Assessing Academic Rigor Course Added for This Summer

We have added another Assessing Academic Rigor course to the catalog! This course is required for school administrators (superintendents, central office administration, building principals, assistant principals, etc.) and other educational leaders responsible for evaluating educators who are renewing their licenses. The class will be held June 25, 26, July 1 and 8 at the Johnston REC. For more information or to register, click here.

Keystone AEA to Host Mark Coppin Among Others at 2014 TIC Conference

Nationally recognized speaker Mark Coppin, who is an expert on serving diverse learners in the classroom, will be doing multiple sessions at the Keystone Technology in Classrooms (TIC) Conference June 17-18 in Dubuque. Mark comes highly recommended by Keystone AEA Special Education staff who have attended many of his sessions at Closing the Gap Conference in Minneapolis.

Sessions by Mark Coppin

•    Apps To Support Literacy for Struggling Readers
•    Adapting the Curriculum with iBooks Author
•    Creating Content for the Diverse Learner
•    Apps For Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Along with Mark, there will be two other Keynote speakers with lots of exciting ideas and over 70 diverse breakout sessions to choose from such as: Interactive Whiteboards,  Reading and Writing Accommodations, Google A-Z, Digital Citizenship, iPad apps for mathematics, Early Childhood Tech in the Classroom and Collaboration for Learning.

This is a great opportunity for special educators right in our area with the price to attend a small fraction of other conferences. The reduced rate for the 2 day conference (includes 4 meals) is available during the month of April and for $99.00. To register, click here.


Mark Coppin is the Director of Assistive Technology at the Anne Carlsen Center in Jamestown, ND where he coordinates the provision of assistive technology services for the Center. 

If you are looking for additional information on the TIC Conference, click here.

May 6 Busteed Session Cancelled

Due to scheduling conflicts, the May 6 session with Brandon Busteed, Executive Director at Gallup Education, has been cancelled.

Requirements for a Paraeducator Generalist Certification

In February 2014 the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners (BOEE) approved new competencies for the Paraeducator Generalist and Paraeducator Special Needs Area of Concentration certifications. The new competencies for certification will be effective January 1, 2015. These changes have the possibility to impact many paraeducators as they pursue certification. Please see the Paraeducator Certification Competency Changes page for a list of questions and answers regarding the changes.

AEA Customer Survey: Please Encourage Participation

The AEA Customer Survey will close on April 11. Our current response rate is a bit lower than in years past. We'd be grateful if you would continue to encourage your staff to participate in the survey. The survey is available at https://survey.aea267.k12.ia.us/survey/7822/3f08/

Below is a message that can be sent from a school administrator to district staff.

Greetings,

If you haven't already, please participate in the 2014 AEA Customer Survey. The information from this survey provides valuable data that assists the AEA system in evaluating its services and continuing to meet current and future LEA needs.

Access the survey at https://survey.aea267.k12.ia.us/survey/7822/3f08/

The survey will run through Friday, April 11, 2014. You are only asked to complete it once.

If you experience problems with the survey, please contact Dr. Gary Dannenbring, Director of Planning and Evaluation at Prairie Lakes AEA, at gdannenbring@aea8.k12.ia.us for assistance. 

Thank you in advance for your participation.

Save the Date: Our Kids Summer Institute, June 24-25

The annual Our Kids Summer Institute scheduled this year for June 24 and 25 will provide participants with the opportunity to network with other educational professionals and to discover new strategies for working with English Language Learners throughout Iowa. It is important to note that if your school had to write a CAP (Corrective Action Plan) you must attend with a team from your district. Heartland will provide a $200 stipend for Heartland school staff members who attend both days. Districts are encouraged to send teams of classroom teachers, administrators and ESL teachers. Click here for more information.

I-ELDA Testing in Districts

If you have not ordered your I-ELDA materials, now is the time. The deadline for returning the materials for scoring to Iowa Testing Programs is May 1, 2014. Click here for more information on I-ELDA Testing.

Stipend Opportunity for Mathematics Teacher-Teams of ELLs and Other Diverse Students

The course, Empowering Middle and High School ELLs in the Mathematics Core, will be held on April 12 and 26 and License Renewal and EDEX graduate credit are being offered.

The participants will examine strategies and techniques to assist English Language Learners develop both language skills and content knowledge in the mathematics classroom. Teachers will practice and take away useful strategies rooted in the firm understanding of the language acquisition process. Teachers will examine the principles of differentiation as they apply specifically to ELLs. Teachers will also examine how language-rich instruction and hands-on experiences empower ELLs with the skills to be successful in mathematics.

Title III funds will provide a stipend of $200 for all grade 5-12 educators who fulfill the course requirements and are currently employed within the Heartland AEA ELL consortium. Des Moines Public Schools educators are also eligible to receive the stipend through Vinh Nguyen, DMPS ELL Coordinator.

Click here to register. Please pass this information on to eligible teachers.

Best Practices in Social Studies Institute, June 24-25

The 2014 Best Practices in Social Studies Institute is offered entirely FREE for any K-12 social studies teacher in Iowa. Participants will have to cover their own travel expenses and meals. The Institute takes place June 24-25 at the State Historical Museum of Iowa (600 E. Locust) in Des Moines. Participants can sign up to attend both days of the institute, or just one of the days.

Click here for an at-a-glance schedule. 
Click here for the full description program.  
Click here to register for the Institute.  
Note: If you are unable to attend after you have already signed up for the Institute please contact Stefanie Rosenberg Wager, Social Studies Consultant at the Iowa Department of Education at stefanie.wager@iowa.gov or (515) 725-7842.

License renewal is available for the Institute; however, participants must sign up to attend both days in order to be eligible for credit. To register for credit, click here or go to www.heartlandaea.org and click on Professional Development then Heartland AEA PD Catalog. Where it says, “Enter an Activity Number” enter SS004399991501 and then complete the registration process.

Use the sharing functions below to pass the information on to anyone who may be interested in attending.

Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation Workshop, June 26

The Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation is coming to Des Moines to do a one-day workshop on June 26 at the Gold Star Museum at Camp Dodge. The Foundation recently created curriculum around Congressional Medal of Honor recipients. Each lesson highlights a recipient and is centered around a character trait of the recipient. This has great ties to social studies and character development. 

The workshop is also entirely FREE to attend and is open to any teacher or administrator of grades 6-12. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Click here for registration information.

Questions may be directed to Stefanie Rosenberg Wager, Social Studies Consultant at the Iowa Department of Education at stefanie.wager@iowa.gov or (515) 725-7842.

Use the sharing functions below to pass this information on to anyone who may be interested in attending.

April 2014 Each & Every Child Newsletter

Click here for a link to the April 2014 edition of the Each & Every Child newsletter from the Iowa Department of Education. This month’s issue highlights what all of our work is about: To make students productive and happy members of society. In addition, read the feedback given on high-growth schools.

March 2014 AEA PD Online and AEA K-12 Online Blog Updates

The March blog updates for AEA PD Online and AEA K-12 Online are now available. Go to www.aeapdonline.org/ or www.aeak12online.org for information. For real time updates, follow AEA PD Online on Twitter @aeapdonline or on your mobile device by accessing our app at myapp.is/aeapdonline.

 

• 2014 Summer Ollie and Mollie Course Schedule
• Tool of the Month: Using Twitter in your online courses
• Upcoming Courses: April 1-May 15, 2014
• External Partners

• 10 ideas for Using Twitter in your Online or Blended Course
• Twitter finds a Place in the Classroom

Teaching Spelling and Decoding, June 5 & 6

Join us June 5 & 6 for a Teaching Spelling and Decoding course that has a particular focus on the needs of struggling readers. The course will explore the five principles that govern English spelling; best practices in teaching both spelling and decoding; and how to examine a student's reading and spelling to guide instruction. Click here to register.

Please pass this information on to any K-12 reading, spelling and language arts teachers who may be interested in attending.

Impacting Lives Blog Showcases AEA Services

View the latest Impacting Lives update at http://aeas4iowa.wordpress.com/ for stories about the many ways Iowa's AEAs are making a difference.
In this issue:

• Transition: Working to Build a Life Beyond the Classroom
• Northwest AEA/Denison success: Integrating the Multi-Tiered System of Supports
• Instructional Services – 3D Printing and Scanning

Help Spread the Word for Upcoming Family Events

Diverse Learners Resource Fair
March 29, 2014
10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Heartland AEA West Des Moines Campus
Click here for more information about this fair that links families of children and youth with special needs to community and agency resources.

ASPIRE Support Group’s Autism Month “Breaking Through Challenging Behavior” Presentation
April 1, 2014

7:00-8:30 p.m.
Heartland AEA Ames Office
Click here for more information about this presentation focusing on functional behavior assessment with Sean Casey, challenging behavior and autism consultant at the Iowa Department of Education.

Transition Fair April 7, 2014
5:30-8:30 p.m.
ADM High School, Adel
Click here for more information about this fair for families, educators and others serving students 14 and over with disabilities. Registration is required as an evening meal and childcare will be provided.

Core-Aligned Math Vocabulary Cards for K-12 Grades

Heartland AEA's Creative Services now offers Core-aligned math vocabulary cards created by Granite Schools, Salt Lake City, Utah. The cards have been created based on research for building vocabulary skills. Heartland's math consultants recommend these cards as a great tool to build a common language in a building or district.

Cards come in sets by grade level, K-12. The cards can be printed on bond paper or cardstock. Lamination costs would be an extra fee.

If you are interested in purchasing the cards please contact Jill Crees at creativeservices@heartlandaea.org or (800) 255-0405 ext. 14368.

I-ELDA Testing Reminder

The I-ELDA testing window, February 1, 2014 to April 30, 2014, is still open. 

All identified ESL students must take the IELDA if:

• They are being served in an ESL program.
• They have been identified but parents have signed a wavier to exclude them from ESL service.
• They are in the transition stage of services and have not been exited from the ESL program.
• They arrive in your district from another Iowa school, are identified as ESL, received services at the sending school but have not taken the I-ELDA yet this year.

Students would not take the I-ELDA if

• They are new to the country and district, arriving during the testing window.
• They are still in the process of being identified for services and needing to take the screener, TELPA.
• They have been exited from the ESL program because they have met all exit criteria.
• They have taken the I-ELDA in another Iowa district prior to moving to yours.

Click here for more information on I-ELDA Testing.

Upcoming Iowa ASCD Learning Opportunities

Curriculum Leadership Academy
April 10 & 11, 2014
Hilton Garden Inn, Johnston, IA
Click here for more information about the Iowa ASCD 12th Annual Curriculum Leadership Academy. The Curriculum Leadership Academy will be held on April 10 and 11 and is designed for those who have leadership responsibilities in the areas of curriculum, instruction, assessment or professional development.

2nd Annual Competency-Based Education Conference
June 23 & 24, 2014
Iowa Events Center, Des Moines, IA
CBE provides a strong framework for teachers and administrators to understand the Iowa Core and ensure students are college, career and citizenship-ready. Come learn how students can learn and demonstrate competencies which will endure throughout time. Click here for more information.

Click here to register for either or both events.

The dissemination of information from external organizations by Heartland AEA does not imply sponsorship or endorsement of the information. It is being passed on to our stakeholders for its educational value.

Drake University Education Leadership Symposium featuring Dr. Thomas Guskey

Drake University will host a session with Dr. Thomas Guskey on The Leader's Role in Implementing Standards-Based Grading.

As educators align instruction and assessments with the Common Core standards for student learning, most find they also must change their grading policies and revise their report card. Learn how to develop new standards-based grading policies and practices that are better for ALL students, gain the support of parents, and don’t create excessive work for teachers.

The session will be held June 18, 2014 at the Iowa Events Center, Hy-Vee Hall, Des Moines, IA. Click here to register.

The dissemination of information from external organizations by Heartland AEA does not imply sponsorship or endorsement of the information. It is being passed on to our stakeholders for its educational value.

Assessing Academic Rigor Course Added for This Summer

We have added another Assessing Academic Rigor course to the catalog! This course is required for school administrators (superintendents, central office administration, building principals, assistant principals, etc.) and other educational leaders responsible for evaluating educators who are renewing their licenses. The class will be held June 25, 26, July 1 and 8 at the Johnston REC. For more information or to register, click here.

Requirements for a Paraeducator Generalist Certification

In February 2014 the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners (BOEE) approved new competencies for the Paraeducator Generalist and Paraeducator Special Needs Area of Concentration certifications. The new competencies for certification will be effective January 1, 2015. These changes have the possibility to impact many paraeducators as they pursue certification. Please see the Paraeducator Certification Competency Changes page for a list of questions and answers regarding the changes.

Challenging Behavior Presentation April 1

In recognition of Autism Awareness month, join the ASPIRE support group in Ames for a presentation from behavior expert Dr. Sean Casey, as he explains functional behavior assessments and how they can benefit students. Please pass on the attached flyer to parents, teachers and students who may be interested.

April 1, 2014
7:00-8:30 p.m.
Heartland AEA Ames Office

To register, contact Jamie Gurganus, Heartland AEA Parent Coordinator, at jgurganus@heartlandaea.org and include any accommodations needed.

Transition Fair to Help Students Get Ready for Post-Secondary Pursuits

Parents, students ages 14+, educators and AEA staff are invited to attend this fair to gather information that will be of assistance for students with special needs who will be transitioning from high school to post-secondary pursuits.

April 7, 2014
5:30-8:30 p.m.
ADM High School, Adel

Click here to register. Please pass on the attached flyer to parents, teachers and students who may be interested.

Introducing Pebble Go for Young Readers!

Heartland AEA is pleased to announce the addition of Pebble Go to the digital content available for schools. http://www.pebblego.com

Beginning readers and beginning researchers (of any age) can use these leveled texts, read-aloud ebooks and videos at school and at home to learn about

Animals
Earth & Space
Biographies
Social Studies

Pebble Go includes games, articles, activities, word finds, lesson plans and correlations to standards. The read-aloud text highlights words as read. There is an easy-to-use search feature. Short videos illustrate concepts. It has been used successfully in Pella (Lincoln and Madison), Southeast Polk (Centennial & Mitchellville), Van Meter and West Des Moines (Phenix).

The username/password is the same one used for the other Heartland AEA online databases. You may want to share this URL and username/password with parents so students can use Pebble Go at home.

Reproducibles
You’ll find some fun and engaging reproducibles in Pebble Go so students can draw, practice writing and share what they learn. Teachers can, of course, make their own copies. Or, you can order multiple copies from Heartland AEA at a cost of $.02 a sheet.

Mobile Access
A new version that will work on mobile devices and iPads will be available April 2014.

If you have questions about Pebble Go or any online resource provided by Heartland AEA, contact Susan Schrader, Director of Resources and Library Services, at sschrader@heartlandaea.org.

Creative Services Can Do Your Spring Printing!

It's spring and your school is bustling with activity! Remember that Heartland AEA Creative Services can design and print materials for prom, graduation and other springtime activities. Click here to see samples of what we have done for area schools.

For more information, contact Creative Services at creativeservices@heartlandaea.org or 
(800) 255-0405 ext. 14368.

Reminder: Johnston REC Closed & No Heartland AEA Vans Week of March 15-22

The Agency has successfully made it through the first month of the Johnston REC HVAC remodeling project, and things are progressing largely on schedule. As was previously communicated, our Johnston REC building will be completely closed the week of March 15-22. No one will be allowed in the building during this week, and there will be no van delivery to schools. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but tried to schedule this interruption when many schools are on spring break. 

We would appreciate it if you would pass this message on to everyone in your district/school.

Stipend Opportunity for Mathematics Teacher-Teams of ELLs and Other Diverse Students

The course, Empowering Middle and High School ELLs in the Mathematics Core, will be held on April 12 and 26, and License Renewal and EDEX graduate credit are being offered.

The participants will examine strategies and techniques to assist English Language Learners develop both language skills and content knowledge in the mathematics classroom. Teachers will practice and take away useful strategies rooted in the firm understanding of the language acquisition process. Teachers will examine the principles of differentiation as they apply specifically to ELLs. Teachers will also examine how language-rich instruction and hands-on experiences empower ELLs with the skills to be successful in mathematics.

Title III funds will provide a stipend of $200 for all grade 5-12 educators who fulfill the course requirements and are currently employed within the Heartland AEA ELL consortium. Des Moines Public Schools educators are also eligible to receive the stipend through Vinh Nguyen, DMPS ELL Coordinator.

Click here to register. Please pass this information on to eligible teachers.

ISPRA Spring Conference, April 3-4

The Iowa School Public Relations Association (ISPRA) is an organization of public relations professionals, superintendents, principals, teachers and others interested in fostering understanding and support for education. Their annual spring conference will be held on Thursday, April 3-4, 2014 in West Des Moines. Click here for more information and to register.

The dissemination of information from external organizations by Heartland AEA does not imply sponsorship or endorsement of the information. It is being passed on to our stakeholders for its educational value.

Upcoming Iowa ASCD Learning Opportunities

Curriculum Leadership Academy
April 10 & 11, 2014
Hilton Garden Inn, Johnston, IA
Click here for more information about the Iowa ASCD 12th Annual Curriculum Leadership Academy. The Curriculum Leadership Academy will be held on April 10 and 11 and is designed for those who have leadership responsibilities in the areas of curriculum, instruction, assessment or professional development.

2nd Annual Competency-Based Education Conference
June 23 & 24, 2014
Iowa Events Center, Des Moines, IA
CBE provides a strong framework for teachers and administrators to understand the Iowa Core and ensure students are college, career and citizenship-ready. Come learn how students can learn and demonstrate competencies which will endure throughout time. Click here for more information.

Click here to register for either or both events.

The dissemination of information from external organizations by Heartland AEA does not imply sponsorship or endorsement of the information. It is being passed on to our stakeholders for its educational value.

Scholarship Opportunity for Students

The Board of Church and Society of the United Methodist Church is conducting an essay contest and will present five scholarships ranging from $1,000 - $200.  The contest is open to students who are high school juniors or seniors during the current school year (2013-2014) who live in Iowa or attend an Iowa high school. Students need not be a member of a United Methodist church or any other religious body. 

"Causes and results of inequitable distribution of wealth, opportunity or education" is the topic for this year. Essays must be 1,000 words or less and sent to Paul Linn in Word.doc at plinn@msn.com on or before March 21. The student must include a brief summary of activities that he/she has participated in at school or in the community including efforts for social justice. Also included should be the student’s name, address, phone number, name of high school and name of counselor. Awards will be presented during Iowa Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church in June in Des Moines, Iowa.

If you have questions, contact Paul Linn at (515) 225-6150.

The dissemination of information from external organizations by Heartland AEA does not imply sponsorship or endorsement of the information. It is being passed on to our stakeholders for its educational value.

Brandon Busteed, "Take Two!"

Unfortunately, the original February 4 session with Brandon Busteed, Executive Director at Gallup Education, was snowed out. Fortunately, we were able to book Busteed later this spring! 

We will hold a presentation for superintendents during the Heartland Administrators’ Association Meeting on Tuesday, May 6, and an additional session for principals, district administrators and curriculum directors will be held that afternoon from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Busteed will share research findings of how schools are increasing student engagement, hope and well-being and why these measures are more important than tests and grades. It will be a great opportunity for superintendents or principals to bring in school teams.

Click here to register. Use the sharing functions below to email this post to interested teachers or post on your professional blog, Twitter, Facebook or Google+ pages.

Early Literacy Assessment Implementation Decision Needed by March 31

Iowa’s school districts are expected to promote effective evidence-based programming, instruction and assessment practices to support all students to become proficient readers by the end of the third grade. As one step toward meeting these expectations, most districts have indicated a plan to implement the Iowa TIER system and its related assessments, FAST and IGDI, for the 2014-15 school year. This is the system currently being piloted by 10% of Iowa's elementary schools.

Regional trainings for the Iowa TIER system are coming, and training dates and signup procedures will be distributed in the near future. Please consult among your administrative and leadership teams, including the technology and curriculum directors, to determine if your district will use this system next year. Districts that wish to participate in this training must be able to meet a list of technical requirements for implementing the Iowa TIER system.

To help confirm implementation plans and ensure and support district technology infrastructure, Lance Wilhelm, Heartland AEA Director of Technology, and/or members of the agency’s technology department, will be in contact with all area districts in March. If you have questions, Lance can be reached at lwhilhelm@heartlandaea.org or (515) 270-9030.

More detailed information about the new expectations and requirements, the Iowa TIER system and other approved literacy assessments that districts may use is available on the Iowa Department of Education website at: https://www.educateiowa.gov/early-literacy-implementation

TLC Grant Applications Now Posted

Congratulations to the following awardees of the Teacher Leadership and Compensation grant announced earlier this week be the Iowa Department of Education.

    Colo-NESCO
    Earlham
    Gilbert
    Johnston
    North Polk
    Norwalk
    Panorama
    Pella
    Roland-Story
    Saydel
    Southeast Polk
    Van Meter
    West Des Moines
    Winterset

To read the full Department press release, click here.

Heartland AEA is beginning to post some of the TLC grants that were funded in Year 1 on the TLC Google Site.

STARLAB Portable Domes Available for Checkout

Remember crawling into a STARLAB portable dome to learn about astronomy and other things? We have Classic and Digital STARLAB portable domes available for checkout at Heartland AEA! To use the domes, teachers must receive training. Our next class is March 31 at our West Des Moines Campus. More details are below. Click here to learn more about our STARLABs.

Classic STARLAB Training
Date: March 31, 2014
Time: 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Location: Room 117, Sanctuary of Heartland AEA West Des Moines Campus (815 8th Street, West Des Moines)
Activity Number: SC009792111401
Description: This workshop addresses the care and use of the Classic STARLAB portable planetarium. The Classic STARLAB is the “traditional” STARLAB that uses various cylinders to project celestial bodies, etc. onto the planetarium dome.

Digital STARLAB Training
Date: March 31, 2014
Time: 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Location: Room 117, Sanctuary of Heartland AEA West Des Moines Campus (815 8th Street, West Des Moines)
Activity Number: SC009892111401
Description: This workshop addresses the care and use of the Digital STARLAB portable planetarium. Participants will learn how to setup and take down the STARLAB, as well as learn the basic functions of the software (Starry Night Small Dome) that powers the Digital STARLAB. A MacBook Pro computer that comes with the kit operates the planetarium software.

Use the sharing functions below to email this post to interested teachers or post on your professional blog, Twitter, Facebook or Google+ pages.

Johnston REC Closed & No Heartland AEA Vans Week of March 15-22

The Agency has successfully made it through the first month of the Johnston REC HVAC remodeling project, and things are progressing largely on schedule. As was previously communicated, our Johnston REC building will be completely closed the week of March 15-22. No one will be allowed in the building during this week, and there will be no van delivery to schools. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but tried to schedule this interruption when many schools are on spring break. 

We would appreciate it if you would pass this message on to everyone in your district/school.

March 2014 School Leader Update

Click here to download the March 2014 issue of the School Leader Update from the Iowa Department of Education. In this month’s issue, Department Director Brad Buck writes about the Teacher Leadership and Compensation roll out, while Department Attorney Nicole Proesch outlines the specifics of the law regarding snow days. And Department Policy Liaison Mike Cormack writes about how emotion can enter into the ongoing debate over education issues.

Quick Pitch Biz Competition for Business-Minded High School Students

The Jacobson Institute for Youth Entrepreneurship is running a Quick Pitch Biz Competition for high school students in grades 9-12. Students don't need a business background or existing business.  All they need is an idea to compete!

Competitors need:

•    Motivation
•    Passion
•    Good idea

Students can compete using a new or existing business/invention/innovation idea OR build off an innovation developed from an existing program.

Click here for more information. Deadline to submit Application and 1-page Executive Summary is Friday, April 11.

The dissemination of information from external organizations by Heartland AEA does not imply sponsorship or endorsement of the information. It is being passed on to our stakeholders for its educational value.