Friday, August 28, 2015

Our Mission
To provide services and leadership, in partnership with families, schools and communities, that improve the learning outcomes and well-being of all children and youth.

Our Goals
• Increase learning growth for students
• Decrease the gap in achievement
• Increase annual graduation rates
• Increase gateways to post-secondary success 


Meet the New Area Superintendents!

Before the first Heartland Administrator Association Meeting on Tuesday, September 1, we thought that we would introduce you to some new faces. Below are superintendents new to Heartland AEA's area who submitted profiles. 

Tracy Bonday, Diocese of Des Moines
 Education
BBA, University of Miami
Coral Gables, Fl. 1988
JD, University of Miami
Coral Gables, Fl. 1991
Master of Science, Education Administration
Nova Southeastern University, 2006
Currently, Drake University
Certificate Superintendent’s Endorsement

Past work experience
Principal, Blessed Sacrament Huguenot Catholic School,  Pk-12
Richmond, Virginia 2011-2015
AP Government Teacher/Administrative Aide, Douglas Freeman High School
Richmond, Virginia 2007-2011
Social Studies Teacher/SACS Self-Study Chair, Lehigh Senior High School
Ft. Myers, Florida 2005-2007
Development Director, Bishop Verot Catholic High School
Ft. Myers, Florida 2001-2005

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
Bishop Pates was at a National Conference and met the Superintendent for the Diocese of Richmond. Bishop Pates was looking for someone who could take a more entrepreneurial approach to working with schools in the Diocese of Des Moines.  I wanted a position that would allow me to grow professionally and where I could use my strengths in fundraising, marketing and finance.

What is your vision for your district?
To continue to make sure our schools develop and inspire learning for life by providing a world-class education within a Catholic environment.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy spending time with my daughters, cooking and traveling.  I enjoy supporting and spending time with my new extended family through the United States Naval Academy, where my younger daughter attends.  I also enjoy supporting UVA basketball  and watching my daughter perform in the band there.

Kreg Lensch, Glidden-Ralston

 Education
I graduated from Northwestern College and received my masters and specialist from Drake University.

Past work experience
I taught at Storm Lake St. Mary's, East Monona, Boyer Valley and Carroll Schools. I moved to Glidden and taught at Glidden-Ralston until I became principal in 2005.

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
This district is very important to me and I felt it was time for me to move into this type of a leadership role. My vision is to continue to provide multiple opportunities for our students and work to be an example of an exemplary small school.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I continue to coach football and girls basketball as well as follow my sons and daughters many activities...there isn't time for much else!

John Steffes, Kuemper

 Education
Master of Science in Education, Buena Vista University, 2003
Bachelor of Arts, History Teaching, University of Northern Iowa, 1993
Bachelor of Arts, Business Management, University of Northern Iowa, 1986
U.S. Peace Corps Training Program, 1986
Kuemper Catholic High School, 1982

Past work experience
Development Director, Kuemper Foundation
Social Studies Teacher, Kuemper
Driver Education Teacher, Carroll Community Schools
U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer, Botswana

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
I decided to pursue the president position at Kuemper mainly as a vocation in my career.  Having served my entire educational career in Catholic education and being a Kuemper graduate, it was a natural step for me. 

What is your vision for your district?
My vision for the Kuemper system is to advance the ministry of PreK-12 Catholic education for our parishes and for the Carroll area through its mission of a Christ-centered environment where students grow spiritually, academically and socially. Advancing a faith-based education where God is in the classroom becomes an effective synergy for quality academics and social experiences for students. 

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
My hobbies include family time with my wife of 25 years and three children, along with family reunions with my nine siblings. I also enjoy U.S. history and presidents' museums, cross-country skiing, tennis, basketball with the old guys and kite flying.

Randy Alger, Melcher-Dallas
 
Past work experience
Randy Alger, Melcher-Dallas Community School’s Superintendent/Jr.& Sr. High Principal, has been a veteran educator for the past thirty-three years.  Twenty-two years as a classroom teacher and coach, and eleven years as an administrator. 

Randy and his wife, Wendy, have been in education since graduating from Buena Vista College in 1982.  Randy and Wendy started their careers at Moravia CSD and in 1993 their careers took them back to northwest Iowa, to Carroll CSD.  After twelve years, in 2004, Randy was hired to be an administrator at Moulton-Udell CSD where he served as a Pk-12 principal the last five years.

What is your vision for your district?
Melcher-Dallas Community Schools will continue to focus on technology.  I want our students to have every advantage needed to be a productive citizen when they walk out our doors and into the global market. My staff and I will be pushing the “Five R’s,” which include the usual reading, writing and arithmetic, but will also be adding Respect and Responsibility.  When you put these expectations together, you will only ensure student success.

Further information
Randy and Wendy have three grown children, Gvonne, Gavin and Gravis.

Tim Hoffman, Ogden
 
Education
•    PhD - Iowa State University
•    MA - Secondary Administration, University of Northern Iowa
•    BA - Mathematics, University of Northern Iowa
•    BA - Physical Education/Health, University of Northern Iowa

Past work experience
•    Superintendent, Adel DeSoto Minburn, 1983-2008
•    Superintendent, Griswold
•    Superintendent/Elementary Principal, North Kossuth
•    High School Middle School Principal/ Athletic Director, Northeast Hamilton
•    Teacher/coach, Laurens-Marathon
•    Teacher/coach, Manning

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
After retiring at ADM, I kept my certification up in case a part-time or interim position should open. Ogden is a short drive from Adel, part-time interim position, enjoys a good reputation and has excellent people in key positions.

What is your vision for your district?
My vision is to help continue the positive learning environment and get the general fund balanced.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
While away from school, my wife and I like to travel when possible.  I also enjoy golf, landscaping and watching old western movies. 


Shawn Holloway, Panorama
Education
BS at Iowa State (elementary education), Masters at Drake (Educational Leadership), Specialist program from Wayne State

Past work experience
7-12 Principal at Manson Northwest Webster for six years, superintendent at Gladbrook Reinbeck for two years

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
Location, community, solid foundation of good teaching and learning, and opportunities for my children.

What is your vision for your district?
My vision for the Panorama school district is to work towards and continue to be a leader in all aspects of PreK-12 education.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I'm an avid cyclist, love to be outdoors and supporting the Cyclones.

Dirk Halupnik, Southeast Polk

Education
Ed.D. – Educational Leadership, University of Northern Iowa
M.A.E. – Educational Leadership, University of Northern Iowa
B.A. – Biology, University of Northern Iowa

Past work experience
Deputy Superintendent, Linn-Mar CSD
Executive Director of Instructional Services, Linn-Mar CSD
High School Associate Principal, Linn-Mar CSD
Secondary Science Teacher/Coach, Cedar Falls CSD
Secondary Science Teacher/Coach, Dike-New Hartford CSD

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
Southeast Polk is a progressive, growing district with a proud history of excellence in academics, athletics, fine arts, clubs and organizations, coupled with strong community support.   look forward to continuing that great tradition and working closely with all stakeholders to achieve even greater success for the students of Southeast Polk. I believe that my strengths and skill set fit very nicely with the needs and expectations of the district. I am very excited about the opportunity to be able to serve the students, staff, parents and community in this new capacity.

What is your vision for your district?
Our mission is to engage all students in learning a challenging curriculum delivered through quality instruction. A great deal of quality work has been done to prepare students for success in college, career and civic life. It is my goal to continue to develop a learning community that is focused on promoting the success of all students, is open and conducive to meaningful change, and is constantly looking towards improvement and innovation.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy spending time with my wife and two sons. I am a sports fan. I also like to read, listen to music and watch movies.

Tim Salmon, United

 Education
•    B.A. - Elementary Education, University of Northern Iowa, 1993
•    M.A. - Educational Leadership, Stephen F. Austin State University, 1999
•    Superintendent licensure, University of Northern Iowa, 2013

Past work experience
•    Principal at Horizon Elementary, Johnston CSD, 2008-2015
•    Teacher and Coach, Summit Middle School, Johnston CSD, 2005-2008
•    Director of Federal and State Programs, Aldine ISD, Houston, TX, 2002-2003
•    Assistant Director of Magnet Schools, Aldine ISD, 1998-2002
•    Elementary, Middle School Teacher, Skills Specialist and Coach, Aldine ISD 1993-1998, 2003-2005

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
United CSD is a unique district with great traditions. Being a PK-6 school district, this was a great fit for me with my previous elementary experience. The school at United is the central meeting place for the district and the community provides tremendous support for the district.  While many smaller districts are struggling with enrollment, United is showing growth, and I want to help continue that trend. United's location also played a role in my interest, being centrally located. I'm excited to bring my strengths to the district and continue to make United a great district. 

What is your vision for your district?
I first want to see the district continue to grow and sustain financial solvency. Many of the pieces are already in place to make United a great district; we now just need to put all of them together. We are a very good district and need to be able to provide our students and staff the best learning opportunities that are available. The addition of the TLC grant will help build teacher leadership, and I will draw on my experiences of implementing this to help this transition. 

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy spending time with my family, including my wife and two daughters. In my spare time I am an avid sports fan, especially football (Iowa Hawkeyes and Dallas Cowboys fan). You will often find me working in my garage woodworking or working on our vehicles. Working with my hands helps keep me patient and balanced in life.

Steve Bass, Urbandale

 Education
- BA      K-12 Phys. Educ/Health  UNI  1986
- MA     Educational Administration  Drake University  1997
- Ed.S  Educational Administration  Drake University  2001

Past work experience
- Superintendent: Osage CSD  2009-2015
- Elementary School Principal: Southeast Polk CSD  1998-2009
- School Improvement Consultant: AEA 2  1997-1998
- Teacher/Coach: Mason City CSD  1991-1997
- Teacher/Coach: Pinellas Co. School District (Clearwater, FL)  1986-1991

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
The Urbandale CSD is a very progressive, student-focused school district served by incredible staff members and a very supportive community base. The beliefs and commitment to continuous improvement in a systemic manner fit perfectly with my own personal beliefs. Having previously lived in the metro area, I was aware of the great things happening in the Urbandale schools and greater community. Great educational system. Incredible students. Supportive parents and community members. Strong leadership. All of these reasons make for a wonderful place to work, learn, and live.

What is your vision for your district?
My vision is to keep us moving forward with our work with David Langford, Jim Shipley & Associates, and the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program. Urbandale will be a school district that brings learning to life for everyone.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
In my free time I like to do things with my wife, Karla, play golf, weight train, read books, and take walks.

Interested in DreamBox? Statewide Pricing Now Available!

At the request of many Iowa schools, AEA Purchasing (formerly the IEC) has partnered with DreamBox Learning to provide statewide discounted pricing.

Not familiar with DreamBox? DreamBox provides online elementary and middle school math instruction that empowers students to master key concepts and increase achievement through personalized instruction and engaging interactive lessons. Several Iowa schools piloted DreamBox last year with great success.

Statewide pricing is now available! If you are considering implementing this product into your curriculum, now is the time to do so!

For pricing and contact information, go to http://www.aeapurchasing.org/vendor_partners/dreambox/.
For product information, go to www.dreambox.com.

New FAST Benchmarks and TIER Updates

New Updated FAST benchmarks were released through the TIER notification system on Aug. 24. These have changed since the DRAFT release earlier in the month on Aug. 11. The revised Early Literacy Universal Screening Benchmarks are dated Aug. 24.

To address some of the recent questions regarding the changes, we are providing the quotes from TIER as to "why" the benchmarks have changed. 

"Early literacy benchmarks (a.k.a. cutpoints) for the FASTBridge screening tools have been updated for the 2015-2016 year. This update is a result of the research and development team having an additional year of screening data on hand, therefore, a larger sample with which to identify target performance levels. These updates should lead to greater consistency between grade levels (e.g., 3rd to 4th, 4th to 5th, etc.) and between measures (i.e., CBMR and aReading). In general, aReading benchmarks are somewhat higher. "

The TIER knowledge base provides access to the most up-to-date information, benchmark scores, etc.

If you have any questions, please contact Wendy Robinson at wrobinson@heartlandaea.org.
 

TIER Slowdowns
The Iowa TIER site has been experiencing some slowdowns and other issues/bugs. Please remember to submit any issues TIER ticketing system.

If you want to do a quick status check on any of the TIER systems, this link provides that information.

ESL Advisory Dates for 2015-16

All school districts are encouraged to send a representative/team to the quarterly ESL Advisory meetings held at the Heartland AEA Johnston REC in Room 129 from 4-5 p.m. These meetings provide networking, latest Title III and assessment updates, resources and opportunities for districts to apply for Title III mini-grants to support English Learners.

Meetings for the 2015-16 school year are the following:

*Sept. 29
Dec. 1
Feb. 16
May 3

*The first ESL Advisory meeting of the 2015-16 school year will be postponed until Sept. 29. The meeting was originally scheduled for the 8th. On Sept. 29, the Title III Materials mini-grants will be available for application. These grants are focused on supporting ELs through access to Core instruction. This year we will be awarding up to seven mini-grants for $3,500 each.

Contact an ESL/Diversity Consultant if you have questions: Stephaney Jones-Vo, sjonesvo@heartlandaea.org or Janet Hiatt, jhiatt@heartlandaea.org.

Final Reminder: Lau Plan Workshop Scheduled for Sept. 3

Administrative teams with questions remaining about  your district's Lau Plan for meeting needs of English Learners (available for upload this year with your district C-Plan), are invited join us for this workshop for additional support prior to the upload. Remember that this year, the C-Plan approval is contingent upon the Lau Plan approval.

Lau Plan Support
Date: Sept. 3, 2015
Time: 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Register by Activity Number: ES009292111601

Please email your current Lau Plan by Aug. 26 to allow Title III consultants time to review your plan with meaningful feedback, to: sjonesvo@heartlandaea.org and jhiatt@heartlandaea.org

Arrive promptly at 8:30 a.m. for announcements and coffee, with feedback and individual consultation provided as needed.

Title III consultants Stephaney Jones-Vo and Janet Hiatt will be available for consultation and guidance to ensure a smooth approval process when you upload your plan with your district's C-Plan. Remember, this 2015-16 school year will be the first year that C-Plan approval can be stalled pending the approval of your Lau Plan.


Two Lau Plan Tips for Administrators prior to upload on Sept. 15
1.  Encourage districts to PDF the files to ensure they can upload a single document.
2.  Be sure that your districts are aware that their CSIP won't be approved until the LAU Plan is approved this year. That includes using the required template in order to be approved this year.

Save the Date: Iowa Culture & Language Conference

Iowa Culture & Language Conference
Nov. 9-11, 2015
Coralville-Marriott Hotel and Conference Center

Visit the Iowa Culture & Language Conference website or see the attached flyer for more information information about keynote speakers and pre-conference presenters.

Save the Date: STEM Education Equity Symposium

STEM Education Equity: Policies to Create Opportunities in Rural Iowa is a day-long symposium on the opportunities and challenges of strengthening STEM education in Iowa.  The University of Iowa Public Policy Center, as part of its “Run Up to the 2016 Caucus” series, is planning the event in collaboration with the University of Iowa College of Education, and with the support of Iowa NSF EPSCoR*. The event will be held Oct. 19 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

National and state experts will present an overview of STEM in Iowa, as well as innovations in rural areas across the country; examine STEM equity needs of disadvantaged students in rural areas; and discuss next generation science standards, school business partnerships, diversity in the STEM pipeline, and legislative perspectives.

For more information, please visit the Public Policy Center's event page.



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.

We Hope You’ll Join Us! Heartland AEA Leadership Networks

Most of this information can be found on our website under Instructional Services > Leadership Development & Supports > Leadership Networks.

Heartland Administrators’ Association (HAA)

The Heartland Administrators’ Association (HAA) meets from 9:00 to 11:50 a.m. on the first Tuesday of every month, September through May, in Rooms 107A & B of the Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center (6500 Corporate Drive). The agenda items are both informational and professional learning driven for superintendents. The meetings are jointly planned by the Superintendent Advisory Committee and Heartland AEA personnel, including the chief administrator. The meeting dates for 2015-16 are the following:

Sept. 1, 2015
Oct. 6, 2015
Nov. 3, 2015
Dec. 1, 2015
Jan. 5, 2016
Feb. 2, 2016
March 1, 2016
April 5, 2016
May 3, 2016

HAA Chair        Deron Durflinger, Van Meter

Go to the HAA Google Site for meeting agendas, handouts and other important documents.

For more information about HAA meetings, contact your regional director or Paula Vincent, Chief Administrator, at pvincent@heartlandaea.org or (800) 255-0405 ext. 14314.

Superintendent Advisory Council (SAC)
The Superintendent Advisory Council (SAC) members help advise agenda items for HAA meetings and serve as a liaison for Heartland AEA regions. SAC meets quarterly from 8:00 to 8:45 a.m. in Room 109 of the Johnston REC. The meeting dates for 2015-16 are the following:

SAC Members
Region 1 & 2        Deron Durflinger, Van Meter, Chair
Region 1 & 2        Lynn Ubben, Perry
Region 3              Delane Galvin, Southeast Warren
Region 4              Thomas Ahart, Des Moines
Region 5              Lisa Remy, West Des Moines
Region 6              Bruce Kimpston, Ankeny
Region 7              Ottie Maxey, Ballard
Region 8              Shane Ehresman, Lynnville-Sully
Non-Public Schools     Glenn Vos, Des Moines Christian
Community Colleges     Rob Denson, DMACC

Meeting Dates
   
Sept. 1, 2015
Dec. 1, 2015
Feb. 2, 2016
April 5, 2016
 

Curriculum Network
The Curriculum Network meets from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on the first Friday of every month, September through June. Meetings are held in Room 13A & B at the Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center (6500 Corporate Drive).

The meeting dates for 2015-16 are the following:
Sept. 4, 2015
Oct. 2, 2015
Nov. 6, 2015
Dec. 4, 2015   
Jan. 8, 2016
Feb. 5, 2016
March 4, 2016   
April 1, 2016
May 6, 2016

Go to the Curriculum Network Google Site for meeting agendas, handouts and other important documents.

For more information about the Curriculum Network, contact your regional director or Kevin Fangman, Executive Director of Learning & Leadership, at kfangman@heartlandaea.org or (800) 255-0405 ext. 14374.

You're Invited: TIC (Technology Integration & Collaboration)

Heartland AEA would like to invite you to the first TIC (Technology Integration and Collaboration) session of the 2015-2016 school year! 

What is TIC: TIC is a series of professional learning sessions where area educators come to Johnston for a FREE morning of learning from exemplar area educators who share how they're successfully transforming learning through technology integration.  An updated list of all sessions being offered this year can be found on the image below.

Topic: K-12 Foreign Language: Quality Instruction Using Technology
Date: September 29, 2015
Time: 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Location: Johnston AEA
To Register: TE104892111601

We are also excited to announce that all TIC sessions for the 2015-2016 school year will be streamed live.  If you can't join us in person, join us online!

Find the Live Stream Link for 9/29/15 Session

Please pass this information on to all Foreign Language teachers in your district or others in your building that might be interested in attending.  More information about this and upcoming sessions can be found on the TIC website.

Friday, August 21, 2015

Our Mission
To provide services and leadership, in partnership with families, schools and communities, that improve the learning outcomes and well-being of all children and youth.

Our Goals
• Increase learning growth for students
• Decrease the gap in achievement
• Increase annual graduation rates
• Increase gateways to post-secondary success 


Districts Can Now Access Required Notifications and Postings from AEA Website

School districts know they are required by state and federal law to post or send out a number of notifications to keep parents, teachers, other staff and the public informed. Districts now have a one-stop-shop they can access to find a compilation of these required postings and notifications.
 

Iowa's Area Education Agencies (AEAs) are pleased to add a “Required Notifications and Postings” page to their website where districts can access these important documents.
 

The notifications and postings categories include:
•    Facility
•    ESEA Title 1 Part A
•    ESEA Title IX, Section 9532
•    Human Resources
•    Federal
•    Business Office
•    Students
•    Childhood Nutrition

This online repository will be in a continuous state of modification, and district personnel are encouraged to provide input on additional items for inclusion or needed modifications to the existing documents.

Development of the Required Notifications and Postings was facilitated through the work of Dr. Clifford Ehlinger, a former Grant Wood AEA executive director.

If you have any questions, contact Valerie Taylor Hill, Grant Wood AEA public information specialist, at vhill@gwaea.org (319) 399-6824.

Have you Certified Your Transportation Agreement?

This is a reminder that several districts have yet to certify their Transportation Agreements. Transportation agreements were completed this spring, however several districts still need to certify. (See step 4 of the attached instructions.) If you're unsure if you have certified, please email Jennifer Ugolini, Board Secretary at jugolini@heartlandaea.org or (515) 270-9030 ext. 14441.

Heartland AEA PEC Sponsoring Parent Book Club to Begin This Fall

Do you know a child who has trouble switching gears? Are her reactions bigger than the situation calls for? What about losing track of information and details? 

If this sounds familiar, the child may struggle with executive functioning. Executive functioning issues aren’t a disability on their own--they’re weaknesses in a key set of mental skills that help the brain organize and act on information. Learn more about executive functioning by viewing this infographic

“Difficulties with executive function are typical in childhood and adolescence, but they are especially pronounced in children who are diagnosed with disorders such as autism, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Conduct Disorder and phenylketonuria (PKU),” Philip David Zelazo, Ph.D., professor at the University of Minnesota Institute of Child Development, says. Executive functioning can be improved through tools and strategies that help kids move toward independence. 

Is this something you think a parent you know would want to learn more about? Then encourage him or her to join a new virtual book club, hosted by Kate Boonstra, parent coordinator for the Agency’s Parent & Educator Connection (PEC). 

Parents will read The Impulsive, Disorganized Child: Solutions for Parenting Kids with Executive Functioning Difficulties and meet periodically via videoconferencing for discussion and support. Parents can sign up using this form. The first 20 to sign up will be able to participate. 

If you need more information or have questions, contact Kate Boonstra at kboonstra@heartlandaea.org or ext. 14625.

August 2015 School Leader Update

The Iowa Department of Education’s August 2015 School Leader Update is now available. In this issue, read what, in part, motivates Director Ryan Wise to ensure quality education for all of Iowa’s children. Attorney Nicole Proesch will catch you up on everything related to back to school. And read about a conference that is geared for your data groups.

Teach Iowa Certification Training Coming Soon!

Are you interested in learning more about using the Teach Iowa system? Please see this brochure and FAQ about an upcoming training opportunity.

The Iowa Department of Education is bringing an AppliTrack trainer to the Des Moines area at the end of September to conduct a Certification Training! Whether you've never been trained on the system or would just like a refresher course, you can benefit from learning what features are available to you. A two-day training session will be held for stand-alone district accounts. A one-day session will be held for all Iowa consortium members consisting of most public school districts, non-public schools, AEAs, colleges, universities and community colleges.

Please have your account set up in advance of arrival, bring a web accessible device with you.  Lunch will be on your own and there is no charge for this training. If you have questions, contact Marietta Rives at Marietta.Rives@iowa.gov or (515) 281-6038 or Kelly Hart at Kelly.hart@iowa.gov or (515) 281-3061.

Lau Plan Workshop Scheduled for Sept. 3

Administrative teams with questions remaining about  your district's Lau Plan for meeting needs of English Learners (available for upload this year with your district C-Plan), are invited join us for this workshop for additional support prior to the upload. Remember that this year, the C-Plan approval is contingent upon the Lau Plan approval.

Lau Plan Support
Date: Sept. 3, 2015
Time: 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Register by Activity Number: ES009292111601

Please email your current Lau Plan by Aug. 26 to allow Title III consultants time to review your plan with meaningful feedback, to: sjonesvo@heartlandaea.org and jhiatt@heartlandaea.org

Arrive promptly at 8:30 a.m. for announcements and coffee, with feedback and individual consultation provided as needed.

Title III consultants Stephaney Jones-Vo and Janet Hiatt will be available for consultation and guidance to ensure a smooth approval process when you upload your plan with your district's C-Plan. Remember, this 2015-16 school year will be the first year that C-Plan approval can be stalled pending the approval of your Lau Plan.

TELPA Has a New Home!

The TELPA (Iowa’s state-required language screener) now has a new home on AEA PD Online's Learning System. Access the system at training.aeapdonline.org.

Once you are there, log into the system, select "catalog", and keyword search for "TELPA".

The TELPA updates will make it easier to print certificates of completion, and will allow the AEA PD Online system to maintain an electronic record of those who have completed TELPA training for accountability purposes.

Save the Date: Iowa Culture & Language Conference

Iowa Culture & Language Conference
Nov. 9-11, 2015
Coralville-Marriott Hotel and Conference Center

Visit the Iowa Culture & Language Conference website or see the attached flyer for more information.

Iowa BOEE August 2015 Newsletter

The Iowa BOEE's August 2015 newsletter includes topics such as conditional licensure, substitute teaching, BOEE rule changes and more!

Obama Administration announces Rural IMPACT Demonstration

The White House Rural Council in February launched “Rural Impact,” a sustained campaign to enhance quality of life and upward mobility for children in rural and tribal places. Through this effort, the Obama Administration aims to build upon the progress already made in reducing rural poverty by leveraging technology, forging new partnerships, and exploring new models of program delivery, to ensure that all kids have an opportunity to succeed.

In support of Rural Impact, the Obama Administration is announcing a new technical assistance demonstration initiative: Rural Integration Models for Parents and Children to Thrive (IMPACT) Demonstration. The Rural IMPACT Demonstration will focus on providing technical support for rural and tribal communities to incorporate a two-generation approach, with the goal of reducing child poverty.

The Demonstration will be administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and will be implemented in collaboration with a broad range of Federal agencies, including the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Education, and Labor, and the Corporation for National and Community Service. HHS has cooperative agreements with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Community Action Partnership (CAP), to administer the demonstration and provide technical assistance to participating rural and tribal communities. By embedding a two-generation approach in programs and systems, HHS and its partners anticipate improvements in service delivery, participation, and outcomes for low-income families in rural and tribal communities. 

The Rural IMPACT Demonstration will provide technical assistance and other supports for up to 10 rural and tribal communities that have vision, capacity, and assets to develop innovative two-generation strategies.

Through Rural IMPACT’s two-generation approach, HHS and its partners will work with rural and tribal communities to address concurrently the needs of both vulnerable children and parents, with a goal of increasing parents’ employment and education and the well-being of their children and families.

August 31, 2015: Deadline for communities to submit their statement of interest

For more information, find the invitation letter or contact: RuralIMPACT@aap.org

Searching for Students to be Active with Broadband

The Iowa Communications Network (ICN) is sponsoring an opportunity for students with powerful voices to share their perspectives on technology and broadband. The Statewide Youth Broadband Advisory Council (SYBAC) complements state efforts to gain input from various stakeholders that are passionate about broadband, technology, and apps that require robust broadband to provide the required high-speed Internet. The SYBAC will be made up of twelve (12) young leaders from across Iowa. 

The council’s goal is to gather useful information on what high school students feel could impact high-speed Internet in their schools and in their communities. Students will identify effective strategies to improve broadband connectivity and community environments, which could assist in advocacy efforts for rural Internet connectivity.

Ric Lumbard, ICN Executive Director says, “This initiative allows high school students to help steer the broadband and technology conversations. Our goal is to hear from the next generation.”

Students enrolled in 10th - 12th grades from public and nonpublic schools in Iowa may apply for membership. Meetings will take place monthly, beginning in October 2015 through May 2016, via video conference, teleconference, and/or in-person. Council members also will communicate via e-mail.

ICN is the executive agency sponsor with support from Iowa Department of Education and Iowa Economic Development Authority.

Students interested should visit the ICN website or the Broadband Matters website. Applications can be submitted between August 24-September 14. 


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.

Model Code of Ethics for Educators Released This Summer

Over the past 12 months, a National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC ) task force, comprised of a diverse group of teachers, principals, superintendents (including Craig Menozzi, former Southeast Polk superintendent), paraprofessionals and state department officials, has developed the first Model Code of Ethics for Educators (MCEE)

The MCEE was launched on June 25, 2015, at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. It should be noted that the members of the task force are all working educators who were nominated by national stakeholder groups; therefore, this is a document that has been developed, vetted and endorsed by those in the profession.

The purpose of the MCEE is to serve as a shared ethical guide for future and current educators who are faced with the complexities of PK-12 education. The code establishes principles for ethical best practice, mindfulness, self-reflection, and decision-making, setting the groundwork for self-regulation and self-accountability. There are five principles, which broadly define critical dimensions of ethical practice expected of the professional educator, each followed by performance indicators that more specifically define aspects within each principle. You can read more about the MCEE at the links below.

Rationale for the MCEE
Model Code of Ethics for Educators (MCEE) Documents

The MCEE will remain as a living document that will adapt and respond to emerging issues in the education profession by maintaining resources that support continuous public comment and review. Toward this objective, the NASDTEC Executive Board established the National Council for the Advancement of Educator Ethics (NCAEE) at its June 2015 meeting to further the intentional focus on ethics across the profession and establish an ongoing group to administer the code. This critical work will lead to an increased emphasis on ethical preparation at national, state and local levels.

You can review and consider possible uses for this historic document in your work. NASDTEC is making no attempt to press organizations to adopt the document as a whole, and its purpose is not to supplant current state and provider codes currently in use. Rather, the MCEE should be seen as a guide and a tool for your organization as it considers how to assist current and future educators in dealing with an area which grows more murky and complex on a daily basis.


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.

Know a Great School Counselor? Nominate Him/Her for Iowa School Counselor Association Award

Award applications can be found on the Iowa School Counselors Association website. Applications are due by September 15, 2015.

ISCA 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award Nominations
This recognition is given to an individual who has made major contributions to the school counseling profession in the state of Iowa.  Nominate someone who has made a substantial and long-term commitment to the school counseling profession.

Gary Henrichs Award/Grant
The Iowa School Counselor Association invites K-12 school counselors to apply for this award. It has been established by the family of Gary Henrichs to acknowledge outstanding elementary school counselors in Iowa. This award/grant may be used by the recipient in any way he/she sees fit to help continue his/her work with the school children of Iowa. This award/grant will be presented at the annual ISCA Conference.

John L. Thompson Award/Grant
The Iowa School Counselor Association invites K-12 school counselors to apply for the John L. Thompson Award for Excellence in School Counseling. The award program is designed to recognize counselors who have developed exemplary programs to help students grow in academic and/or life skills.

Questions can be directed to Troy Bergmann at tbergmann@north-cedarstu.org or (563) 452-3179.

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.

DMACC Surplus

Surplus Board Room tables are available at DMACC Ankeny Campus. These items are at no cost. Please contact Julie Klocke in the Purchasing Department at jaklocke1@dmacc.edu if you are interested.
  
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.

Is Your Staff Prepared to Manage a Medical Emergency?

In 2012 a group of educational professionals developed the Iowa School Safety Guide. This document is available on the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management website. The guide references a medical emergency response team (MERT). However, the original manual did not provide guidance as to how this team should be developed.

The purpose of a MERT team is to provide a coordinated response in the event of a medical emergency for students, staff and visitors. Last spring MERT guidelines were developed to supplement the Iowa School Safety Guide. It provides instructions for districts to develop a MERT team, an emergency response bag supply list, as well as suggestions for team selection and training.

Section 504 Training for Public School Staff Coming this Fall

Heartland AEA will offer Section 504 trainings to districts this fall. Sites will include Ames, Johnston, Adel and Colfax. Trainings are open to all schools within the Heartland AEA area, but 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 to bring their district 504 manual (plan).  The courses are offered at no charge to Heartland AEA 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 grievance procedures
  • 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 Section 504 Google Site
Choice of Location and Dates (Space is limited so register soon):
Colfax
Colfax Historical Building (1720 IA 117, Colfax)
September 15
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Activity Number: NU002599991601

Ames 
Heartland AEA Ames Office, Iowa Main Conference Rooms (511 S. 17th St.)
September 17
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Activity Number: NU002592111601

Johnston
Heartland AEA Johnston REC, Rooms 107 A&B (6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston)
September 22
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Activity Number: NU002592111602   

Adel
Heartland AEA Adel Office (602 Visions Parkway, Adel)
September 29
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Activity Number: NU002592111603
 
Questions can be directed to MaryAnn Strawhacker MPH, RN, Section 504 Consultant and Special Education Nurse Consultant at mstrawhacker@heartlandaea.org.

Grant Wood AEA Offering PLC Learning Opportunities in September

Grant Wood AEA is offering two PLC workshops in September and is inviting anyone who is interested to attend. See this flyer for more information. If you have any questions, contact Sherry Sines, Professional Development Coordinator at Grant Wood AEA, at ssines@gwaea.org.

Updated Statewide Special Education Publications Now Available

The Special Education Statewide Procedures Manual (July 23, 2015 version), Release Notes (July 1, 2015 version), Parental Rights Summary (July 2015 version), Procedural Safeguards Manuals for Parents (Translations), Educational Evaluation Reports (Translations) and IEP Forms (Translations) are now posted on the Iowa IDEA website. These documents are currently posted on the front page of the IDEA website in addition to their permanent location under the IEP dropdown menu > Statewide Special Education Procedures > Manual.

Please read the Release Notes for updated information in the Special Education Statewide Procedures Manual. If you have any questions regarding the content, please contact your Regional Director.