Statewide AEA PD: Just One Click Away!

You can now easily access the professional development offerings of all of Iowa's AEAs through our Heartland AEA professional development catalog or website. If you aren't able to find just the right activity through our AEA, you can easily visit the course catalogs of the other eight AEAs to find what's right for you. Click here to begin your search today!

Help Us Improve Our Communication Efforts!

The Heartland AEA Communications Dept. strives to continuously improve our agency communications vehicles. To assist us in our efforts, we would appreciate your feedback about our communications vehicles -- the Administrator Connection and our agency website -- on this very short survey. Thank you for your input!

We Are Social! Are You?

Have you followed Heartland AEA and the AEA system on social media yet? If yes, great—now tell a friend! If not, what are you waiting for? 

Heartland AEA 
• Facebook 
• Twitter

AEA System 
• Facebook 
• Twitter 
• Blog 
• Pinterest

Sign Up for News Clips – A Daily Round-Up of Education News

The Heartland AEA News Clips is a short compilation of state and national education news sent daily by email to AEA and district staff who have subscribed. It is an overview from various state and national media outlets and other websites – it is by no means an exhaustive list. If you’d like to be added to the list, just send an email to comms@heartlandaea.org.

Here is a sample of the clips:

Please find listed below today's local and national education news headlines courtesy of the Heartland AEA Communications Department. Some media sources require digital access subscriptions. News clips receivers are responsible for setting up their own digital access for these media sources. Heartland AEA is unable to provide this digital access for our news clips receivers. We thank you for your understanding.

Iowa News
Iowa literacy initiative collaborates with colleges and universities
Vilsack defends new school nutrition guidelines 
Schools' emergency response plans criticized
Foreign students 'add spice' to Iowa colleges

National News
States Forge Ahead on Principal Evaluation
Public Schools Outperform Private Schools, Book Says
A Math App That Offers an Unusual Human Touch
Integrating Social-Emotional Learning Into High School 
Superintendents publicly criticize state testing
 
Note: The dissemination of these compiled news articles by Heartland AEA does not imply sponsorship or endorsement of the information. The articles come from independent media sources who are solely responsible for their content and are being passed on to our stakeholders for their educational value.

Reminder: Heartland AEA 2014 Summer Van Delivery

Heartland AEA vans will deliver twice a week to each district administration building. If you have summer school, professional development programs or intercessions and you would like regularly scheduled deliveries to additional buildings, please email Colleen Miller at colleen_miller@heartlandaea.org.

Schedule-to-date:

• Twice-a-week delivery to each district administration building runs June 16 to August 7.
• Twice-a-week delivery will automatically continue to each building that has an extended year calendar.
• Regular fall van delivery resumes August 11.

Printing:

• Heartland AEA will contact the district to arrange for special delivery of large printing orders during the summer.

Iowa Teacher & Principal Leadership Symposium Website Launched; Registration Open to the Public

Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds launched EducationLeadership.Iowa.gov, a website for the second Iowa Teacher and Principal Leadership Symposium, which will be held on Monday, Aug. 4, at the FFA Enrichment Center at Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny.

Featured speakers include Vivien Stewart from the Asia Society, Ee-Ling Low from the National Institute of Education in Singapore and Barnett Berry from the Center for Teaching Quality.

Also featured are:

• Iowa’s first 39 school districts to launch teacher leadership systems in 2014-15 as part of the state’s landmark 2013 education reform package 
• Two Iowa school districts – Central Decatur and Saydel – that started teacher leadership systems in 2013-14 with the help of a federal grant
• A student panel on the difference great teaching makes

The event is open to the public, with the goal of attracting a broad cross-section of Iowans, including educators, parents, school board members, business leaders and legislators. The website includes the agenda, speaker biographies, sponsors and information on how to register.
 
Registration for the day is $30, with room for about 465 attendees.

June 2014 School Leader Update

Click here to download the June 2014 issue of the School Leader Update from the Iowa Department of Education. In this issue, Education Director Brad Buck looks back at the successful legislative session. Education Attorney Nicole Proesch gives an update on new laws that concern every school district. And competency-based education is being launched in some areas across the state – read what two districts are doing.

Senior Year Plus Guide for Educators and Educational Administrators Now Available

The second edition of the Senior Year Plus Guide for Educators and Educational Administrators is now available on the Department of Education’s website.  The 60-page guide provides the requirements for Senior Year Plus programs in Iowa Code and administrative rule along with updated guidance, frequently asked questions, and other information related to college credit opportunities for high school students.

Please don’t hesitate to contact Eric St Clair, educational program consultant within the Bureau of Career and Technical Education, Division of Community Colleges at eric.stclair@iowa.gov or at (515) 725-0127 if you have any questions.

DMACC Surplus Items Available

Des Moines Area Community College has surplus available at the Ankeny Campus. The surplus items are free and are available for pick up. If you are interested in any of the below items, please contact Julie Klocke, DMACC Purchasing, at jaklocke1@dmacc.edu.

•    60 x 24 Table with gray laminate top
•    (5) 24 x 60 Tables with mauve laminate top
•    (4) 30 X 48 Computer Tables with speckled gray tops 

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.

June 6 TLC Grant Planning Workshop

Heartland AEA will hold a TLC Grant Planning Workshop for districts that did not apply in year 1. The workshop will be on Friday, June 6, at the Johnston REC. The workshop will be held from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in Room 13A. Districts can also participate remotely via Zoom. Details about joining remotely will be sent out later. The agency also plans to hold another workshop in early September and facilitate a grant review process in October or November.

Please fill out this Google Form by Friday, May 30, if you plan to participate in the TLC Planning Workshop on June 6. The draft agenda is below.

1.  Brief TLC overview, update and Q&A---Peter Ansingh

2.  Brief Review of Grant Questions and Scoring Rubric----Kevin Fangman

3.  Critical components and organization tips for crafting the different sections of your TLC Grant---Kevin Fangman

4.  Lessons Learned from Year 1 Applications---Kevin Fangman

5.  Creating a Vision, Setting Goals, Securing Stakeholder Support, Identifying Teacher Leader Roles and Q&A---Panel of Year 1 Grant Recipients

6.  Team Planning Time--(The room will be available in the afternoon if teams want to stay and plan.)

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Kevin Fangman.

Professional Learning Communities at Work

The Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) at Work process is increasingly recognized as the most powerful strategy for sustained, substantive school improvement. At our upcoming professional learning session, participants will enhance their understanding of the philosophy and key concepts inherent in PLCs with the goal of applying those concepts, as well as specific processes, to create and sustain effective, efficient and high-functioning PLCs in their own schools. Catch the conversation on Twitter at #plcaea11!

Date: June 26, 2014
Location: 5291 Stoney Creek Court, Johnston
Activity Number: SI017399991501

Addressing Student Mental Health in a Multi-Tiered System of Supports

School administrators, at-risk coordinators, guidance counselors and general education teachers are encouraged to join us either June 20 or 21 to learn about using MTSS in supporting student mental health needs. Register soon for either one of the trainings below.

Date: June 20, 2014
Time: 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Location: Johnston REC
Activity Number: DL014492111502

Date: July 21, 2014
Time: 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Location: Johnston REC
Activity Number: DL014492111503

PBL+SBL=Success Class Offered this Summer

The underlying principal for this upcoming course; Project Based Learning (PBL) plus Standards Based Learning/Grading (SBL) equals success!

Many educators are trying to shift the students' focus from 'grades' to the actual process of 'learning.' The authentic inquiry process and natural differentiation found in well designed PBLs will assist all content area teachers to implement and demonstrate the Characteristics of Effective Instruction (START).

All participants ranging from, “I have no idea what this is” to “I have the foundation knowledge and want to build on it” will benefit from this course as it is a participant-centered. The end task (through formative assessments, learning activities, small group discussions and peer/facilitator feedback opportunities) is to create a well designed PBL that will be ready to implement in the fall.

Dates: July 28 & 29 (+ online), 2014
Time: 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Location: Johnston REC
Activity Number: IS019392111501

Our Kids Summer Institute 2014 Milestone

For the past ten years, the Our Kids has provided a high-quality professional development opportunity for teachers and administrators who work with English learners. Historically, premier presenters from the U.S and Canada have shared their expertise, networking opportunities and multicultural experiences have been provided and various conference strands have met a range of needs and interests among participants.

In addition, Our Kids prides itself on highlighting cultures of students and families in Iowa by incorporating culturally and linguistically diverse voices in panels, cultural performances, planning, etc.

Speakers at this year’s event will include:

Edward Steinman - Civil Rights attorney in the landmark Lau v. Nichols judgment (1974) that precipitated a federal requirement for ESL programming in K-12 schools

Consuelo Kickbush - Inspiring author, role model and founder, EDUCATIONAL Achievement Services, Inc.

Diane August - Managing researcher at American Institute of Research (AIR), author, ELL expert and national leader

Jeanette Gordon - Education specialist of differentiated instruction and ELL methods, Illinois Resource Center (IRC)

In addition, there will be a variety of “spotlight sessions” of interest that participants can select to attend.

Dates: June 24 & 25, 2014
Location: Waukee High School
Activity Number: ES007668221501*

 *It is important to note that if your school had to write a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) you must attend with a team from your district. Heartland AEA will provide a $200 stipend for area school staff members who attend both days. Districts are encouraged to send teams of classroom teachers, administrators and ESL teachers.

Help Us Improve Our Communication Efforts!

The Heartland AEA Communications Dept. strives to continuously improve our agency communications vehicles. To assist us in our efforts, we would appreciate your feedback about our communications vehicles -- the Administrator Connection and our agency website -- on this very short survey. Thank you for your input!

Heartland AEA 2014 Summer Van Delivery

Heartland AEA vans will deliver twice a week to each district administration building. If you have summer school, professional development programs or intercessions and you would like regularly scheduled deliveries to additional buildings, please email Colleen Miller at colleen_miller@heartlandaea.org.

Schedule-to-date:

• Twice-a-week delivery to each district administration building runs June 16 to August 7.
• Twice-a-week delivery will automatically continue to each building that has an extended year calendar.
• Regular fall van delivery resumes August 11.

Printing:

• Heartland AEA will contact the district to arrange for special delivery of large printing orders during the summer.

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. 

• Adapted Cars Encourage Exploration and Curiosity in Kids With Disabilities
• Transformed Teaching through AEA Collaboration 
• Summer: Romping, reveling and…reading
• Building Confidence by Strengthening Voices 
• Scuba Diving Experience Launches DSM Students’ Blog

End-of-Year Data Clean up Guide for Teaching Strategies GOLD

Access the Department’s document that assists administrators with the end-of-year data clean up for Teaching Strategies GOLD. This is the assessment all preschool teachers use with their children.

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

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

 
 

•    AEA PD Online Launches Self-Paced Courses in June
•    Upcoming Course: June 15-July 31, 2014
•    External Partners



 
  
•    Everfi: Free E-curriculum for Iowa Teachers
•    Infuse Learning: Learner Response System

Fall 2014 Section 504 Training for Public School Staff

Heartland AEA will offer Section 504 trainings to districts. Sites will include Ames, Ankeny and Indianola. Trainings are open to all schools within Heartland AEA's service area and the primary standard taught will be free and appropriate public education. Districts are encouraged to send teams consisting of counselors, administrators and school nurses and should bring their district 504 manual (plan).  The courses are offered at no charge to districts.

Topics to be covered include:

• Changes to the interpretation of Section 504 since the ADAA 2008
• How to review and update your district-wide Section 504 Plan
• The interaction of a Section 504 plan and an Individual Health Plan
• Review of obligations under the Child Find and evaluation mandates
• Evaluation requirements
• Eligibility determination and eligible but not in need of a plan
• Section 504 vs. IDEA 2004, understanding the distinction
• Resources available to assist districts including, access to a newly developed Section 504 Google Site

Location and Dates:
Ames AEA Office
511 S. 17th Street, Ames, Iowa 50010, Conference Rooms A, B & C
September 16, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Activity Number: DL014592111501

Indianola AEA Office
Conference Room, 115 West Salem, Indianola, Iowa 50125 
September 23, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Activity Number: DL014592111502

Ankeny Southview Middle School
1020 SW Cherry St., Ankeny, IA 50023, Classroom # 1208/1210
September 30, 2014 from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Activity Number: DL014502611501

The instructor for the course is MaryAnn Strawhacker, MPH, RN, Section 504 Consultant and Special Education Nurse Consultant for Heartland AEA. Space is limited so register soon.

Save the Date: AIW Mid-Year Conference

Host: Boone Community School District
Date: February 16, 2015
Location: Boone Middle School Campus
Focus:  “Authentic Intellectual Work that supports using formative assessment to develop meaningful, timely, and targeted instruction to meet the needs of students.”

Watch for more details this fall!

Help AEA PD Online Prioritize YOUR Needs!

In order to best serve you, AEA PD Online needs your feedback! Please take 10 minutes to complete their prioritization survey, which asks you to prioritize a list of online training topics. You will be asked to choose 5 topics you feel are the most important to finish in the upcoming year and then rate the other topics on a strong-moderate-weak priority rating.

By the fall of 2014, AEA PD Online will offer 50 online trainings on their training system. Your feedback will allow them to continue to expand their offerings in a way that is meaningful to you and your staff. You may also add suggestions about other trainings you would like to see developed. Please feel free to pass the survey on to other staff members who may have an interest in providing input on this topic.

Thanks for your feedback -- we look forward to hearing from you!

Iowa's AYP Alternate Assessments for 2014-2015

Please go to the Department's webpage for a series of short webcasts providing introductory information on Iowa’s AYP Alternate Assessment Policy, Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) Assessment System, Iowa Alternate Assessment Science (IAAS) System and processes for the 2014-2015 school year.  

Additional information includes assessment training requirements, roles and responsibilities of district personnel including tech support and a comparison crosswalk document between IAAS and DLM ELA & Math assessment processes.

Participants are encouraged to make comments and submit questions through the survey link identified for each webcast.  A frequently asked question document will be constructed from the surveys and posted on the webpage.

Fine Arts Summer PD Courses

Please pass on the following information to fine arts staff. These professional development opportunities are hosted by the Iowa Department of Education.  

Fine Arts in Iowa Core
June 13, 2014
North Iowa Area Community College
This day is designed for educators who have not had a fine arts/Iowa Core alignment introduction and experience with lessons and assessments focused in their area of discipline.  The disciplines offered are instrumental music, vocal music, general music, visual art and drama/theatre.

Register at https://www.educateiowa.gov/event/fine-arts-iowa-core-research-practice-discovery-0

Fine Arts: Revisited, National Standards: Revised
June 18, 2014
Ramada Tropics Resort and Conference Center
This day is designed to introduce the Fine Arts National Revised Standards, navigate the interactive website, and provide experience combining the guidance in the Fine Arts Companion documents and revised Fine Arts National Standards in lessons, classroom expectations and assessments. The keynote speaker is Lynn Tuttle, Arizona Department of Education, and lead writer of the Fine Arts National Standards Revision.

Register at https://www.educateiowa.gov/event/fine-arts-connections-iowarefined-nationalrevised-part-2

The days are offered at no cost to participants. Course credit is optional as an on-line forum and at participant's cost. 

Learning Forward Launches Free Online Principal PD Resources

Learning Forward has launched a collection of free online professional development resources for principals and aspiring K-12 school leaders. The Principal Story Learning Guide, based on the PBS documentary The Principal Story, features web-based lessons and activities "and incorporates knowledge from 13 years of work with school districts and from research on education leadership funded by The Wallace Foundation," according to a news release. 

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.

AEA PD Online Training System Tips

The AEA PD Online Training System begins its 11th year of operation this fall! To help districts get the most out of the Training System, find a handout of helpful tips.

Stipend Available for Our Kids Summer Institute

Registration for the "Our Kids Summer Institute" is open through the Heartland AEA Professional Development Catalog. Districts are encouraged to send a team(s) of administrators, classroom and ESL teachers and any other staff members who impact the education of ELLs. 

For Heartland AEA area school districts, Des Moines excluded, Title III will provide a $200 stipend for each person attending both days of Our Kids. The claim form for this stipend will be available on the last day. 

License renewal credit, only, is available at the time of registration. There are limited spots available so make sure to register soon.

Teaching World War I Workshop Coming to Iowa

The Iowa Council for the Social Studies (ICSS) was recently awarded a mini-grant from the Library of Congress. As a result of the grant, ICSS is putting on a two-day workshop, with two follow-up webinars, entitled "Primarily Teaching: World War I through Photos, Documents and Artifacts." Twenty-six social studies teachers will be selected for this unique and engaging experience. 

When: July 30-31, 2014 (with two additional follow-up webinars in the fall) 
Time: 9:00-3:30 each day 
Location: State Historical Museum of Iowa (600 E. Locust, Des Moines) 

The application deadline is May 22. A $300 stipend is available. Awardees will be notified by May 29. 
To apply go to http://bit.ly/1lYTmYC 
For more information, check out the attached flyer.

Title I Spring Update Webinar Information and Recording Link

Please forward the following message from Susan Selby, Title I Consultant at Iowa Department of Education, to district Title I contacts. 

We apologize that many of you were unable to join the Title I Spring Update webinar (Zoom) on May 6. Fortunately, this session was recorded and is available for you to view at the following location: https://educateiowa.eduvision.tv/Default.aspx?q=M1%252fSz0zM2vcNdSyktNSlmA%253d%253d 

An additional live webinar session is scheduled to be held on May 13 at 1:30 p.m. Detailed information is below. At this time, due to the capabilities available at the Iowa Department of Education, there will continue to be a limit of 100 participants. If necessary, we will schedule another webinar session to accommodate your needs. 

As always, questions can be emailed to carolyn.paulaitis@iowa.gov or susan.selby@iowa.gov at any time. 

We look forward to seeing you later this summer at the Title I New Application Workshops. The information regarding dates, locations and times will be distributed as soon as it is available. 

May 13, 2014, 1:30 PM

Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device: Please click this URL to start or join. https://IDOE.zoom.us/j/191317765 
Or, go to https://IDOE.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID: 191 317 765 

Join from dial-in phone line: 
Dial: +1 (415) 762-9988 or +1 (646) 568-7788 
Meeting ID: 191 317 765 
Participant ID: Shown after joining the meeting 
International numbers available: https://IDOE.zoom.us/zoomconference 

Join from a H.323/SIP room system: 
Dial: 4.34.125.152 (US East) or 4.35.64.152 (US West) 
Meeting ID: 191 317 765

Iowa BOEE May 2014 Newsletter

Click here for the link to the Iowa BOEE's May 2014 newsletter. Topics include: important information about hiring, legislation, the TeachIowa.gov website, new endorsement areas and more.

Free SchoolReach Webinar on Bullying Liability

Districts across the country are losing millions of dollars due to bullying lawsuits that could have been avoided. This webinar will focus on the liability attached to both school districts and individuals for failing to act and strategies districts can employ to minimize the risk involved when handling bullying incidents. Click here to register for the May 15 webinar.

Superintendents: May 6 HAA Meeting

Click here for the agenda for the May 6 HAA Meeting. The meeting will start at 9:00 a.m. and will be held at the Heartland AEA West Des Moines Campus (815 8th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265).

Register Now for June 26 PLC Workshop

Registration is now open for the Heartland AEA PLC Workshop. Join us June 26 to enhance your understanding of the philosophy and key concepts inherent in professional learning communities. Click here to register.

AEA PD Online to Launch Self-Paced Courses in June

AEA PD Online’s self-paced courses are designed for educators who want to start and complete a course on their own schedule. Self-paced courses will be available for license renewal, sub authorization, and paraeducator renewal at $60/credit.

Courses will be available at http://training.aeapdonline.org.

Digital Citizenship
A six module series focused on instructing teachers how to build responsible digital technology use with students

• Overview to Digital Citizenship
• Cyberbullying and Online Safety
• Digital Literacy
• Netiquette
• Copyright and Fair Use
• Digital Security

Using Iowa AEA Online’s Resources
An overview to integrating multimedia resources into your classroom

• Introduction to Iowa AEA Online
• Using Video in the Classroom
• Using Audio and Images in the Classroom
• Using Resources for Student Research
• Copyright and Fair use

The Exceptional Learner
This meets the requirements for beginning licensure

• Overview to Exceptional Learners
• Categories of Disabilities
• Talented-and-Gifted Education
• Other Types of Exceptionality

National Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4-10

Celebrate Teachers, May 4-10, and especially on Tuesday, May 6, 2014, National Teacher Day! Here’s some things to help thank teachers for making schools great!

• Use the hashtag #TeachersMatter on Twitter to celebrate teachers
• Hop on Pinterest to check out Edutopia’s “Thanks” pinboard
• The National Education Association encourages you to make a six-second video on Vine to #ThankATeacher. Learn more at NEA.

May 2014 School Leader Update

Click here to download the May 2014 issue of the School Leader Update from the Iowa Department of Education. In this issue, Director Brad Buck writes about the components now in place that will move education forward in the state. Attorney Nicole Proesch gives us the skinny on prom do’s and don’ts. And as the Legislature wraps up its work this year, so, too, does Legislative Liaison Mike Cormack.

May 2014 Each and Every Child Newsletter

Click here for a link to the May 2014 edition of the Each and Every Child newsletter from the Iowa Department of Education. In education, we talk a lot about the education slide during the summer break in which students fall behind from the previous school year. But in this issue, you will learn that Prairie Lakes Area Education Agency is doing something about it. Also find tips for parents to keep their students from falling behind.

Listed just below and just preceding the newsletter, there are a few conferences you may be interested in (one is this Saturday, so if you’re interested, you better get moving!).
 
Together We Can, Saturday, May 3
There is still time to register for this Saturday’s annual “Together We Can,” a statewide conference aimed at families, persons with disabilities and the professionals who help them. The daylong conference focuses on self-advocacy, and is hosted by ASK Resource Center. The conference will be held at the State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. For more information, click here.

Avoid the summer slide: free reading and math programs, summer
This is an opportunity for students during the summer break to retain the knowledge they have built up in the preceding school year. And it’s done from the comfort  and convenience of home. Click here for more information.

Parents as Presenters, Sept. 26-27
Parents, you know you have a story to tell. You are invited to apply for “Parents as Presenters – Sept. 26-27.” The workshop teaches and demonstrates the skills you need to effectively share your story with college students majoring in education and community providers. You will be learning and working with other parents who have children with disabilities during the workshop.
Participants are selected through an application process. The deadline for applying is June 2. The applicants selected to attend the workshop receive a stipend to assist with some of the expenses incurred by attending the workshop. There are no registration costs for attending the workshop. To apply, click here.