HAA-hosted Legislative Breakfast on January 12

The Heartland Administrators Association will be hosting a legislative breakfast on Wednesday, January 12, 2011, from 7:00-8:30 a.m. at the West Des Moines Learning Resource Center. Heartland AEA will be sending invitations to all area legislators, but it is strongly suggested that you contact legislators from your area to personally invite them to the event. Click here for a complete list of area legislators and their contact information. Please also be encouraged to invite your school board members and other administrators who may be interested in attending.

Tom Lane to Serve as Heartland Area Superintendent-IASB Liaison

As a reminder from last week, Dr. Tom Lane, superintendent of the Carlisle Schools, will represent Heartland area superintendents again this year and will be gathering contract information. Jim Moore has been brought back by IASB and an IASB team has developed new tools to assist in your work. The team consisting of Jackie Black, Lee Tack, Jim Moore and Tony Vander Zyl will present these new tools at a future HAA meeting.

Superintendents: January HAA Meeting Agenda

Download a Word Doc or PDF version of the January Heartland Administrators Association meeting agenda. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 4 at the West Des Moines Learning Resource Center from 9:00-11:50 a.m.

During the first hour of professional learning we will begin a series of conversations using portions of the book, District Leadership That Works by Marzano and Waters. We will have copies of the book available for anyone who needs one. If you have your own copy of this book, please bring it.

Superintendents: December HAA Meeting Minutes

Click here to download the minutes from the December HAA meeting. The minutes and handouts are also posted on Heartland's Web site under the Heartland Networks link under the Leaders tab. You can also bookmark this address: http://www.aea11.k12.ia.us/leaders/ldr/admin.html.

Urbandale Schools to host Langford Four-Day Quality Learning Seminar

The Urbandale Community School District will host the Langford Four-Day Quality Learning Seminar from June 13-16, 2011 in the media Center at Urbandale High School. This intensive seminar will introduce you to Quality Learning principles, history, tools and applications to learning. Gain the vision, purpose and direction for quality implementation in your organization.

Langford Quality Learning applies statistical thinking, human interaction techniques and philosophies of quality to the learning environment. The Four-Day Seminar focuses on the Deming philosophy of Profound Knowledge as it is applied to learning organizations. It incorporates brain research, current learning and teaming concepts and techniques, as well as effective uses of technology to improve learning environments. With its focus on continual improvement and student-centered learning, the seminar strongly supports the Iowa Core Curriculum.

David Langford will provide you with case histories that illustrate the successes and pitfalls associated with implementing quality improvement methods in education, government and corporate environments. You will learn:
• New ways to strengthen and build the relationship between learner and facilitator
• How to create an educational environment where learners are responsible for learning
• How to build systems that enable learners to make choices and give them experience in self-evaluation

Through an interactive multimedia process, you will study learning concepts, how to improve learning systems, how to gather data and how to work in teams. The seminar explores these essential Quality Learning concepts and tools:
• 60 Tools for Improvement from the Tool Time Handbook
• Exponential Learning
• Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation
• Teaming and Teamwork
• Result-Oriented Learning
• Process Learning
• Improvement vs. Change
• The Deming PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) Cycle and Profound Knowledge

For more information (including registration), please go to the following website: http://www.langfordlearning.com/events/2011-urbandale-iowa-4-day-quality-learning-seminar/

Heartland AEA to Host School Budget Workshops

Heartland AEA will once again be hosting school budget workshops for area school district personnel. The goal of the workshops is to assist schools in completing their school budget in a single work session. Larry Sigel and Margaret Buckton will facilitate sessions on February 7 and March 9, and Dennis Scudder, AEA 267 Director of Finance, will host a session on February 22. Workshops will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Johnston Regional Education Center at 6500 Corporate Drive on their scheduled days. Click here for session descriptions and registration information on these workshops. You may also register online through the Heartland AEA Professional Development Catalog if paying by credit card or purchase order.

Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities for ESL Teachers and Administrators

I-ELDA Trainings
Districts are encouraged to send representatives to one of the two state I-ELDA trainings scheduled in Denison and in Marshalltown, listed below. These test administration trainings will support the newly shortened I-ELDA form.

Go to the link below to register for the I-ELDA training in Denison, Iowa on January 11, 2011.
http://eventactions.com/ea.aspx?ea=Rsvp&invite=0gfm52331ec01cwgy8kra214dr03cgystkmgx0p4a15vmb8d4nsd

Go to the link below to register for the I-ELDA training in Marshalltown, Iowa on January 18, 2011.
http://eventactions.com/ea.aspx?ea=Rsvphttp://eventactions.com/ea.aspx?ea=Rsvp

Questions can be directed to John Scott at john.scott@iowa.gov or (515) 281-3805.

Title III-Funded Workshops for ELL Teachers
Title III funds are providing two workshop opportunities that will benefit classroom teachers who have ESL students. We encourage you to send teams of classroom teachers or ESL and classroom teams to these workshops. For a complete description, go to the Heartland AEA Professional Development Catalog.

Introduction to Sheltered Instruction for Teachers of ELLs
Dates: January 29 & February 19, 2011
Instructors: Stephaney Jones-Vo & Shelley Fairbairn
Activity Number: ES004292111101

This workshop is not for teachers who have previously attended unless they come with a team of at least four other classroom teachers. A $200 stipend will be given for full attendance and completion of the assignment. Graduate credit is available.

Empowering ELLs in the Mathematics Classroom
Dates: February 5 & 26, 2011
Instructor: Judy Kinley
Activity Number: ES006192111101

Participants will receive the book Supporting English Language Learners in Math Class and a $200 stipend upon completing the attendance and assignment requirements. Graduate credit is available.

Communication of Inclement Weather Closings & Cancellations

Inclement weather office closings and professional development class cancellations will no longer be communicated via TV & radio stations. Closings and cancellations will be posted on our agency website under our “Latest News” section, on our Facebook and Twitter pages and on our cancellation hotline at (515) 270-0405/(800) 255-0405 ext. 14041.

Holiday Office & Van Route Schedule

Heartland offices will be closed December 24, 27, 28 and 31 during the holiday season. Please take note of the following schedule as you plan to send and receive items through our van mail.
• December 20-23, 2010 Regular Van Delivery
• December 27-31, 2010 No Van Delivery
• January 3, 2011 Regular Van Delivery Resumes

Message from Dr. Tom Lane to Superintendents

Greetings to all,

The holiday season is fast approaching and it is important we all reach out to our legislators now. Their calendars will fill up very quickly, so I’d ask you touch base before Christmas and invite them to our Legislative Breakfast on Wednesday, January 12, 2011. We’ll host in West Des Moines at the Learning Resource Center from 7:00-8:30 a.m. We’ll serve our typical breakfast fare.

Please contact your legislators soon.

On another matter, I’ll be representing our group again this year in gathering contract information. Jim Moore has been brought back by IASB and will be leading our group. IASB has a team developing new tools to assist in our work and they will be presenting to us at either our January or February AEA meeting. This team includes Jackie Black, Lee Tack, Jim Moore and Tony Vander Zyl. I think we’ll all be very appreciative of the work they are doing.

I probably won't see most of you prior to break, so have a great holiday season.

Dr. Tom Lane
Carlisle Community Schools

Use and Storage of Video/Audio/Photography of Eligible Students

Flip Video camcorders are becoming more popular and are an easy, efficient tool to capture student behavior. Some of our special education staff are using Flip Video camcorders for intervention work (e.g., video self-modeling) with students in special education. We wanted to inform you of the legal requirements for using and storing video/audio/photography with eligible students. This information has been summarized and shared with AEA special education staff and Partnership Directors. To view the memo and flowchart, please click here.

If you have any questions about the contents of the memo or flowchart, please see your Partnership Director.

Additional Information: ARRA-Funded Opportunities for Special Education Teachers

Last week, we informed you of the ARRA-funded professional development opportunities aimed specifically for special education teachers. Please be reminded that substitute costs will be reimbursed to allow teachers to attend. Click here to download an updated list and summary of sessions along with activity numbers. Teachers can register through the Heartland AEA Professional Development Catalog. If you have any questions, please contact Cheryl Risen at crisen@aea11.k12.ia.us.

Iowa Core Teaching Videos Online

Help bring clarity to the Iowa Core by viewing any of the 44 short videos on collaboration, assessment, universal constructs, characteristics of effective instruction, teaching for understanding, rigorous and relevant instruction, math instruction, social studies instruction, etc. Just like YouTube, the videos are keyword searchable can be viewed full-screen. View the videos here.

Transitional Life Skills Training Coming in April

Sign up now to attend the "Transitional Life Skills: Educating Beyond Basics" training to be held April 7, 2011 in the Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center (6500 Corporate Drive). The session will focus on functional programming in the area of transition planning for students with disabilities. Information will be presented about resources, curriculum and units of study to help successfully incorporate transition activities to enhance post-secondary living, learning and working. Learn more by clicking here.

NOTE: Heartland AEA will reimburse schools the substitution pay for teachers to attend.

Keeping Students & Teachers Up-to-Date on Copyright Laws

Violation of copyright law is an ongoing and serious issue with Internet usage – especially with music and images. Click here to download Copyright BRIEFnotes for Students and here to download Copyright Condensed which is aimed toward teachers and administrators. These documents will provide staff and students will the proper guidance around copyright issues. They are always available on the Heartland website under the Educators tab>Library & Online Catalog. If you ever have any questions about copyright issues, contact Susan Schrader, Resource & Publications Supervisor, at sscrader@aea11.k12.ia.us.

Reminder: Doing What Works Implementation Awards Request for Proposals

As was communicated in last week’s Administrator Connection, Doing What Works (DWW), sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education, is seeking proposals for Implementation Awards designed to strengthen implementation of research-based practices through DWW. Awards will be used to integrate DWW resources into professional learning or school improvement support processes that support integration of evidence-based education resources into their daily work.

Access the RFP and download the required forms from the awards webpage at www.wested.org/dww. Proposals are due next Friday, December 17, 2010. For additional information, email dww@wested.org or call Kacey O’Kelly at (415) 615-3111.

ARRA Funding Provides Opportunities for Special Education Teachers

With funding from America Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) we will be providing special education teachers with opportunities to attend professional learning that is targeted specifically at instructional practices known to be effective with students with disabilities. Substitute costs will be reimbursed to allow them to attend. Click here to download a summary of the sessions. If you have any questions, please contact Cheryl Risen at crisen@aea11.k12.ia.us.

Heartland AEA Early Childhood Professional Development

Here is the latest information related to Professional Development offerings for Early Childhood Professionals through Heartland AEA. If you or your staff are interested in a class, please register through the Heartland Professional Development Catalog.

Early Childhood Administrator Network
This learning opportunity is designed for administrators and principals of early childhood programs (State Voluntary Preschool Programs, Early Childhood Special Education and/or Community based Preschools). Focus topics will include IQPPS and program portfolios, preschool curriculum and assessment, early childhood-focused professional development and current early childhood updates. Participants will have an opportunity to network, get answers to frequently asked questions and develop future topic ideas.

Date & Time: Friday, December 10, 2010 from 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Location: Learning Center at the Johnston Regional Education Center (6500 Corporate Drive)
Activity Number: EC008292111201

Direct Instruction Strategies for Early Childhood Students with Autism - Developmental Delays
This course provides best practice knowledge and hands-on practice in the areas of applied behavior analysis and instructional strategies for early childhood students with autism spectrum and related disorders. Participants will learn empirically-based practices and instructional strategies for preventing problem behaviors, increasing independence, motivating students, gaining instructional control, teaching critical communication and language skills, and promoting the generalization and maintenance of skills. Participants will have opportunities to practice the strategies they have learned.

Dates & Times: (Wednesdays) January 5 & 19, February 9 & 23, 2011 all from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Location: St. John's Lutheran Church (801 E. 18th Street, Carroll, IA)
Instructors: Alicia Pauley & Margaret Clark
Activity Number: EC008399991101

QPPS Study Group – New Offering In Urbandale!
This class will consist of four 4-hour in-depth study sessions on the Quality Preschool Program Standards (QPPS) and Portfolio Development. It will also assist programs in preparation for meeting the DE requirements for QPPS verification visits. Limited space is available – register now!

Dates & Times: (Wednesdays) January 12, February 23, March 30 and April 27 all from 12:00-4:00 p.m.
Location: Urbandale Schools Conference Room (11152 Aurora Ave., Urbandale)
Activity Number: EC005565791101

Superintendents: December HAA Meeting

Download a Word Doc or PDF version of the of the December Heartland Administrators Association meeting agenda. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 7 at the West Des Moines Learning Resource Center starting at 9:00 a.m.

Last month, David King, Heartland AEA Director of Finance, was invited to attend the HAA meeting to discuss AEA funding. Because time ran short, it was decided to postpone his discussion for the December meeting. In preparation for Tuesday's meeting we encourage you to download two documents that will be the main focus of his presentation. Mr. King will review the documents in full and will address any questions you may have.

• The first document, AEA Funding Chart, is a general explanation of how AEA's are funded and what types of funding resources an AEA has to provide services. This one-page document was created as a simple and quick reference for AEA funding.

• The second document, AEA 11 Flow Through 06-11, is a workbook with two worksheets of data regarding AEA 11's history of flow through funds from fiscal year 2006 through fiscal year 2011. These documents were developed to explain why all AEA's, and specifically why AEA 11's, total flow through moneys have increased over the last several years at different rates than the basic school foundation aid formula would yield from the allowable growth rate. There are two worksheets in the workbook depicting the same data. The first worksheet reflects dollar amounts and the second reflects the percent change in the dollar amounts over the years. A short explanation for the total flow through increase above allowable growth can be attributed to the legislature not reducing AEA funding as much as it had in FY2005-06 coupled with the addition of teacher salary supplement funding being added to the formula. Both of these increases were from State revenues, not property tax.

I-ELDA trainings for Teachers and Administrators serving ELLs

Districts are encouraged to send representatives to one of the two state I-ELDA trainings scheduled in Denison and in Marshalltown, listed below. These test administration trainings will support the newly- shortened I-ELDA form.

Go to the link below to register for the I-ELDA training in Denison, Iowa on January 11, 2011.
http://eventactions.com/ea.aspx?ea=Rsvp&invite=0gfm52331ec01cwgy8kra214dr03cgystkmgx0p4a15vmb8d4nsd

Go to the link below to register for the I-ELDA training in Marshalltown, Iowa on January 18, 2011.
http://eventactions.com/ea.aspx?ea=Rsvphttp://eventactions.com/ea.aspx?ea=Rsvp Questions can be directed to John Scott at john.scott@iowa.gov or (515) 281-3805.

Doing What Works Implementation Awards Request for Proposals

Doing What Works (DWW), sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education, is seeking proposals for Implementation Awards designed to strengthen implementation of research-based practices through DWW. Awards will be used to integrate DWW resources into professional learning or school improvement support processes that support integration of evidence-based education resources into their daily work.

Access the RFP and download the required forms from the awards webpage at www.wested.org/dww. Proposals are due December 17, 2010. For additional information, email dww@wested.org or call Kacey O’Kelly at (415) 615-3111.

Eligible: States, districts, intermediate service organizations, networks of schools or institutions of higher education with established capacity to deliver professional development, inquiry groups or other improvement processes that could incorporate DWW resources.

Timeline: Awards will be announced by January 14, 2011. Projects to be completed and reported by August 2011.

Award Size: $15,000 to $75,000

Awards Granted: Approximately 15

DWW is an online library of media, tools, and other resources to help educators learn about and implement recommendations from practice guides published by the Institute of Education Sciences.

Tips & Trends of the Heartland AEA Print & Production Services

Click here for a flyer that details the many different Print & Production services we provide. See what fun ideas your teachers could use to brighten the classroom or encourage students to do their best! During Winter Break, we will have limited Print & Production staff on hand. Please inform your staff to keep this fact in mind when submitting their Print & Production requests. If possible, school staff should send in job requests by the second week of December to ensure orders will be completed by the time school is back in session.

Resources from WestEd for supporting English Language Learners

SchoolsMovingUp is a WestEd initiative designed to help schools and districts address the challenge of raising student achievement. In an interactive Web format, SchoolsMovingUp offers resources to help education professionals make sound decisions and take action in their school reform efforts. To find out more about upcoming webinars and resources to support English Language Learners, please click here.

Curriculum Network: December Curriculum Network Meeting

The December Curriculum Network meeting is scheduled for Friday, December 3, 2010. The meeting will go from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and will be held at St. Mary's Church (4600 Meredith Drive, Des Moines, IA). The agenda and a map for the church are available at http://curriculumnet.pbworks.com/w/page/32779192/December-2010-Agenda

You will be able to choose one of four topics to participate in for the second part of the morning.

Area Counselors Receive Awards From Iowa School Counselor Association

Congratulations to area educators who received awards at last week's Iowa School Counselor Association Conference! Thanks for all you do for students!

Elementary Counselor of the Year: Meredith Dohmen, Walnut Creek Campus, West Des Moines

High School Counselor of the Year: Tami Valline, Perry High School, Perry

RAMP Award Winners (Recognized for having American School Counselor Association model programs): Sarah Majoros, Madison Elementary & Damon Holland, Brubaker Elementary, Des Moines

Thanksgiving Week Van Delivery Schedule

We wanted to remind you that all Heartland AEA offices will be closed November 25 & 26, and there will be no van delivery November 24-26.

Contribute to the First National Study of Social Studies Teachers

The University of Iowa Social Studies Education Program has asked Heartland AEA to help them in the first ever national study of social studies teachers. Their role in this study is to collect survey data from as many Iowa social studies teachers as possible to assess the state of social studies at this time in our history. As a result, we’ve been asked to request your help in contacting elementary teachers and secondary social studies teachers in the Heartland area.

A consent form can be found here and includes a description of the study and a link to the survey. All responses are anonymous, and the aggregate Iowa data will be made available after completion of the study. This study will not only be the first of its kind for the nation, but also the first of its kind for our state.

Appropriate Use of Special Education Funds Document Available

In October 2010, the Iowa Department of Education released a question and answer document about appropriate use of special education funds in local school districts and area education agencies. This clarification is the result of conversations and questions that have been discussed throughout recent months both in local school districts and AEAs. At Heartland we are discussing the answers that are provided and confirming that our practices are in alignment with the guidance contained in this recent Department of Education document found by clicking here.

Early Childhood Administrators Network, Dec. 10

Join us for the Early Childhood Administrators Network on Friday, December 10 from 8:30-11:00 a.m. This learning opportunity is designed for administrators and principals of early childhood programs (State Voluntary Preschool Programs, Early Childhood Special Education and/or Community based Preschools). Focus topics will include IQPPS and program portfolios, preschool curriculum and assessment, early childhood-focused professional development and current early childhood updates. Participants will have an opportunity to network, get answers to frequently asked questions and develop future topic ideas.

Go to the Heartland Professional Development Catalog to register. The activity number is EC008292111201.

Celebrating American Education Week, November 14-20

The National Education Association’s American Education Week (AEW) spotlights the importance of providing every child in America with a quality public education from kindergarten through college, and the need for everyone to do his or her part in making public schools great. This year, American Education Week will be observed during the week of November 14-20. For more information and ideas on how to celebrate your staff and district’s accomplishments during AEW, please visit the NEA’s website at http://www.nea.org/grants/19823.htm.

Furthermore, we at Heartland AEA are pleased to be partners in providing excellent educational opportunities for children and youth. We are proud of the successes that together we have achieved but are mindful of the work that still needs to be done. We look forward to working with you to make learning in Iowa even stronger in the coming years.

Enjoy your coming week of recognition for the work you do in education and the contributions being made to improve student achievement.

Superintendents: November HAA Minutes

Click here to download the minutes from the November HAA meeting. The minutes and handouts are also posted on Heartland's Web site in the Heartland Networks link under the Leaders tab, http://www.aea11.k12.ia.us/leaders/ldr/admin.html.

2010-2011 Heartland AEA Staff & Schools Directory Now Available

Click here for the PDF download of the 2010-2011 Heartland AEA Staff & Schools directory. It was indicated last year that the Agency would no longer print bound copies of the directory and that is the case this year.

The directory is also available as a PDF download from our website. The directory is currently available on the right-hand side of the front page under the “Latest News.”

Also keep in mind that Heartland has an online staff directory for you to access at your convenience. This electronic directory contains the most up-to-date information about Heartland staff members. To access this directory, visit the Heartland website and click on the “AEA Staff Directory” link on the top of the front page above the “Leaders” tab. You can search for Heartland staff members by last name, position or by the school districts they serve.

Thank you for your understanding as we try to be more environmentally friendly and budget conscious by not printing our directory.

Video Duplication for less!

Heartland AEA provides video duplication services for schools in Heartland's service area. You may request duplication of one of Heartland's Lending Library items that has duplication rights or provide a master of your own. There are over 850 programs (and counting) that can be copied on to DVD and over 2800 programs that can be copied on VHS tapes! For a listing of Heartland Lending Library items available for duplication, click here.

Lending Library Program Duplication
DVD + Case is $2.40

Locally produced DVD or CD Duplication
DVD with printed label: $2.00
CD with printed label: $1.25
Jewel case: $.40

VHS Videotapes (New prices!)
30 Minutes: $1.00
60 Minutes: $1.25
120 Minutes: $1.50

Call (515) 270-9030 ext. 14409 or e-mail duplication@aea11.k12.ia.us for information about labeling, packaging and other options.

Holiday Office & Van Route Schedule

All Heartland AEA offices will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on November 25 and 26. Heartland offices will also be closed December 24, 27, 28 and 31 during the holiday season. Please take note of the following schedule as you plan to send and receive items through our van mail.

• November 24-26, 2010 No Van Delivery
• December 20-23, 2010 Regular Van Delivery
• December 27-31, 2010 No Van Delivery
• January 3, 2011 Regular Van Delivery Resumes

You Have a “Friend Request”

Heartland AEA’s Facebook and Twitter accounts are bustling with activity! We use Facebook and Twitter to post information about resources, classes, good news stories and other fantastic reads.

Follow Heartland AEA on Twitter at http://twitter.com/HeartlandAEA

Like Heartland AEA on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/heartlandaea

Also remember to check out Iowa’s Area Education Agencies social media sites. Get quick and current updates on education issues, policies and professional learning opportunities available around the state.

Follow Iowa's Area Education Agencies on Twitter at http://twitter.com/iowa_aea

Like Iowa's Area Education Agencies on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/iowaaea

Contribute to the First National Study of Social Studies Teachers

The University of Iowa Social Studies Education Program has asked Heartland AEA to help them in the first ever national study of social studies teachers. Their role in this study is to collect survey data from as many Iowa social studies teachers as possible to assess the state of social studies at this time in our history. As a result, we’ve been asked to request your help in contacting elementary teachers and secondary social studies teachers in the Heartland area.

A consent form can be found here and includes a description of the study and a link to the survey. All responses are anonymous, and the aggregate Iowa data will be made available after completion of the study. This study will not only be the first of its kind for the nation, but also the first of its kind for our state.

Please take a few moments to read the attached consent form and forward the information to appropriate teachers in your building so that they can take the survey. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Iowa Dept. of Education in need of Updated School Boundaries

NOTE: Paula Vincent, Heartland Chief Administrator, forwarded the below DE request to Heartland area superintendents earlier this week.

The Iowa Department of Education needs to know whether any district in the Heartland area has had a legal boundary change since 2000. The DE is aware of major changes such as dissolutions and mergers; however, land swaps are not always communicated as they are not required to be reported to the DE. The DE now maintains electronic maps of the districts for multiple reasons: spatial analysis, reorganization studies, etc. If your district has had a minor boundary change after 2000, report it to the DE via Jim Addy at jim.addy@iowa.gov or Marcia Krieger at marcia.krieger@iowa.gov; also report to Heartland AEA to comms@aea11.k12.ia.us.

VNS Community Resources Directory & Call for Local Listings

During the November HAA meeting, superintendents received a Community Resources Directory that had been compiled by the Visiting Nurse Services in collaboration with the Drake University Law School. The directory provides a comprehensive listing of resources and organizations that can help students, families and educators in the following areas:

• Addiction services
• Counseling and mental health services
• ESL classes
• Housing programs
• Parenting programs
• Support groups
• Transportation services

As some of your colleagues have requested, we are pleased to provide you a link to the VNS website, http://www.vnsdm.org/ for you to access at your convenience. The website lists all the information presented in the directory with the most up-to-date information.

The directory and website are targeted at services in the Des Moines metro area. We hope to compile a list/resource guide for the other communities we serve. If you have information on local contacts that your district partners with, we would like to know their information and the areas they serve. If you have referrals, please contact Jenny Ugolini, Heartland Board Secretary, at jugolini@aea11.k12.ia.us or (515) 270-0405 ext. 14441.

Google Apps for Education Professional Development Webinar Series

Google will be offering a series of webinars on Tuesday evenings (6:30 CT) for educators. These are very similar to what the Iowa Area Education Agencies have been offering; however, unlike the Iowa AEA’s webinars, you must preregister for these webinars. The webinars will be lead by Google Apps Certified Trainers and will focus on a variety of topics. The first of these webinars will be held next Tuesday, November 9 and will cover Using Google Sites. The webinar will be lead by Andy Crozier of Grant Wood AEA. The webinar can be accessed at http://goo.gl/gEqJr.

The Iowa AEA’s webinar series will continue the following day. There have been many questions on how to transition from public accounts to Google Apps accounts and the next webinar will address those concerns. If you have questions or would like to know the proper steps of merging accounts, attend the webinar, Transitioning to Google Apps, next Wednesday, November 10. The previously scheduled webinar for November 11 on Using Gmail will be rescheduled.

If you have not already done so, please consider signing up for Iowa Teachers Google Apps User Group Listserv. The listserv is designed for teachers and administrators using Google Apps everyday with students and staff. Visit http://groups.google.com/group/IA-Teach-GApps-UserGroup to sign up and receive important updates on opportunities.

Celebrate MLK Day with a Day of Service

The Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service (ICVS), Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) and Governor’s Office are encouraging agencies and nonprofits to celebrate the 25th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday (MLK Day) by participating in a Day of Service on January 17, 2011.

The MLK Day of Service helps create a greater impact within Iowa’s communities by increasing the number of service projects and expanding community engagement to all ages.

Some examples of service projects include collection drives for winter coats, food or blankets; shoveling sidewalks of disabled or elderly citizens; mentoring, painting, reorganizing or cleaning a shelter; or helping children with homework after school. Additional project ideas and resources can be found at www.mlkday.gov.

If you or your district is interested in planning a day of service but not sure where to start, a downloadable tool kit is available at www.mlkday.gov, or you can contact the CNCS Iowa Office, Jancy LaFollette will be able to direct you appropriately. She can be reach at jafollette@cns.gov or (515) 284-4817.

Projects that need the assistance of community volunteers need to be registered by January 3, 2011. You can post your project(s) on www.volunteeriowa.org or through your local volunteer center’s volunteer posting system. For more detailed instructions, contact daysofservice@iowa.gov to request access to a recorded webinar with step-by-step instructions on how to post your project online.

If you have a project that is scheduled but you are not seeking the assistance of community volunteers, please send those projects details to daysofservice@iowa.gov.

Superintendents: November HAA Meeting

The agenda for the November Heartland Administrators Association meeting is still being finalized. We apologize for the inconvenience. The agenda will be sent to superintendents via email on Monday, November 1. We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, November 2 at the West Des Moines Learning Resource Center from 9:00-11:30 a.m.

Curriculum Network: November Meeting

The November Curriculum Network meeting is scheduled for Friday, November 5, 2010. The meeting will go from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and will be held at St. Mary's Church (4600 Meredith Drive, Des Moines, IA). The agenda and a map for the church are available at http://curriculumnet.pbworks.com/w/page/November-2010-Agenda

Nutrition Education for Educators offered at ISU

The College of Human Sciences at Iowa State University is offering a Nutrition Education for Educators online course in Spring 2011 that is available for either ISU graduate credit or licensure renewal credits for teachers or nurses (pending approval). Click here to download an informational flyer.

Resource to Establish a Stop Bullying Campaign

Earlier this week, the Department of Education urged the nation’s educators to ensure that they are complying with their responsibilities to prevent bullying and harassment, as laid out in federal laws. Districts are encouraged to visit a practical website offered by the federal government's U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Located at http://stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/kids/, the website contains ready-to-use materials for administrators at all levels and will even give you a wonderful jump on establishing a Stop Bullying Now Campaign for your schools. Check it out and use the materials to win approval of the campaign with your leadership team by going to Starting a Campaign at http://stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/adults/start-a-campaign.aspx. Hundreds of pages of downloadable materials and advice are available on the website.

DE News: Iowa Evaluator Approval Update

During the past two years, the Evaluator Advisory Committee represented by schools, area education agencies (AEAs), colleges/universities, School Administrators of Iowa (SAI), Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB), Board of Educational Examiners (BoEE) and the Department of Education (DE) have been meeting to analyze data regarding evaluation, reading and reflecting on research, seeking best practices in evaluation that improve teaching and learning and designing Evaluator Approval Level III. As the new calendar year approaches, the DE will be unveiling Evaluator Approval Level III for those professionals who will need to renew their administrator/evaluator license and have successfully completed Evaluator Approval Level I and II prior to January 2011. At the same time, the DE will be combining Levels I and II into an online course, iEvaluate.

Evaluator Approval Level III
The training for Evaluator Approval Level III will look somewhat different than the previous training for Evaluator Approval Levels I and II. Beginning January 2012, the four credits required to renew an administrator/evaluator’s license will be completed by selecting from a menu of required modules that will enhance the skills necessary to be an effective instructional leader and evaluator. Each administrator/evaluator will successfully complete one common learning module - Assessing Academic Rigor – for two required renewal credits. The additional two credits required to renew an administrative/evaluator license will be earned by selecting from any one of the additional modules:

• Fierce Conversations (available in all AEAs)
• Increasing the Effectiveness of Leadership Teams (release date Spring 2011)
• Employee Discipline/Intensive Assistance Plans
• Developing Professional Development Plans that Impact Teaching and Learning
• Leadership Skills for Beating the Odds

Not all modules are fully developed at this time, so it is suggested that individuals watch the DE, SAI, BoEE and their respective AEA websites for more information.

NOTE: The DE does understand that some professionals have already completed two hours of credit toward this renewal and are awaiting information from the DE about future evaluator training to complete the four required renewal credits. To accommodate those individuals, the DE will allow a professional to use hours accumulated prior to December 31, 2011, plus the Assessing Academic Rigor module to meet requirements for renewal of administrator/evaluator licensure. Any hours completed after December 31, 2011, other than the required modules may not be used toward renewal.

For further information, you may download the following resources in the Administrator Connection blog:

• Evaluator Approval Level III FAQ
• Evaluator Approval Scenario Matrix
• Evaluator Approval Process

Google Apps Webinars Available for You!

Yesterday, participants logged in the AEA-sponsored live webinar covering GoogleDocs. As communicated in a past Administrator Connection, these Google App webinars are free and open to all educators in Iowa. If you were unable to attend yesterdays webinar, make sure to sign up for one of the below listservs that pertains to you. Signing up for the listserv will allow you to watch the recorded webinar.

Iowa Google Apps Group Listserv
The Iowa Google Apps Group is for tech directors, network administrators and other individuals that are deploying or managing Google Apps in their schools. Visit http://groups.google.com/group/iowa-google-apps-group

Iowa Teachers Google Apps User Group Listserv
The Iowa Teachers Google Apps User Group is designed for teachers and administrators using Google Apps everyday with students and staff. Visit http://groups.google.com/group/IA-Teach-GApps-UserGroup

Be sure to mark your calendars for the next two scheduled webinars. All live webinars will be accessible at http://iowaec.na4.acrobat.com/googleapps and do not require a pre-registration. Each webinar will begin at 3:30 p.m. on the dates below.

November 11, 2010 - Using Gmail
December 16, 2010 - Using Google Groups
(More webinars will be scheduled in 2011.)

For more information about the Google Apps webinars, contact Andy Crozier at acrozier@gwaea.org or (319) 399-6866.

SchoolDude Survivor Tour Comes to Iowa

SchoolDude is coming to Iowa on their 25-city tour, bringing you a free one day seminar focused on best practices for achieving success in educational facility and business operations. The state budget crisis continues to have a tremendous impact on your job. This may be the only opportunity you have to sharpen your survival skills for succeeding in a difficult economic environment. Due to the need, SchoolDude is bringing the tour to Iowa!

SchoolDude Survivor Tour
November 9, 2010 at Gateway Hotel and Conference Center in Ames, Iowa
Register at http://discover.schooldude.com/forms/SurvivorTourAmesIA

This no-cost, Iowa event will feature:
• Survival Skills sessions
• Insight from peer networking and panel discussions
• Best practices and proven methods for success in tough times
• Strategies and tactics that are achieving results for your colleagues
• Expert advice in the SchoolDude Consulting Center

Early Childhood Professional Learning Sessions: Creative Curriculum and Gold Assessment

The Introduction to Creative Curriculum has been scheduled. This two-day course will explore the philosophy of The Creative Curriculum for Preschool, the theory and research supporting it and an overview of the Creative Curriculum Framework. Early childhood educators, special education teachers and preschool teachers serving children on IEPs who are new to Cretive Curriculum are encouraged to attend. Interested school personnel should register through the Heartland Professional Development Catalog and enter the activity number listed in the appropriate field.

Introduction to Creative Curriculum for Preschool
Johnston Regional Education Center (6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston) in Rooms 3, 4 & ICN
November 10 & 11 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Activity Number: EC007092111101

Save the date for an additional Teaching Strategies GOLD Assessment that will be offered February 1 & 2, 2011. The location is to be determined.

Heartland AEA and Iowa’s AEAs on Facebook and Twittter

We realize that many of you are on Facebook and Twitter, and we thought it would be great to join you! Heartland AEA will be using Facebook and Twitter to post information about resources, classes, good news stories and other fantastic reads.

Follow Heartland AEA on Twitter at http://twitter.com/HeartlandAEA

Like Heartland AEA on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Johnston-IA/Heartland-Area-Education-Agency/159484134081654

Iowa's Area Education Agencies (our statewide AEA system) also has social media accounts. Get quick and current updates on education issues, policies and professional learning opportunities available around the state.

Follow Iowa's Area Education Agencies on Twitter at http://twitter.com/iowa_aea

Like Iowa's Area Education Agencies on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/iowaaea

Winter is Approaching…Be Ready for Inclement Weather

As winter approaches, we’re all reminded that inclement weather is around the corner. Check out the notification systems available through the Iowa Educators Consortium at http://www.iec-ia.org/vnews/display.v/SEC/School%20Administration

IEC purchases allow schools to take advantage of aggressive pricing based on the purchasing volume of many Iowa schools. Always remember to check in on the IEC website at http://www.iec-ia.org/ to take advantage of the newest available cost-saving services!

UNI College of Education Professional Development Webinars

The University of Northern Iowa College of Education is launching a new 2010-2011 professional webinar series for educators, Hot Topics in Education: Professional Development Webinars. These free one-hour webinars taught by faculty and staff will be offered once a month, September through May. The webinars allow educators an opportunity to learn from UNI experts in the comfort of their classroom, office or home. This year's webinars will feature popular topics such as classroom management, core standards, achievement gap, technology in the classroom, STEM education and more. Participants can choose the topics of their interest.

Do you want to learn classroom management strategies? Join the next free Hot Topics webinar, Classroom Management for the First-Year Teacher, at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 28, 2010.

For more information about these free webinars and to register for this presentation, visit www.uni.edu/coe/professional-development-webinars

IAHPERD Convention, November 19-21

The IAHPERD Convention (Iowa Association For Health, Physical Education, Recreation And Dance) will be held from November 19-21 at the Davenport West High/YMCA complex. A pre-conference workshop will take place on Friday, November 19. For more information on the convention, visit http://www.iowaahperd.org/.

Reminder: Title III Reimbursement and the ICLC

The Iowa Culture and Language Conference (ICLC) will be held in Coralville, Iowa at the Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. Pre-conference sessions will be on November 1, 2010, with conference sessions on November 2-3, 2010. All the information you need to register can be found on the Northwest AEA website, http://www.nwaea.k12.ia.us/en/upcoming_events/iowa_culture_language_conference/

The early bird registration rate has expired, however, Title III will pay the full $140 fee for the next 50 participants who register. If you have already registered at the $140 rate, Title III will cover your registration.

If you have already registered a team from your district and would like to register additional people, please contact Pat Latham at platham@aea11.k12.ia.us or (515) 270-0405 ext. 14861. There is a possibility that Title III funds can help.
Title III will pay for the registration, sub pay for the conference, and offer a small mini-grant to help defray travel costs. There are a few guidelines, however.

• Districts with 75 ESL students or more may send 10 participants under Title III funding.

• Districts with fewer than 75 may send 5 participants. Of course, your district may send as many participants as wanted, however, Title III won’t be able to cover funding for more than the allotted slots.

• Title III will provide a mini-grant to help pay for travel expenses. Districts with 75 ESL students or more qualify for a $200 mini-grant. Districts with fewer than 75 ESL students qualify for a min-grant of $100. Districts do not need to apply for this mini-grant, it will automatically be noted on the reimbursement claim form.

• Claim forms for district reimbursement will be sent to one district administrator after the conference. Reimbursement will be made only to the district, not to individual participants.

• Participants will not need to sign in at the conference, however, administrators will need to list all participants from their district on the reimbursement claim form. For the district to receive reimbursement, participants must attend the entire pre-conference day and/or both conference days they are registered for. Please note the beginning and ending times. If you cannot stay until the last session is over each day, you do not qualify for Title III support.

Iowa one of 31-State Consortium Awarded RTTT Assessment Grant

At the October 5 HAA meeting, Kevin Fangman, Interim Director of the Iowa Department of Education, shared that the SMARTER Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) was awarded a $160 million Race To the Top assessment grant. Iowa is one of the states associated with the 31-state SBAC. Click here to download the press release of the announcement and an explanation of how the federal funds will be used.

E-Rate Revision Supports Cell Phone Use in Schools

The E-Rate program will now allow schools to create and fund mobile pilot programs—dedicating federal dollars to devices such as smartphones, iPads, and netbooks that can be used in school, and at home, to access school materials. Read more at http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/slj/newsletters/newsletterbucketextrahelping/887213-443/e-rate_revision_supports_cell_phone.html.csp

Iowa’s Mosaic Diversity Conference, October 18

Iowa’s Mosaic Diversity Conference
The Changing Diversity Footprint: From Reflex to Inclusion www.iowamosaic.org
Monday, October 18, 2010
Sheraton Hotel, 1800 50th Street, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266

Iowa's Mosaic Diversity Conference is the premier statewide training and networking opportunity for those interested in human diversity. It is sponsored by Friends of Iowa Civil Rights, Inc., an independent non-profit corporation. The 2010 theme is The Changing Diversity Footprint: Moving From Reflex to Inclusion. Iowa’s footprint has changed. Our population is now a rich variety of cultures and backgrounds; people with talents and visions of opportunity and success for themselves and their families. This year’s conference will focus on creating a welcoming state that not only embraces differences in its population but provides opportunities for its people to take their talents and ambitions as far as they want to go while infusing Iowa with economic vitality.

Featured general conference speaker, Michael Sidney Fosberg, will present Incognito. This story of intrigue and mystery unfolds as Fosberg searches for his biological father. As Fosberg shares the story of his history and identity, he takes the audience on their own journey of discovery about themselves and their perceptions of identity and stereotypes.

There will also be the addition of the Eagle Summit: Dialog for Leaders to this year’s Conference. This stimulating, thought-provoking program is specifically designed for leaders in government, business and diversity. The Eagle Summit agenda will feature speakers, Julius Pryor III, and Dr. Edward Hubbard, an award presentation, and round table discussion designed to identify collaborative actions we can take to make Iowa a welcoming place of opportunity.

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION - Register online at www.iowamosaic.org.

• Register by this Sunday, October 10 for the early bird discount.
• Eagle Summit early bird registration - $150.00/person. (Registration will include access to general conference activities following the Eagle Summit). This session is reserved for business and government leaders, and diversity professionals.
• General Conference early bird registration fee - $100.00/person
• College and high school students’ registration fee - $35.00/person. A limited number of scholarships are available on a first come, first served basis. Please email your request to shirley@avinsandinc.com.

Questions can be directed to Alice Vinsand at (515) 225-1051.

State PEC Transition Conference relocated to Polk County Convention Center

The location of the Parent & Educator Connection Transition Conference, Great Expectations, has been changed to the Polk County Convention Center (501 Grand Avenue in Des Moines). The conference will still be held October 27 & 28, 2010. This move is necessary as the original location, the Scheman Center in Ames, is not yet available due to flood damage.

There is no fee to attend this year due to a special grant, but registration is required. To register, go to http://www.iowa.gov/educate/calendar/calendar.html#/?i=1 and click on October 27: Secondary Transition Conference. Click here to download a complete program of the conference.

Creating Microsoft Settlement Reporting eWalk Templates

Some school administrators have asked if the state would be creating an eWalk template for evaluating the implementation of learning strategies and integration of technology purchased with Microsoft dollars. Because Microsoft Settlement applications vary widely by building, a standardized statewide template will not be created. As a result it will be necessary for each district/building to create eWalk templates for their Microsoft Settlement reporting.

According to John O'Connell, Iowa Microsoft Settlement Consultant, "The eWalk template at a minimum should contain all the teaching strategies that were listed in the application along with any other items the principal or designated observer would be looking for during their walk-throughs. This is a requirement for all that would be using eWalk for their observations in their application.”

Also, per John O’Connell, eWalk licenses were purchased through June 2011. Please note that you may use Microsoft General Purchase Voucher dollars to purchase additional years' licensing (about $40 per year) as well as hardware. Please remember to look at the product eligibility list before purchasing hardware and software, as applicable to your application. The iPad has recently been added to the Product Eligibility list. The IEC will try to work with the mxMobile company to see if a reduced license cost can be purchased. We will let you know the details if an agreement is reached.

Please contact Toy Waterman, Heartland Instructional Technology Consultant, at twaterman@aea11.k12.ia.us or (515) 270-0405 ext. 14541 if you need assistance creating a template for your MS Settlement reporting. She will be able to assist you if you wish to create other templates for your district as well.

Iowa Educators Consortium Update: Adobe Dropping K-12 Teacher & Student Discounts

Adobe is ending the K-12 student licensing program that allows teachers and students to buy Adobe software at very low prices. Orders can be placed until October 28, 2010 at the IEC software store managed by Journey Education. To order, follow the directions at http://www.journeyed.com/select.

Sample prices --

Creative Suites 5 Design Standard
Retail: $1,299
EC Student/Teacher price: $209.95

Creative Suite 5 Production Premium
Retail: $1,699
IEC Student/Teacher price: $369.95

Please share this information with students and staff that may be interested in purchasing Adobe software.

Student Opportunity: National History Day in Iowa

National History Day (NHD) in Iowa has undergone many changes to comply with state budget restrictions, but thanks to all of the hard-working students, teachers, parents and volunteers, NHD in Iowa is still afloat and is planning for the upcoming contest season. State contests will be held on Monday, April 25, 2011, for the senior division and Monday, May 2 for the junior division. Youth division showcase will also be held on Monday, April 25, in conjunction with the senior division contest.

Instead of physical mailings, information will be distributed primarily via e-mail this year. The 2010-2011 contest theme is Debate & Diplomacy in History: Successes, Failures, and Consequences.

Click here to download the updated 2010-2011 rulebook to review with students before starting projects. One of the most notable changes, the website category, will be split into individual and group categories this year, rather than all websites competing together. That should garner applause from many of the web site participants! Student entries MUST be created through the Weebly portal located on the NHD website at http://nhd.org/CategoryWebsite.htm. Websites created with other programs or on other sites (including the public access to Weebly) will not be eligible for judging at the district and state levels of NHD in Iowa contests.

The “Iowa Sample Topics List” is posted at www.iowahistory.org along with other useful information about entering district and state contests. To find Iowa NHD information, go to the State Historical Society of Iowa webpage, click on “Education and Outreach” at the top of the page and then look for the “NHD in Iowa” tab on the left side of the page.

Questions can be directed to Millie Frese in the NHD office at the State Historical Society of Iowa. She can be contacted via email, millie.frese@iowa.gov; phone, (515) 281-6860; or cell, (515) 868-7248.

For program-related updates throughout the year, join the NHD in Iowa listserv by sending a blank e-mail to join-teacherupdate@lists.ia.gov.

Internet Service Interruption Saturday, October 9

Heartland AEA is transitioning our ICN equipment, routers and servers from a data center with overhead sprinklers and cooling problems to a secure data bunker with dry fire suppression, conditioned power and controlled temperature. We will need to disconnect the power to the current server room between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. this Saturday, October 9. During this maintenance window, you will not be able to access the Internet from your school district for approximately one hour between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. Heartland's email, web and phone services may be down for the entire four hours.

There will be another period of down time on October 23. Additional information will be provided closer to that date. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Superintendents: October HAA Minutes

Click here to download the minutes from the October HAA meeting. The minutes and handouts are also posted on Heartland's Web site in the Heartland Networks link under the Leaders tab, http://www.aea11.k12.ia.us/leaders/ldr/admin.html.

During the learning portion of the meeting the use of online tools to increase engagement of stakeholders was investigated. Links to all of the resources including articles, examples of acceptable use policies, and online Google resources are available at the Superintendent Academy Google site at https://sites.google.com/site/superintendentacademy/ (Clicking on the link will take you directly to the site.)

Please contact Sharon Kurns at skurns@aea11.k12.ia.us if you have any questions or suggestions for future sessions.

Superintendents: October HAA Meeting

Download a Word Doc or PDF version of the of the October Heartland Administrators Association meeting agenda. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 5 at the West Des Moines Learning Resource Center from 9:00-11:50 a.m.

We are trying something new this year with our HAA meetings. The first hour of each meeting (from 9:00-10:00) will be devoted to professional learning. We are calling it, “Superintendent Academy”. The theme for this year is Linking Leadership to Student Achievement.

At our first session we introduced the research findings from the Learning Project: Investigating Links to Improved Student Learning. The executive summary for this study can be downloaded here. More information and resources about the study can be found here.

At the upcoming session next week, we will be exploring one of the major concepts of the study. Engagement of stakeholders is a key leadership activity linked to student achievement. We will be investigating ways that Google Apps can be used to collaborate and gather input from a wide variety of stakeholders. We will also be reviewing an article from District Administration (available here) during the session. Please bring a laptop to the meeting if you have one available. If not, we will have laptops available for use.

A Google Site has been developed to make all of the materials and resources from this professional learning very accessible to participants. Please visit https://sites.google.com/site/superintendentacademy/.

School Counseling Program Refinement

Does your district K-12 school counseling program need a little polish? If so, this two-day "mini-academy" is for you! We will review the state required components of a K-12 articulated, sequential school counseling program, identify gaps and work on closing those gaps. Participants are encouraged to come in K-12 teams with representation from each level. Ideally, all counselors in the district would participate. Please register through the Heartland Professional Development Catalog at https://prodev.aea11.k12.ia.us/4DCGI/YYYYYYYYYYYYYYSRCH. The activity number is CN005392111101.

Contact Sue Schirmer at sschirmer@aea11.k12.ia.us if you have any questions.

ESL Learning Opportunity Reminders

Pearson’s SIOP for Teachers Virtual Institute
Application for the $450 mini grant to use towards participation in Pearson’s SIOP for Teachers Virtual Institute is due October 8, 2010. Click here for more information and here for the participation application.

TESOL Virtual Seminar
The first TESOL Virtual Seminar will be held October 6. If you haven’t registered, please do so ASAP via the Heartland Professional Development Catalog at https://prodev.aea11.k12.ia.us/4DCGI/YYYYYYYYYYYYYYSRCH. We hope you can take advantage of these free seminars.

Why Are We Still Teaching the Wrong Grammar the Wrong Way?
October 6, 2010 from 9:00-10:30 a.m.
Activity Number: ES005692111101

The Multilevel ESOL Class: A Multitude of Opportunities for Language Development
October 27, 2010 from 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Activity Number: ES005692111102

A Focus on Academic Oral Language and Vocabulary Instruction in Language Learning
November 10, 2010 from 9:30-11:00 a.m.
Activity Number: ES005699991101

Title III and ICLC
Even though the Early Bird rate for ICLC has passed districts can still take advantage of the Title III funding opportunity. Title III will still pay the early bird registration rate of $125, sub pay, and the travel mini-grant if your school district will pick up the difference.

ESL Family Literacy, Parent Involvement and Adult Early Literacy Grant
Don’t forget the opportunity to apply for the ESL Family Literacy/Parent Involvement or the ESL Adult Early Literacy grant. Click here for more information on these grants. Click here for the ESL Family Literacy/Parent Involvement grant and here for the Adult Early Literacy grant. Both applications are due November 30.

If you questions about any of these opportunities, contact Stephaney Jones-Vo at (515) 270-0405 ext. 14680 or Pat Latham at (515) 270-04405 ext. 14681.

Reminder: Heartland AEA & DMACC Hosting Immigration Forum Oct. 5

You and all of your staff members are cordially invited to our Third Annual DMACC & Heartland AEA co-sponsored Immigration Forum on Tuesday, October 5, 2010 from 2:45 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. at the DMACC Urban Campus. There is no cost or registration required to attend the Immigration Forum. All are welcome to come and learn.

For more information, contact Stephaney Jones-Vo at (515) 270-0405 ext. 14680, Gilmara Mitchell at (515) 270-0405 ext. 14679.

Kirkwood Community College to host Distance Credentialed Counselor Training, Nov. 5-6

As distance methods have grown in popularity, the need for standards of practice and specialized counselor training has also grown. To address these issues, Kirkwood Community College will host a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC) Training Workshop on November 5-6, 2010. ReadyMinds and the Center for Credentialing and Education (CCE) will facilitate the training.

Please encourage your district/school counselors to attend. Click here for an informative flyer about the training. Learn more about ReadyMinds and the DCC program at can be found at http://www.readyminds.com/training/dcc_cert.asp.

Heartland Earns Full Accreditation From State Board of Education

Heartland AEA is pleased to announce that it has earned continued full accreditation from the Iowa State Board of Education. The State Board met on September 16, 2010, and unanimously approved the Iowa Department of Education’s recommendation for full accreditation.

The Department conducted a site visit at the Agency earlier this year, analyzing programs and services data in the Agency's new online Service Tracker database and interviewing dozens of Heartland staff members and local educators for feedback about the Agency. Iowa’s nine AEAs receive accreditation site visits every five years; Heartland AEA’s next visit will be in 2015.

The Department’s report states, “The central purpose of the accreditation visit is to help AEAs improve the quality and focus of their services, which will in turn assist schools and school districts to improve learning for students. Iowa’s AEAs are a critical part of the support structure for schools and ultimately for children. With so much at stake, maintaining high standards or quality in programs and services is a top priority.”

Heartland was assessed on the following AEA standards for service:
1) School-Community Planning
2) Professional Development
3) Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
4) Diverse Learner Needs
5) Media
6) School Technology
7) Multicultural, Gender Fair
8) Leadership

Areas of strength that the Agency was praised for included the following:
• Incorporating technology into professional development
• Heartland Educational Assessment Resource Toolbox (HEART) database
• Content Area Capacity Building (CAB) projects
• Model of delivering services closer to districts/schools

The Department noted that no recommended areas for improvement were found in the Agency’s Media and School Technology service areas.

Areas identified for improvement included the following:
• Communication to districts/schools about survey data the Agency gathers
• Clarification and communication of the partnership director role to all district/school staff
• Communication with parents of children with special needs
• Establishing more support for “at-risk” students

The Agency will incorporate these and other recommendations into its Comprehensive Improvement Plan, which will be submitted to the Department by April 1, 2011.

A thank-you goes out to our district/school staff who provided feedback to the Department about our programs and services. We appreciate the time they took out of their busy schedules to assist us in our accreditation process.

Click here to download the entire accreditation report.

Iowa School Counselor Association Counselor of the Year Nominations

At the annual ISCA conference, elected counselors are recognized with Counselor of the Year awards at each of four levels – elementary, middle school/Jr. high, high school and multilevel. Counselors are typically nominated by their peers or administrators. If you work with a counselor who you feel is exemplary and deserving of this recognition, please consider nominating him/her for this honor.

To nominate a school counselor, write a letter of recommendation and include the award category (elementary; middle school/junior high; high school or multilevel). Also include a statement describing the program, activity and/or contribution demonstrating the individual‘s worthiness to receive this award.

Nominations can be mailed to:
Sue Farran
Prairie Point Middle School and 9th Grade Academy
401 76th Ave. SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

You could also fax your nomination to Sue Farran at (319) 848-5515.

The deadline for all nominations is October 18, 2010

Iowa Core Update: Leadership for the Iowa Core – Updated

October is fast approaching! Make sure to reserve your spot for Heartland AEA’s Leadership for the Iowa Core Year Three, Day 1 training. Click here to download an updated flyer of dates, times and locations for training. Please note that the Indianola location has been changed to Brenton Camp Lounge in the Student Center at Simpson College.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Linda Biermann Hoobin, Teaching and Learning Consultant for the Iowa Core, at lhoobin@aea11.k12.ia.us or (515) 270-0405 ext. 14327.

Curriculum Network: October Curriculum Network Meeting

The October Curriculum Network meeting is scheduled for Friday, October 1, 2010. The meeting will go from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and will be held in Rooms 3, 4 & the ICN of the Johnston Regional Education Center (6500 Corporate Drive). The agenda is available at http://curriculumnet.pbworks.com/October-2010-Agenda

You will be able to choose one of three topics to participate in for the second part of the morning. These topics, plus one new topic, will also be repeated during the November and December meetings.

Google Apps Webinars Planned for Educators

This past summer, Iowa’s Area Education Agencies announced an exciting agreement with Google to provide all K-12 schools in Iowa with free access to Google Apps for Education. Click here read the announcement.

A series of webinars for educators implementing Google Apps in all Iowa schools is planned during the 2010-2011 school year.

Sponsored by Iowa AEAs, these webinars will be distributed using two Google groups listservs. Anyone can join the following two Google groups free of charge.

The Iowa Google Apps Group is for tech directors, network administrators and other individuals that are deploying or managing Google Apps in their schools. Visit http://groups.google.com/group/iowa-google-apps-group

The Iowa Teachers Google Apps User Group is designed for teachers and administrators using Google Apps everyday with students and staff. Visit http://groups.google.com/group/IA-Teach-GApps-UserGroup

All live webinars will be accessible at http://iowaec.na4.acrobat.com/googleapps and do not require a pre-registration. Each webinar will begin at 3:30 p.m. on the dates below. The schedule of webinars through December 2010 includes the following topics:

October 21, 2010 - Using Google Docs
November 11, 2010 - Using Gmail
December 16, 2010 - Using Google Groups
(More webinars will be scheduled in 2011.)

For more information about the Google Apps webinars, contact Andy Crozier at acrozier@gwaea.org or (319) 399-6866.