Friday, February 26, 2010
Superintendents: March HAA Meeting Agenda
Click here for a document or here for a pdf of the agenda for the Heartland Administrators Association meeting on Tuesday, March 2. Please remember that we will be spending a portion of the meeting discussing your input about programs and services at Heartland AEA. If you have data you gathered from your administrative teams, please bring it to share during our conversations. We look forward to having your input.
Curriculum Network: March Curriculum Network Meeting Agenda
The March Curriculum Network meeting is scheduled for Friday, March 5 in Rooms 3, 4 & ICN at the Johnston Regional Education Center (6500 Corporate Drive). You can access the agenda and webinar link for the morning sessions at http://curriculumnet.pbworks.com/March-2010-Agenda. The afternoon sessions are more interactive and will not be available by webinar.
Superintendents: Message from the Urban Education Network on 'Race to the Top'
Lew Finch, Executive Director of Urban Education Network (UEN), requested each AEA chief administrator send the following message.
The majority of Urban Education Network (UEN) districts joined other districts in declining to sign a Race To The Top memorandum of understanding due to language embedded in legislation (SF 2033). Concerns focused on the requirement for a district in which a persistently lowest-achieving school is located to implement one of the RTTT models, even without supportive funding, and with the requirement that any plan for addressing persistently lowest-achieving schools must be “negotiated” with the teachers’ association.
In a recent meeting of a House Race To The Top committee, Kevin Fangman, Dept. of Education, disclosed that the process set forth in SF 2033 would also apply to any district application for a federal grant to address low performing schools and students. This includes an application for a School Improvement Grant (SIG). In a subsequent phone conversation with Kevin, he confirmed the position of the department on this issue.
This development confirms a suspicion among UEN superintendents that negotiation with the teachers’ association is likely to be extended to include many other district initiatives to improve the performance of low-performing schools and students, i.e., expand the scope of bargaining. UEN superintendents also contend that this information is unknown to many school board members and superintendents.
Although there are only 20 districts immediately impacted by the RTTT application and legislation, it is inevitable that the number of schools identified as persistently lowest-achieving schools will increase. And now, with revelation that the process is to be expanded, every Iowa district needs to be cognizant of possible implications since virtually every district has low performing students. Aggressively addressing low performing schools and students transcends any Race To The Top application, and will require a school board and administration to make difficult, bold decisions to implement strategies for “turning around” performance.
The major objection to a requirement to “negotiate” rather than “collaborate” is that efforts of a school board to address the problem of low-performing schools and students will inevitably be diverted to a focus on the welfare of teachers and not students. This assumption is predicated on experience with the negotiation process, and that the teachers’ association is obligated to advocate for those whom they represent, i.e., teachers. There is nothing wrong with efforts of the teachers’ association to advocate for the welfare of those whom they represent, but this is not the appropriate place for such advocacy.
In the event the first application for an RTTT grant is unsuccessful, there will likely be a second application submitted later this spring. The stated goal of Director Jeffrey, the Governor and members of the General Assembly is to encourage all Iowa districts to sign on to the application. Unless the language embedded in SF 2033 requiring negotiation is revised to collaboration, the majority of UEN districts are not likely to change their original decision.
It was suggested to Director Jeffrey that it would be in the best interest of the Department of Education to survey Iowa school boards and superintendents to determine how many would be willing to support a second application without a revision of SF 2033 language, and knowing that the requirement to “negotiate” school improvement plans has now been expanded. Such a revision would have to be enacted before the current session of the General Assembly adjourns, so time is short. Absent any organized survey, please indicate to your legislative delegation how your board may respond to a request for support of a second application under the circumstances.
The ISEA has been successful in convincing many legislators that the process is merely to involve teachers in collaboration in the process of developing school improvement plans. However, there is a distinct difference between “collaboration” and a requirement to “negotiate”. The UEN has developed a position statement and suggested revisions of SF 2033.
The majority of Urban Education Network (UEN) districts joined other districts in declining to sign a Race To The Top memorandum of understanding due to language embedded in legislation (SF 2033). Concerns focused on the requirement for a district in which a persistently lowest-achieving school is located to implement one of the RTTT models, even without supportive funding, and with the requirement that any plan for addressing persistently lowest-achieving schools must be “negotiated” with the teachers’ association.
In a recent meeting of a House Race To The Top committee, Kevin Fangman, Dept. of Education, disclosed that the process set forth in SF 2033 would also apply to any district application for a federal grant to address low performing schools and students. This includes an application for a School Improvement Grant (SIG). In a subsequent phone conversation with Kevin, he confirmed the position of the department on this issue.
This development confirms a suspicion among UEN superintendents that negotiation with the teachers’ association is likely to be extended to include many other district initiatives to improve the performance of low-performing schools and students, i.e., expand the scope of bargaining. UEN superintendents also contend that this information is unknown to many school board members and superintendents.
Although there are only 20 districts immediately impacted by the RTTT application and legislation, it is inevitable that the number of schools identified as persistently lowest-achieving schools will increase. And now, with revelation that the process is to be expanded, every Iowa district needs to be cognizant of possible implications since virtually every district has low performing students. Aggressively addressing low performing schools and students transcends any Race To The Top application, and will require a school board and administration to make difficult, bold decisions to implement strategies for “turning around” performance.
The major objection to a requirement to “negotiate” rather than “collaborate” is that efforts of a school board to address the problem of low-performing schools and students will inevitably be diverted to a focus on the welfare of teachers and not students. This assumption is predicated on experience with the negotiation process, and that the teachers’ association is obligated to advocate for those whom they represent, i.e., teachers. There is nothing wrong with efforts of the teachers’ association to advocate for the welfare of those whom they represent, but this is not the appropriate place for such advocacy.
In the event the first application for an RTTT grant is unsuccessful, there will likely be a second application submitted later this spring. The stated goal of Director Jeffrey, the Governor and members of the General Assembly is to encourage all Iowa districts to sign on to the application. Unless the language embedded in SF 2033 requiring negotiation is revised to collaboration, the majority of UEN districts are not likely to change their original decision.
It was suggested to Director Jeffrey that it would be in the best interest of the Department of Education to survey Iowa school boards and superintendents to determine how many would be willing to support a second application without a revision of SF 2033 language, and knowing that the requirement to “negotiate” school improvement plans has now been expanded. Such a revision would have to be enacted before the current session of the General Assembly adjourns, so time is short. Absent any organized survey, please indicate to your legislative delegation how your board may respond to a request for support of a second application under the circumstances.
The ISEA has been successful in convincing many legislators that the process is merely to involve teachers in collaboration in the process of developing school improvement plans. However, there is a distinct difference between “collaboration” and a requirement to “negotiate”. The UEN has developed a position statement and suggested revisions of SF 2033.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Heartland Gifted & Talented Consultant to be Featured on IPR
Heartland AEA gifted and talented consultant Mary Schmidt will be a featured guest on the Iowa Public Radio show “The Exchange” on February 26 from noon to 1:00 p.m. The show is Iowa Public Radio’s talk program and focuses on news, issues and events occurring in Iowa. The topic of discussion for the February 26th show will be gifted education.
Mary has been a consultant at Heartland AEA since 2001 and brings 30 years of experience in education to her position. She holds a master’s degree in gifted education, is immediate past president of the Iowa Talented & Gifted Association, is a National Board Certified Teacher and was previously a secondary gifted & talented and language arts teacher.
“The Exchange” can be heard on stations in Ames/Des Moines, Carroll, Cedar Falls/Waterloo, Clear Lake/Mason City, Dubuque, Fort Dodge, Cedar Rapids/Iowa City, Lamoni, Ottumwa and the Quad Cities. See http://iowapublicradio.org/ for station information. Shows are also archived on IPR’s website and can be listened to at a later date.
Mary has been a consultant at Heartland AEA since 2001 and brings 30 years of experience in education to her position. She holds a master’s degree in gifted education, is immediate past president of the Iowa Talented & Gifted Association, is a National Board Certified Teacher and was previously a secondary gifted & talented and language arts teacher.
“The Exchange” can be heard on stations in Ames/Des Moines, Carroll, Cedar Falls/Waterloo, Clear Lake/Mason City, Dubuque, Fort Dodge, Cedar Rapids/Iowa City, Lamoni, Ottumwa and the Quad Cities. See http://iowapublicradio.org/ for station information. Shows are also archived on IPR’s website and can be listened to at a later date.
Microsoft Cy Pres Settlement ICN Session
John O’Connell will present on March 17 and 18, 3:30-5:00 p.m. Microsoft eligible schools will want to learn more about:
• Examples of Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 evaluation results that will be provided participating schools.
• Teacher data report form and the principal walk through data report form.
• How student data are made available to the external evaluator for ITBS, MAP and IEOC test results.
http://www.iptv.org/iowa_database/event-detail.cfm?ID=10374
To register, click on the link provided. Read through the description of the event, then click on "register here" and follow the instructions. You are welcome to request any room in Iowa. Watch your inbox for a confirmation/denial email. If you are denied, IPTV is happy to help you find a room that will work. The ICN session will be recorded and available from the Heartland AEA library.
• Examples of Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 evaluation results that will be provided participating schools.
• Teacher data report form and the principal walk through data report form.
• How student data are made available to the external evaluator for ITBS, MAP and IEOC test results.
http://www.iptv.org/iowa_database/event-detail.cfm?ID=10374
To register, click on the link provided. Read through the description of the event, then click on "register here" and follow the instructions. You are welcome to request any room in Iowa. Watch your inbox for a confirmation/denial email. If you are denied, IPTV is happy to help you find a room that will work. The ICN session will be recorded and available from the Heartland AEA library.
ISDC & NSDC to Co-host One-day Workshop on Establishing School Culture
The Iowa Staff Development Council (ISDC), in conjunction with the National Staff Development Council (NSDC), is pleased to announce a one-day workshop with Dr. Ingrid Carney, "School Leaders and Their Role in Establishing School Culture and Narrowing Achievement Gaps". The workshop will be held Wednesday, March 17 at the Dubuque Community School District. This interactive workshop will provide participants with an overview of issues relevant to improving school culture to ensure that ALL children have opportunities to learn and achieve. Further, participants will learn about the 10 Boys Initiative to close achievement gaps, particularly boys of color.
For more information and registration, please go to the Iowa Staff Development Council's website at http://www.iasdc.org/ or contact Sue Schirmer at sschirmer@aea11.k12.ia.us.
For more information and registration, please go to the Iowa Staff Development Council's website at http://www.iasdc.org/ or contact Sue Schirmer at sschirmer@aea11.k12.ia.us.
Supporting Children of the Guard and Reserves Institutes
The Iowa National Guard Services Branch, in partnership with the Military Child Education Coalition, is pleased to announce registration for the Supporting Children of the Guard and Reserves Institutes on April 28-29, 2010 is now open. This two-day training is for educators, counselors, administrators and those working with (or soon to be working with) military youth and teens. Attendees will receive valuable information on strategies for working with military youth and teens, as well as resources available to support these individuals during all stages of the deployment cycle. The resources provided to attendees are quite extensive and would be valuable in building a professional reference library on supporting those in the military community.
The training and resources are available at no cost to the attendee(s); however, transportation and lodging expenses will be the responsibility of the attendee(s). Further, one graduate credit is available for this training (at the expense of the attendee) through Texas A&M, with CEUs also available. The training will take place at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa.
Click here for the registration form. Please note registration is limited, so please sign-up as soon as possible to be guaranteed a spot. You may also register online by clicking the following link:
http://www.militarychild.org/education/guard-and-reserve-institutes/
Questions can be directed to Jeremy Vanwyk at (515) 252-4040 or jeremy.vanwyk@us.army.mil.
The training and resources are available at no cost to the attendee(s); however, transportation and lodging expenses will be the responsibility of the attendee(s). Further, one graduate credit is available for this training (at the expense of the attendee) through Texas A&M, with CEUs also available. The training will take place at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa.
Click here for the registration form. Please note registration is limited, so please sign-up as soon as possible to be guaranteed a spot. You may also register online by clicking the following link:
http://www.militarychild.org/education/guard-and-reserve-institutes/
Questions can be directed to Jeremy Vanwyk at (515) 252-4040 or jeremy.vanwyk@us.army.mil.
Two Million Minutes: A Global Examination
A short trailer for the 54-minute documentary video "2 Million Minutes" is on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZnSG6gg1vs&feature=player_embedded. There are approximately 2,000,000 minutes from 8th grade to graduation. How students spend their two million minutes (studying, playing sports, attending school, working, socializing, etc.) is examined in several high schools in China, India and the United States. This is an excellent resource for discussions with staff, community and the school board. The trailer is online. The full video is available for checkout from the Heartland professional library, #255787.
Referral Procedure Change at Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Service
Effective last Friday, February 12, 2010, all new referrals to Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services will be placed on a waiting list for services. Click here to view the announcement.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Changes Made to Statewide Special Ed Procedures Manual
The AEA Directors of Special Education approved changes to the statewide SPED Procedures Manual at their January 2010 meeting. The changes were made to provide additional clarification and address issues of concern that had been raised since the beginning of this school year. Click here to see the Release Notes that highlight the changes that were made in this revision to the Procedures Manual. There are no changes to the Documentation Guide at this time.
An updated version of the Special Education Procedures and Special Education Documentation Guide has been posted at www.iowaidea.org. To access these documents in addition to the Release Notes for this version of the Procedures: 1. Go to www.iowaidea.org. 2. Click on the IEP link. 3. Move your cursor on top of the words “Statewide Special Education Procedures” (menu on the left hand side of the screen) and click on “Manual.” 4. Click on the link of the document you wish to view:
If you have any difficulty accessing these documents, please contact Michelle Tressel at mtressel@aea10.k12.ia.us.
If you have not already signed up to receive News Updates from the Iowa IDEA website, please take a moment to do so. You can access the link from their home page, directly under the “Front Page” link.
An updated version of the Special Education Procedures and Special Education Documentation Guide has been posted at www.iowaidea.org. To access these documents in addition to the Release Notes for this version of the Procedures: 1. Go to www.iowaidea.org. 2. Click on the IEP link. 3. Move your cursor on top of the words “Statewide Special Education Procedures” (menu on the left hand side of the screen) and click on “Manual.” 4. Click on the link of the document you wish to view:
If you have any difficulty accessing these documents, please contact Michelle Tressel at mtressel@aea10.k12.ia.us.
If you have not already signed up to receive News Updates from the Iowa IDEA website, please take a moment to do so. You can access the link from their home page, directly under the “Front Page” link.
Correction to Heartland Calendar of Major Events
The calendar of major events that was included in last week's Connection was incomplete. Click here to download the correct version of the calendar. It contains the major events and start dates for Heartland AEA staff. We are currently working to schedule all professional development opportunities for next year. An expanded calendar should be available early in March.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Requested Action: Input Needed for Heartland AEA Service Decision-Making
As you know, Heartland AEA will be facing challenges with our budget in the coming school years as will all school districts in Iowa. When making decisions about programs and services and the implications for our budget, it is essential for us to have input from districts. At the Superintendent Advisory Committee (SAC) this week, the SAC decided to use a portion of the March Heartland Administrators Association meeting to give superintendents an opportunity to provide input for Heartland AEA decision-making about programs and services. The SAC also suggested that each superintendent gather data from their administrative team prior to this meeting. Partnership Directors will be contacting superintendents to provide instructions for data collection and to offer to assist with facilitation. The Curriculum Network will engage in a similar activity at their March meeting. We are very grateful for the time that local administrators spend in providing us this vital input. If you have questions, please contact your Partnership Director.
Vincent Selected as Next Chief Administrator of Heartland AEA
Heartland AEA is pleased to announce that Dr. Paula Vincent has been hired as the Agency’s new chief administrator. She will succeed Sheila King, who has been Heartland AEA’s interim chief administrator since July 1, 2009. Vincent is currently the superintendent of the Clear Creek Amana Community School District in east central Iowa. She was previously the associate superintendent of the Cedar Rapids Community School District, a director of special education at Grant Wood AEA and a classroom teacher in suburban Kansas City and rural Iowa. She is a member of the board of trustees at McPherson College, in McPherson, Kansas, and also serves on the board of directors of the Grant Wood Regional Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Dr. Vincent is known for her work in personalizing learning for each child, use of innovative systems to support teacher learning and incorporating the principles of interactive design and quality improvement into the daily work of schools. She received an undergraduate degree at McPherson College and an M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Iowa.
We look forward to Dr. Vincent's arrival at Heartland AEA.
Informational Meeting for Newly Awarded E2T2 Grant
Heartland AEA has been awarded a new E2T2 grant for 2009–2012 called, Aligning Math/Science Instruction to the Iowa Core Curriculum. The focus of the new grant will be 8th–12th grade teachers and administrators who support mathematics, science, technology and students with differing learning needs. Much of the workshop delivery will be during summers and thorough electronic options during the school year.
An informational meeting for school/district administrators, technology coordinators and math and/or science lead teachers will be held on February 22 from 8:30–11:30 a.m. in Rooms 3 & 4 at the Johnston Office. The meeting will also be available via webinar.
At this meeting we will explain the direction of the new project, demonstrate some of the tools and software we hope to incorporate, define timelines and share possible options for purchase or reimbursement for teachers (schools/districts) that are part of the project. Cohort A will begin Spring 2010 and Cohort B will begin Spring 2011.
Click here for an abstract for the new grant project. If you have any questions, please contact Kim Thuente at (515) 270–0405 ext. 14372 or kthuente@aea11.k12.ia.us.
An informational meeting for school/district administrators, technology coordinators and math and/or science lead teachers will be held on February 22 from 8:30–11:30 a.m. in Rooms 3 & 4 at the Johnston Office. The meeting will also be available via webinar.
At this meeting we will explain the direction of the new project, demonstrate some of the tools and software we hope to incorporate, define timelines and share possible options for purchase or reimbursement for teachers (schools/districts) that are part of the project. Cohort A will begin Spring 2010 and Cohort B will begin Spring 2011.
Click here for an abstract for the new grant project. If you have any questions, please contact Kim Thuente at (515) 270–0405 ext. 14372 or kthuente@aea11.k12.ia.us.
Next Steps for Cy Pres Microsoft Settlement
The following is a summary of the December 2009 ICN session with John O’Connell and Gary Phye. Contact the Heartland AEA library if you’d like a copy of this session. For more information on the settlement, go to http://www.iowaschoolmicrosoftsettlement.com.
Eligible schools have until May 11, 2010 to file their application and complete the budget sheet at http://www.edinfo.state.ia.us. Approval of the application by the Iowa DE does NOT mean approval of expenditures. Schools should U.S. Mail the completed assurances letter on or before May 11, 2010 to the following:
John O’Connell
MS Settlement
Grimes State Office Building
400 E 14th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319-0146
General reminders
Two types of vouchers will be issued: general purpose (hardware, IT installation, general conversion, PD, etc.) and software; there is a 50-50 split. Thirty percent of the general purpose voucher must be used for professional development (PD) services. In-kind can be used for PD. If the school has purchased an eligible product since August 17, 2009 that fits the outcomes in the plan, the invoice may be submitted.
This is a four-year project/commitment. If the school spends the full voucher amount the first year, it still needs to report each year. Schools can build in a planning year—so can apply now (before May 11) and implement at a later date. Schools may want to consider using ARRA and other funds first.
The school’s program must be linked to the Iowa Core Curriculum in one of the five areas. Funding is meant to supplement the Core by providing additional technology for enhanced implementation (funding goes to August 15, 2013).
Evaluation component
Eligible schools have until May 11, 2010 to file their application and complete the budget sheet at http://www.edinfo.state.ia.us. Approval of the application by the Iowa DE does NOT mean approval of expenditures. Schools should U.S. Mail the completed assurances letter on or before May 11, 2010 to the following:
John O’Connell
MS Settlement
Grimes State Office Building
400 E 14th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319-0146
General reminders
Two types of vouchers will be issued: general purpose (hardware, IT installation, general conversion, PD, etc.) and software; there is a 50-50 split. Thirty percent of the general purpose voucher must be used for professional development (PD) services. In-kind can be used for PD. If the school has purchased an eligible product since August 17, 2009 that fits the outcomes in the plan, the invoice may be submitted.
This is a four-year project/commitment. If the school spends the full voucher amount the first year, it still needs to report each year. Schools can build in a planning year—so can apply now (before May 11) and implement at a later date. Schools may want to consider using ARRA and other funds first.
The school’s program must be linked to the Iowa Core Curriculum in one of the five areas. Funding is meant to supplement the Core by providing additional technology for enhanced implementation (funding goes to August 15, 2013).
Evaluation component
- The effectiveness of the program has to be assessed by a norm-referenced test, and schools are required to test in the spring. It is recommend that ITBS be used for grades 3-8 and MAP or Iowa End of Course for 9-12.
- Testing costs could come from general purpose voucher funds.
- Schools must test every spring for all funding years.
- There will be a brief online reporting evaluation component for participating teachers and principals (to be announced at a later date).
- Principals are encouraged to use data from eWalk.
American History in Video: A Resource for the Classroom
American History in Video provides the largest and richest collection of video available online for the study of American history. Heartland AEA recently purchased access to this streaming video database. It will be invaluable as students learn about history, particularly the civil rights movement. American History in Video was highly recommended by Booklist, Library Journal and a group of Iowa history teachers who piloted the collection last fall.
Visit the American History in Video website at http://ahiv.alexanderstreet.com. You'll find one-of-a-kind videos with powerful features that include the following:
• synchronized, scrolling transcripts that run along side the video
• keyword searches for every video in the transcript to jump directly to the section you want to see
• transcripts that can be copied and printed
• ability to view the video full-screen
• ability to create playlists of video clips
• embed URLs
• visual table of contents with thumbnail images taken every 15, 30, 60, etc. seconds
Visit the American History in Video website at http://ahiv.alexanderstreet.com. You'll find one-of-a-kind videos with powerful features that include the following:
• synchronized, scrolling transcripts that run along side the video
• keyword searches for every video in the transcript to jump directly to the section you want to see
• transcripts that can be copied and printed
• ability to view the video full-screen
• ability to create playlists of video clips
• embed URLs
• visual table of contents with thumbnail images taken every 15, 30, 60, etc. seconds
Preview of Heartland AEA 2010-2011 Calendar
Click here for a copy of the Heartland AEA Agency Calendar of Major Events. This calendar contains the major events and start dates for Heartland AEA staff. We are currently working to schedule all professional development opportunities for next year. An expanded calendar should be available early in March.
21st Century Learning Leadership Institute at Bedford Community School District
You and a team from your district are invited to attend a 21st Century Learning Leadership Institute sponsored by Bedford Community School District. It is an opportunity to see and hear how schools are achieving academic excellence by putting technology in their students' hands.
Consider going to a 21st Century Learning Leadership Institute at Bedford Community School District on Wednesday, February 10, 2010. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the program will go from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The agenda includes discussion on how technology changes learning, the impact of professional development, key success factors, funding and the digital tools today's students use to create knowledge. You will hear from schools currently using technology in innovative ways to make a difference, have the opportunity to see a laptop learning initiative in action and interact with students, teachers and administrators.
For more information and to register go to http://edseminars.apple.com/event/2339.
Consider going to a 21st Century Learning Leadership Institute at Bedford Community School District on Wednesday, February 10, 2010. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the program will go from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The agenda includes discussion on how technology changes learning, the impact of professional development, key success factors, funding and the digital tools today's students use to create knowledge. You will hear from schools currently using technology in innovative ways to make a difference, have the opportunity to see a laptop learning initiative in action and interact with students, teachers and administrators.
For more information and to register go to http://edseminars.apple.com/event/2339.
Creating an Accepting Future: 5th Annual Governor’s Conference on LGBT Youth
The 5th Annual Governor’s Conference on LGBT Youth is themed Proud to Change the World: Creating an Accepting Future. The conference will be held on February 18, 2010 at Drake University. The mission of the Annual Governors Conference on LGBT Youth is to a) engage and educate students, educators, parents, community leaders, youth-serving professionals, policy makers and others concerned about issues relevant to the LGBT community and b) encourage networking and activism to inspire our communities to promote diversity, equality and social justice.
This year’s conference is expected to gather several hundred educators, parents, students, social workers, counselors, psychologists, policy makers and others concerned about the safety of LGBT youth in Iowa. It is important to address the different barriers facing LGBT students including discriminatory policies, homelessness, HIV risk, bullying and harassment and suicide risk.
The Keynote Address will be given by Lt. Dan Choi. Lt. Choi has garnered national fame when he said on the March 19, 2009 episode of The Rachel Maddow Show; “I am gay.” Since coming out, Lt. Choi, a West Point graduate and Iraq veteran fluent in Arabic, has been notified that discharge proceedings have been brought up against him. He was one of only eight soldiers from his graduating class who majored in Arabic.
In addition to Lt. Choi, Governor Chet Culver, Lt. Governor Patty Judge and Congressman Leonard Boswell have been invited to give an address at the conference.
Workshop Topics this year will include HIV/Aids, Transgender Transitioning, Sexting/Social Networking, Communities of Faith, LGBT Youth Homelessness, anti-bullying programs for schools and several others related to LGBT youth and youth-serving professionals.
There will also be exhibitor booths showcasing such topics that include Iowa-based resources, organizations, communities of faith, corporations and other important information for anyone working with LGBT students and students from LGBT families.
Educators, administrators, community members, parents and students are strongly encouraged to attend. Student registration is $10 and adult registration is $35.
For more information and to register, please visit www.iowasafeschools.org and go to the Governor’s Conference Tab.
This year’s conference is expected to gather several hundred educators, parents, students, social workers, counselors, psychologists, policy makers and others concerned about the safety of LGBT youth in Iowa. It is important to address the different barriers facing LGBT students including discriminatory policies, homelessness, HIV risk, bullying and harassment and suicide risk.
The Keynote Address will be given by Lt. Dan Choi. Lt. Choi has garnered national fame when he said on the March 19, 2009 episode of The Rachel Maddow Show; “I am gay.” Since coming out, Lt. Choi, a West Point graduate and Iraq veteran fluent in Arabic, has been notified that discharge proceedings have been brought up against him. He was one of only eight soldiers from his graduating class who majored in Arabic.
In addition to Lt. Choi, Governor Chet Culver, Lt. Governor Patty Judge and Congressman Leonard Boswell have been invited to give an address at the conference.
Workshop Topics this year will include HIV/Aids, Transgender Transitioning, Sexting/Social Networking, Communities of Faith, LGBT Youth Homelessness, anti-bullying programs for schools and several others related to LGBT youth and youth-serving professionals.
There will also be exhibitor booths showcasing such topics that include Iowa-based resources, organizations, communities of faith, corporations and other important information for anyone working with LGBT students and students from LGBT families.
Educators, administrators, community members, parents and students are strongly encouraged to attend. Student registration is $10 and adult registration is $35.
For more information and to register, please visit www.iowasafeschools.org and go to the Governor’s Conference Tab.
Superintendents: February HAA Minutes
Click here for the minutes from the February Heartland Administrators Association meeting. The next meeting will be March 2 at the West Des Moines Learning Center.
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