Heartland Area Administrators’ Association Meeting Reminder

The Heartland Area Administrators’ Association Meeting is Nov. 1, 2016 from Noon - 1:00 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn Conference Center, 8600 Northpark Dr., Johnston, IA. For up-to-date meeting agenda and other information, refer to the HAA Google Site.

Great Opportunity Coming for K-12 Math Teachers: Ensuring Mathematical Success for All

Learn more about National Council of Teachers of Mathematics’ guidance for filling the gap between the adoption of rigorous standards and the enactment of practices, policies, programs and actions required for successful implementation of those standards. Steve Leinwand, lead author of Principles to Actions, Ensuring Mathematical Success for All, offers guidance to teachers, mathematics coaches, administrators, parents and policymakers at all grade levels. Steve is a Principal Research Analyst at American Institutes for Research. Spread the word to educators who would benefit from this professional learning activity!

Nov. 29, 2016 (K-5)
K-5 Registration

Nov. 30, 2016 (6-12)
6-12 Registration

FFA Enrichment Center, Ankeny

Explore the Six Shifts in “Building Literacy in Social Studies” Course

This course begins with an introduction to the Social Studies standards and a review of the instructional shifts required by the Iowa Core Literacy Standards for Social Studies. Participants will explore the six shifts within the Iowa Core in Literacy for History/Social Studies standards and how they apply to a social studies classroom, including:

• Disciplinary literacy

• Informational text

• Academic vocabulary

• Text complexity

• Text based evidence and argument

• Writing from sources

Dates: Jan. 16, March 13 & June 12 (+ online), 2017
Location: Heartland AEA, Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, IA
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 a.m.
Register
Target Audience: Grades 6-12 Social Studies Teachers

Important Change to Weighted Enrollment Factor Matrices

Iowa’s Area Education Agencies are charged with weighting IEPs. We want you to be aware that the Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) and K-12 Weighted Enrollment Factor Matrices have been revised. Rubrics called Weighted Enrollment Factor Matrices (WEF Matrices) are used to apply a Weighted Enrollment Factor (WEF) to the IEP for each child who receives district special education services. The revised matrices are posted on the Iowa IDEA website.

Q. What prompted changes in the matrices?

The Bureau of Finance, Facilities, Operation and Transportation Services at the Department of Education requested that the cost of educational modifications necessary to meet the special education needs of the child no longer be used to determine the weighted enrollment factor for a student.

In the past, for certain factors (e.g., Assistive Technology, Accessible Educational Materials, Equipment for Safe Transportation and Unique Circumstances), the WEF Matrices have taken into account the cost of a service or support. The Bureau and AEA Directors of Special Education have collaborated to effect this change.

Q. When will we begin utilizing the revised matrices at Heartland AEA?

Heartland AEA will begin applying the new matrices to IEPs dated Oct. 31, 2016 and after.

If you have any questions, contact the Heartland AEA Regional Director who serves your district.

Free Bill of Rights Exhibit for Your School

The National Archives is offering a free pop-up exhibit called The Bill of Rights and You to schools nationwide. It contains simple messages conveying the importance of the Bill of Rights, its history and implementation and its impact today. The Bill of Rights and You was developed by The National Archives Traveling Exhibits Services as part of their commemoration of the 225th anniversary of the Bill of Rights. Download the flyer with more information here (PDF).

Nov. Each and Every Child Newsletter

Welcome to the November issue of Each and Every Child. In this issue, you will read about a district that has, perhaps, the most comprehensive transition from high-school-to-beyond program in the state.