Friday, December 17, 2010

HAA-hosted Legislative Breakfast on January 12

The Heartland Administrators Association will be hosting a legislative breakfast on Wednesday, January 12, 2011, from 7:00-8:30 a.m. at the West Des Moines Learning Resource Center. Heartland AEA will be sending invitations to all area legislators, but it is strongly suggested that you contact legislators from your area to personally invite them to the event. Click here for a complete list of area legislators and their contact information. Please also be encouraged to invite your school board members and other administrators who may be interested in attending.

Tom Lane to Serve as Heartland Area Superintendent-IASB Liaison

As a reminder from last week, Dr. Tom Lane, superintendent of the Carlisle Schools, will represent Heartland area superintendents again this year and will be gathering contract information. Jim Moore has been brought back by IASB and an IASB team has developed new tools to assist in your work. The team consisting of Jackie Black, Lee Tack, Jim Moore and Tony Vander Zyl will present these new tools at a future HAA meeting.

Superintendents: January HAA Meeting Agenda

Download a Word Doc or PDF version of the January Heartland Administrators Association meeting agenda. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 4 at the West Des Moines Learning Resource Center from 9:00-11:50 a.m.

During the first hour of professional learning we will begin a series of conversations using portions of the book, District Leadership That Works by Marzano and Waters. We will have copies of the book available for anyone who needs one. If you have your own copy of this book, please bring it.

Superintendents: December HAA Meeting Minutes

Click here to download the minutes from the December HAA meeting. The minutes and handouts are also posted on Heartland's Web site under the Heartland Networks link under the Leaders tab. You can also bookmark this address: http://www.aea11.k12.ia.us/leaders/ldr/admin.html.

Urbandale Schools to host Langford Four-Day Quality Learning Seminar

The Urbandale Community School District will host the Langford Four-Day Quality Learning Seminar from June 13-16, 2011 in the media Center at Urbandale High School. This intensive seminar will introduce you to Quality Learning principles, history, tools and applications to learning. Gain the vision, purpose and direction for quality implementation in your organization.

Langford Quality Learning applies statistical thinking, human interaction techniques and philosophies of quality to the learning environment. The Four-Day Seminar focuses on the Deming philosophy of Profound Knowledge as it is applied to learning organizations. It incorporates brain research, current learning and teaming concepts and techniques, as well as effective uses of technology to improve learning environments. With its focus on continual improvement and student-centered learning, the seminar strongly supports the Iowa Core Curriculum.


David Langford will provide you with case histories that illustrate the successes and pitfalls associated with implementing quality improvement methods in education, government and corporate environments. You will learn:

• New ways to strengthen and build the relationship between learner and facilitator
• How to create an educational environment where learners are responsible for learning

• How to build systems that enable learners to make choices and give them experience in self-evaluation

Through an interactive multimedia process, you will study learning concepts, how to improve learning systems, how to gather data and how to work in teams. The seminar explores these essential Quality Learning concepts and tools:

• 60 Tools for Improvement from the Tool Time Handbook

• Exponential Learning
• Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation

• Teaming and Teamwork

• Result-Oriented Learning

• Process Learning

• Improvement vs. Change

• The Deming PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) Cycle and Profound Knowledge

For more information (including registration), please go to the following website: http://www.langfordlearning.com/events/2011-urbandale-iowa-4-day-quality-learning-seminar/

Heartland AEA to Host School Budget Workshops

Heartland AEA will once again be hosting school budget workshops for area school district personnel. The goal of the workshops is to assist schools in completing their school budget in a single work session. Larry Sigel and Margaret Buckton will facilitate sessions on February 7 and March 9, and Dennis Scudder, AEA 267 Director of Finance, will host a session on February 22. Workshops will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Johnston Regional Education Center at 6500 Corporate Drive on their scheduled days. Click here for session descriptions and registration information on these workshops. You may also register online through the Heartland AEA Professional Development Catalog if paying by credit card or purchase order.

Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities for ESL Teachers and Administrators

I-ELDA Trainings
Districts are encouraged to send representatives to one of the two state I-ELDA trainings scheduled in Denison and in Marshalltown, listed below. These test administration trainings will support the newly shortened I-ELDA form.


Go to the link below to register for the I-ELDA training in Denison, Iowa on January 11, 2011.
http://eventactions.com/ea.aspx?ea=Rsvp&invite=0gfm52331ec01cwgy8kra214dr03cgystkmgx0p4a15vmb8d4nsd

Go to the link below to register for the I-ELDA training in Marshalltown, Iowa on January 18, 2011.

http://eventactions.com/ea.aspx?ea=Rsvphttp://eventactions.com/ea.aspx?ea=Rsvp

Questions can be directed to John Scott at john.scott@iowa.gov or (515) 281-3805.

Title III-Funded Workshops for ELL Teachers
Title III funds are providing two workshop opportunities that will benefit classroom teachers who have ESL students. We encourage you to send teams of classroom teachers or ESL and classroom teams to these workshops. For a complete description, go to the Heartland AEA Professional Development Catalog.

Introduction to Sheltered Instruction for Teachers of ELLs
Dates: January 29 & February 19, 2011

Instructors: Stephaney Jones-Vo & Shelley Fairbairn
Activity Number: ES004292111101


This workshop is not for teachers who have previously attended unless they come with a team of at least four other classroom teachers. A $200 stipend will be given for full attendance and completion of the assignment. Graduate credit is available.


Empowering ELLs in the Mathematics Classroom

Dates: February 5 & 26, 2011

Instructor: Judy Kinley
Activity Number: ES006192111101


Participants will receive the book Supporting English Language Learners in Math Class and a $200 stipend upon completing the attendance and assignment requirements. Graduate credit is available.

Communication of Inclement Weather Closings & Cancellations

Inclement weather office closings and professional development class cancellations will no longer be communicated via TV & radio stations. Closings and cancellations will be posted on our agency website under our “Latest News” section, on our Facebook and Twitter pages and on our cancellation hotline at (515) 270-0405/(800) 255-0405 ext. 14041.

Holiday Office & Van Route Schedule

Heartland offices will be closed December 24, 27, 28 and 31 during the holiday season. Please take note of the following schedule as you plan to send and receive items through our van mail.
• December 20-23, 2010 Regular Van Delivery
• December 27-31, 2010 No Van Delivery

• January 3, 2011 Regular Van Delivery Resumes

Friday, December 10, 2010

Message from Dr. Tom Lane to Superintendents

Greetings to all,

The holiday season is fast approaching and it is important we all reach out to our legislators now. Their calendars will fill up very quickly, so I’d ask you touch base before Christmas and invite them to our Legislative Breakfast on Wednesday, January 12, 2011. We’ll host in West Des Moines at the Learning Resource Center from 7:00-8:30 a.m. We’ll serve our typical breakfast fare.

Please contact your legislators soon.

On another matter, I’ll be representing our group again this year in gathering contract information. Jim Moore has been brought back by IASB and will be leading our group. IASB has a team developing new tools to assist in our work and they will be presenting to us at either our January or February AEA meeting. This team includes Jackie Black, Lee Tack, Jim Moore and Tony Vander Zyl. I think we’ll all be very appreciative of the work they are doing.


I probably won't see most of you prior to break, so have a great holiday season.


Dr. Tom Lane

Carlisle Community Schools

Use and Storage of Video/Audio/Photography of Eligible Students

Flip Video camcorders are becoming more popular and are an easy, efficient tool to capture student behavior. Some of our special education staff are using Flip Video camcorders for intervention work (e.g., video self-modeling) with students in special education. We wanted to inform you of the legal requirements for using and storing video/audio/photography with eligible students. This information has been summarized and shared with AEA special education staff and Partnership Directors. To view the memo and flowchart, please click here.

If you have any questions about the contents of the memo or flowchart, please see your Partnership Director.

Additional Information: ARRA-Funded Opportunities for Special Education Teachers

Last week, we informed you of the ARRA-funded professional development opportunities aimed specifically for special education teachers. Please be reminded that substitute costs will be reimbursed to allow teachers to attend. Click here to download an updated list and summary of sessions along with activity numbers. Teachers can register through the Heartland AEA Professional Development Catalog. If you have any questions, please contact Cheryl Risen at crisen@aea11.k12.ia.us.

Iowa Core Teaching Videos Online

Help bring clarity to the Iowa Core by viewing any of the 44 short videos on collaboration, assessment, universal constructs, characteristics of effective instruction, teaching for understanding, rigorous and relevant instruction, math instruction, social studies instruction, etc. Just like YouTube, the videos are keyword searchable can be viewed full-screen. View the videos here.

Transitional Life Skills Training Coming in April

Sign up now to attend the "Transitional Life Skills: Educating Beyond Basics" training to be held April 7, 2011 in the Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center (6500 Corporate Drive). The session will focus on functional programming in the area of transition planning for students with disabilities. Information will be presented about resources, curriculum and units of study to help successfully incorporate transition activities to enhance post-secondary living, learning and working. Learn more by clicking here.

NOTE: Heartland AEA will reimburse schools the substitution pay for teachers to attend.

Keeping Students & Teachers Up-to-Date on Copyright Laws

Violation of copyright law is an ongoing and serious issue with Internet usage – especially with music and images. Click here to download Copyright BRIEFnotes for Students and here to download Copyright Condensed which is aimed toward teachers and administrators. These documents will provide staff and students will the proper guidance around copyright issues. They are always available on the Heartland website under the Educators tab>Library & Online Catalog. If you ever have any questions about copyright issues, contact Susan Schrader, Resource & Publications Supervisor, at sscrader@aea11.k12.ia.us.

Reminder: Doing What Works Implementation Awards Request for Proposals

As was communicated in last week’s Administrator Connection, Doing What Works (DWW), sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education, is seeking proposals for Implementation Awards designed to strengthen implementation of research-based practices through DWW. Awards will be used to integrate DWW resources into professional learning or school improvement support processes that support integration of evidence-based education resources into their daily work.

Access the RFP and download the required forms from the awards webpage at www.wested.org/dww. Proposals are due next
Friday, December 17, 2010. For additional information, email dww@wested.org or call Kacey O’Kelly at (415) 615-3111.

Friday, December 3, 2010

ARRA Funding Provides Opportunities for Special Education Teachers

With funding from America Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) we will be providing special education teachers with opportunities to attend professional learning that is targeted specifically at instructional practices known to be effective with students with disabilities. Substitute costs will be reimbursed to allow them to attend. Click here to download a summary of the sessions. If you have any questions, please contact Cheryl Risen at crisen@aea11.k12.ia.us.

Heartland AEA Early Childhood Professional Development

Here is the latest information related to Professional Development offerings for Early Childhood Professionals through Heartland AEA. If you or your staff are interested in a class, please register through the Heartland Professional Development Catalog.

Early Childhood Administrator Network

This learning opportunity is designed for administrators and principals of early childhood programs (State Voluntary Preschool Programs, Early Childhood Special Education and/or Community based Preschools). Focus topics will include IQPPS and program portfolios, preschool curriculum and assessment, early childhood-focused professional development and current early childhood updates. Participants will have an opportunity to network, get answers to frequently asked questions and develop future topic ideas.


Date & Time: Friday, December 10, 2010 from 8:30-11:30 a.m.

Location: Learning Center at the Johnston Regional Education Center (6500 Corporate Drive)
Activity Number: EC008292111201


Direct Instruction Strategies for Early Childhood Students with Autism - Developmental Delays

This course provides best practice knowledge and hands-on practice in the areas of applied behavior analysis and instructional strategies for early childhood students with autism spectrum and related disorders. Participants will learn empirically-based practices and instructional strategies for preventing problem behaviors, increasing independence, motivating students, gaining instructional control, teaching critical communication and language skills, and promoting the generalization and maintenance of skills. Participants will have opportunities to practice the strategies they have learned.


Dates & Times: (Wednesdays) January 5 & 19, February 9 & 23, 2011 all from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Location: St. John's Lutheran Church (801 E. 18th Street, Carroll, IA)
Instructors: Alicia Pauley & Margaret Clark

Activity Number: EC008399991101


Q
PPS Study Group – New Offering In Urbandale!

This class will consist of four 4-hour in-depth study sessions on the Quality Preschool Program Standards (QPPS) and Portfolio Development. It will also assist programs in preparation for meeting the DE requirements for QPPS verification visits. Limited space is available – register now!


Dates & Times: (Wednesdays) January 12, February 23, March 30 and April 27 all from 12:00-4:00 p.m.

Location: Urbandale Schools Conference Room (11152 Aurora Ave., Urbandale)

Activity Number: EC005565791101

Superintendents: December HAA Meeting

Download a Word Doc or PDF version of the of the December Heartland Administrators Association meeting agenda. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 7 at the West Des Moines Learning Resource Center starting at 9:00 a.m.

Last month, David King, Heartland AEA Director of Finance, was invited to attend the HAA meeting to discuss AEA funding. Because time ran short, it was decided to postpone his discussion for the December meeting. In preparation for Tuesday's meeting we encourage you to download two documents that will be the main focus of his presentation. Mr. King will review the documents in full and will address any questions you may have.


• The first document, AEA Funding Chart, is a general explanation of how AEA's are funded and what types of funding resources an AEA has to provide services. This one-page document was created as a simple and quick reference for AEA funding.


• The second document, AEA 11 Flow Through 06-11, is a workbook with two worksheets of data regarding AEA 11's history of flow through funds from fiscal year 2006 through fiscal year 2011. These documents were developed to explain why all AEA's, and specifically why AEA 11's, total flow through moneys have increased over the last several years at different rates than the basic school foundation aid formula would yield from the allowable growth rate. There are two worksheets in the workbook depicting the same data. The first worksheet reflects dollar amounts and the second reflects the percent change in the dollar amounts over the years. A short explanation for the total flow through increase above allowable growth can be attributed to the legislature not reducing AEA funding as much as it had in FY2005-06 coupled with the addition of teacher salary supplement funding being added to the formula. Both of these increases were from State revenues, not property tax.

I-ELDA trainings for Teachers and Administrators serving ELLs

Districts are encouraged to send representatives to one of the two state I-ELDA trainings scheduled in Denison and in Marshalltown, listed below. These test administration trainings will support the newly- shortened I-ELDA form.

Go to the link below to register for the I-ELDA training in Denison, Iowa on January 11, 2011.

http://eventactions.com/ea.aspx?ea=Rsvp&invite=0gfm52331ec01cwgy8kra214dr03cgystkmgx0p4a15vmb8d4nsd

Go to the link below to register for the I-ELDA training in Marshalltown, Iowa on January 18, 2011.

http://eventactions.com/ea.aspx?ea=Rsvphttp://eventactions.com/ea.aspx?ea=Rsvp Questions can be directed to John Scott at john.scott@iowa.gov or (515) 281-3805.

Doing What Works Implementation Awards Request for Proposals

Doing What Works (DWW), sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education, is seeking proposals for Implementation Awards designed to strengthen implementation of research-based practices through DWW. Awards will be used to integrate DWW resources into professional learning or school improvement support processes that support integration of evidence-based education resources into their daily work.

Access the RFP and download the required forms from the awards webpage at www.wested.org/dww. Proposals are due December 17, 2010. For additional information, email dww@wested.org or call Kacey O’Kelly at (415) 615-3111.

Eligible: States, districts, intermediate service organizations, networks of schools or institutions of higher education with established capacity to deliver professional development, inquiry groups or other improvement processes that could incorporate DWW resources.

Timeline: Awards will be announced by January 14, 2011. Projects to be completed and reported by August 2011.


Award Size: $15,000 to $75,000


Awards Granted: Approximately 15


DWW is an online library of media, tools, and other resources to help educators learn about and implement recommendations from practice guides published by the Institute of Education Sciences.

Tips & Trends of the Heartland AEA Print & Production Services

Click here for a flyer that details the many different Print & Production services we provide. See what fun ideas your teachers could use to brighten the classroom or encourage students to do their best! During Winter Break, we will have limited Print & Production staff on hand. Please inform your staff to keep this fact in mind when submitting their Print & Production requests. If possible, school staff should send in job requests by the second week of December to ensure orders will be completed by the time school is back in session.