Resources from WestEd for supporting English Language Learners

SchoolsMovingUp is a WestEd initiative designed to help schools and districts address the challenge of raising student achievement. In an interactive Web format, SchoolsMovingUp offers resources to help education professionals make sound decisions and take action in their school reform efforts. To find out more about upcoming webinars and resources to support English Language Learners, please click here.

Curriculum Network: December Curriculum Network Meeting

The December Curriculum Network meeting is scheduled for Friday, December 3, 2010. The meeting will go from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and will be held at St. Mary's Church (4600 Meredith Drive, Des Moines, IA). The agenda and a map for the church are available at http://curriculumnet.pbworks.com/w/page/32779192/December-2010-Agenda

You will be able to choose one of four topics to participate in for the second part of the morning.

Area Counselors Receive Awards From Iowa School Counselor Association

Congratulations to area educators who received awards at last week's Iowa School Counselor Association Conference! Thanks for all you do for students!

Elementary Counselor of the Year: Meredith Dohmen, Walnut Creek Campus, West Des Moines

High School Counselor of the Year: Tami Valline, Perry High School, Perry

RAMP Award Winners (Recognized for having American School Counselor Association model programs): Sarah Majoros, Madison Elementary & Damon Holland, Brubaker Elementary, Des Moines

Thanksgiving Week Van Delivery Schedule

We wanted to remind you that all Heartland AEA offices will be closed November 25 & 26, and there will be no van delivery November 24-26.

Contribute to the First National Study of Social Studies Teachers

The University of Iowa Social Studies Education Program has asked Heartland AEA to help them in the first ever national study of social studies teachers. Their role in this study is to collect survey data from as many Iowa social studies teachers as possible to assess the state of social studies at this time in our history. As a result, we’ve been asked to request your help in contacting elementary teachers and secondary social studies teachers in the Heartland area.

A consent form can be found here and includes a description of the study and a link to the survey. All responses are anonymous, and the aggregate Iowa data will be made available after completion of the study. This study will not only be the first of its kind for the nation, but also the first of its kind for our state.

Appropriate Use of Special Education Funds Document Available

In October 2010, the Iowa Department of Education released a question and answer document about appropriate use of special education funds in local school districts and area education agencies. This clarification is the result of conversations and questions that have been discussed throughout recent months both in local school districts and AEAs. At Heartland we are discussing the answers that are provided and confirming that our practices are in alignment with the guidance contained in this recent Department of Education document found by clicking here.