, math, English and history. He was the winner of Disney’s American Teacher Award for English in 1996. Rick is an internationally known speaker. In January 2008, Rick shared with Heartland that “Fair Isn’t Always Equal”. We anticipate that Rick’s next motivational presentation will be just as riveting when he shares his vast knowledge and skills on "Crafting the Art of Differentiation".
Please consider coming to this presentation. You can register on the Heartland Professional Development Web site at https://prodev.aea11.k12.ia.us/4DCGI/YYYYYYYYYYYYYYSRCH.
Crafting the Art of Differentiation with Rick Wormeli
Date: January 7, 2010
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Airport Holiday Inn
Cost: $60.00 (lunch will be provided)
Activity Number: AS004899991001
Questions can be directed to Cheryl Risen at crisen@aea11.k12.ia.us or (515) 270-9030 ext. 14587.
Please consider coming to this presentation. You can register on the Heartland Professional Development Web site at https://prodev.aea11.k12.ia.us/4DCGI/YYYYYYYYYYYYYYSRCH.
Crafting the Art of Differentiation with Rick Wormeli
Date: January 7, 2010
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Airport Holiday Inn
Cost: $60.00 (lunch will be provided)
Activity Number: AS004899991001
Questions can be directed to Cheryl Risen at crisen@aea11.k12.ia.us or (515) 270-9030 ext. 14587.
Introducing Heartland's 2009 updated "A Guide to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973"
This popular guide has been updated in accordance with the ADA Amendment Act of 2008 and is now available for your use. Click here for a pdf copy or by visit our Section 504 Web site at www.aea11.k12.ia.us/504/. If your district would like to order print copies to distribute to parents, you may order them as you have in the past using the blue production order form. The print order identification number is 400. If you would like to revise the upper portion of the back cover to add your district contact information, you may. Please contact the Heartland Communications Department at comms@aea11.k12.ia.us for further instruction.
Hired a new school nurse in the last year?
On September 2, 2009 Heartland will sponsor a FREE all day training session for new school nurses. MaryAnn Strawhacker RN, BSN, MPH, who is starting her 17th year as an AEA nurse consultant, will lead the sessions. School Nurses may attend one or both sessions.
Morning Session 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
"Vision Screening the School Age Child" will teach your school nurse how to screen vision according to the state guidelines. This hands-on experience uses local children from a diverse elementary school to practice screening. CEU credit available for a $10.00 fee. Click here to download a flier.
Afternoon Session 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. AEA 11's "New School Nurse Workshop" discusses medication administration, delegation, Section 504, Special Education and general screening guidelines. Since Ms. Strawhacker also teaches at the all-day University of Iowa New School Nurse Workshop, this content is meant to compliment the state workshop and provide heavy emphasis on laws, rules, regulations and policies that govern the practice of school nursing. There is no charge and no CEU credit for this workshop. Click here to download a flier.
Please have your new school nurse complete the registration forms online at Heartland’s Web site at http://www.aea11.k12.ia.us or on the attached forms and mail/fax to Heartland. August 30, 2009 is the final day for registration to guarantee to receive a free resource packet.
Morning Session 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
"Vision Screening the School Age Child" will teach your school nurse how to screen vision according to the state guidelines. This hands-on experience uses local children from a diverse elementary school to practice screening. CEU credit available for a $10.00 fee. Click here to download a flier.
Afternoon Session 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. AEA 11's "New School Nurse Workshop" discusses medication administration, delegation, Section 504, Special Education and general screening guidelines. Since Ms. Strawhacker also teaches at the all-day University of Iowa New School Nurse Workshop, this content is meant to compliment the state workshop and provide heavy emphasis on laws, rules, regulations and policies that govern the practice of school nursing. There is no charge and no CEU credit for this workshop. Click here to download a flier.
Please have your new school nurse complete the registration forms online at Heartland’s Web site at http://www.aea11.k12.ia.us or on the attached forms and mail/fax to Heartland. August 30, 2009 is the final day for registration to guarantee to receive a free resource packet.
IEP Training for New and Veteran Special Education Teachers
IEP Training will be available this fall for both new and veteran special education teachers. If you have special education teachers new to the state of Iowa, they must attend training to be able to complete an IEP that meets all state and federal regulations.
Click here to view a list of available new teacher training courses and here for a list of veteran teacher courses.
To register go to the Heartland professional development catalog on our website at https://prodev.aea11.k12.ia.us/4DCGI/YYYYYYYYYYYYYYSRCH. IEP training for veteran teachers will be held in each region in August. Please contact your Partnership Director for dates and times in your region.
Click here to view a list of available new teacher training courses and here for a list of veteran teacher courses.
To register go to the Heartland professional development catalog on our website at https://prodev.aea11.k12.ia.us/4DCGI/YYYYYYYYYYYYYYSRCH. IEP training for veteran teachers will be held in each region in August. Please contact your Partnership Director for dates and times in your region.
A National Showcase for Iowa Schools
The US Department of Education (USDE) is seeking recommendations of schools that have made substantial gains in student achievement. The USDE will showcase several schools in the Race to the Top program. If you believe one or more of the schools in your district have made significant gains in student achievement in recent years and would like to be recommended to the USDE, please contact Dr. Maxine Kilcrease at MKilcrease@IA-SB.org.
Superintendent Network: Seeking New Network Members
Superintendents in Iowa all have the opportunity to participate in a Superintendent Network. These networks are using a model of instructional rounds developed by Richard Elmore. AEA leaders and superintendents from each AEA in partnership with School Administrators of Iowa have participated in training with Richard Elmore and his team from Harvard to learn how to faciitate these networks. There are currently networks in each AEA in Iowa.
The primary purpose of the network is to provide superintendents with a professional learning opportunity that focuses on the role of the superintendent in supporting effective instruction. The instructional rounds process involves the network in site visits to member districts. The host superintendent with their building leadership identify a practice that is part of their overall instructional improvement efforts. The network members spend time learning about that practice, go into classrooms to observe the practice and then provide the host superintendent with feedback about what was observed and engage in a process to leave the host with suggestions or ideas for next steps in their efforts.
The network process was piloted in Heartland second semester of last year. Members of the pilot network are: Denny Wulf- Norwalk, Rob Cordes- Carroll, Theron Schutte- Boone, Ed Ackerman- Colfax Mingo, Clay Guthmiller, Johnston and Greg Defoe- Adel. Site visits were conducted in Norwalk and Carroll. Facilitators in Heartland are Denny Wulf, Superintendent, Norwalk; Sharon Kurns, Director Professional Learning and Leadership, Heartland and Dave Stickrod, Partnership Director, Heartland. We are also pleased to welcome Mike Wells, Superintendent, Winterset who was trained as a faciliator for AEA 14.
We are seeking new network members for the 2009-2010 school year. Network members will meet after HAA meetings on the first Tuesday of each month to plan the site visit for the month. Site visits typically begin first thing in the morning and go until about 2:00 p.m. We will likely have several networks if there are a sufficient number of superintendents who want to participate. If you would like more information, don't hesitate to contact one of the facilitators listed above. You may also want to talk to some of the pilot network members. If you would like to join a network please contact Sharon Kurns at Heartland 515-270-9030 ext. 14362 or skurns@aea11.k12.ia.us by August 15, 2009.
The primary purpose of the network is to provide superintendents with a professional learning opportunity that focuses on the role of the superintendent in supporting effective instruction. The instructional rounds process involves the network in site visits to member districts. The host superintendent with their building leadership identify a practice that is part of their overall instructional improvement efforts. The network members spend time learning about that practice, go into classrooms to observe the practice and then provide the host superintendent with feedback about what was observed and engage in a process to leave the host with suggestions or ideas for next steps in their efforts.
The network process was piloted in Heartland second semester of last year. Members of the pilot network are: Denny Wulf- Norwalk, Rob Cordes- Carroll, Theron Schutte- Boone, Ed Ackerman- Colfax Mingo, Clay Guthmiller, Johnston and Greg Defoe- Adel. Site visits were conducted in Norwalk and Carroll. Facilitators in Heartland are Denny Wulf, Superintendent, Norwalk; Sharon Kurns, Director Professional Learning and Leadership, Heartland and Dave Stickrod, Partnership Director, Heartland. We are also pleased to welcome Mike Wells, Superintendent, Winterset who was trained as a faciliator for AEA 14.
We are seeking new network members for the 2009-2010 school year. Network members will meet after HAA meetings on the first Tuesday of each month to plan the site visit for the month. Site visits typically begin first thing in the morning and go until about 2:00 p.m. We will likely have several networks if there are a sufficient number of superintendents who want to participate. If you would like more information, don't hesitate to contact one of the facilitators listed above. You may also want to talk to some of the pilot network members. If you would like to join a network please contact Sharon Kurns at Heartland 515-270-9030 ext. 14362 or skurns@aea11.k12.ia.us by August 15, 2009.
Superintendents: 2009-2010 Heartland Administrators Association Meetings
Meetings for superintendents in the Heartland area will again be on the first Tuesday of each month from 9:00 to 11:50 a.m. The location for all meetings is at the West Des Moines Learning Center in the Community Room. Dates for the 2009-2010 year are the following:
September 1
October 6
November 3
December 1
January 5
February 2
March 2
April 6
September 1
October 6
November 3
December 1
January 5
February 2
March 2
April 6
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)