Discover What's New in HEART on January 28

We are pleased to inform you that our HEART database is scheduled to be updated on Thursday, January 28. The newest version of HEART has several new features and a few features that will look and feel a little different. When the new version is updated, please take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the changes. Details about enhancements are more clearly defined in a pdf available for download here. Below is a quick list of the major changes.

• DIBELS data file import is implemented
• Direct upload of data files for import
• Security enhancements
• Behavior module enhancements
  
• Growth chart revised to resist problems with retained students, etc.

As is true whenever new features are added to HEART, there is the possibility that users will encounter bugs and other oddities. We need your help to find and fix any issues that exist with the system. If you or any of your staff encounter problems, please let us know. It is most helpful if the report includes a screenshot of the problem screen along with a description of the steps leading up to the problem. Please also include contact information so we can follow up if needed.

As always, your comments and suggestions are welcomed. We will never be able to implement all of the ideas that are shared, but we do try to add the things that our users request. Several of the enhancements in this version of HEART are the direct result of user requests. Thank you for your support!

Questions about the HEART database can be directed to Connor Hood at (515) 270-9030 or chood@aea11.k12.ia.us.

Informational Meetings offered about Mentoring Program Changes in 2010-2011

Heartland AEA will be making changes to the mentoring program. Beginning Fall 2010, we will no longer support the “BEST Experience for Mentors”; and beginning Fall 2011, we will no longer support “Standards in Teaching (SIT)”.

Heartland AEA will be supporting the following two new programs:

• “Mentoring Matters” (Lipton and Wellman) is designed for mentors of first-year teachers with materials focusing on enhancing the skills of the mentor.

• “Instruction for All Students” is designed for second-year teachers and their mentors to learn together about teaching and learning using a study group format.

Sites may continue to use their current mentoring program with first-year teachers. Currently, Heartland AEA plans to continue to support “BEST Beginning Teacher”.

Information will be shared about the support Heartland AEA will be providing to prepare for the changes in the Fall of 2010, as well as the commitments that will be expected from participating school districts. There are two opportunities to attend informational meetings. To register, for the informational meetings, go to the Heartland Professional Development catalog on our home page or click on the link below. Copy the appropriate activity number and paste it into the search box on the registration page in the browser.

https://prodev.aea11.k12.ia.us/4DCGI/YYYYYYYYYYYYYYSRCH

Date & Time: February 5, 2010 from 1:00-3:30 p.m.
Location: Room 13, Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston
Activity Number: MI0004-9211-1001

or

Date & Time: February 11, 2010 8:30-11:00 a.m.
Location: Room 18, Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston
Activity Number: MI0004-9211-1002

Please direct questions to Cheryl Risen at (515) 270-0405 ext. 14587.

Forum to Provide Essential Information on the Education of Immigrants & Refugees in Iowa

Join us for our second annual Immigration Forum that will help participants understand the educational challenges and rewards facing immigrants, refugees and educators around the state of Iowa. The forum will be held on February 9, 2010, from 2:45-5:15 p.m. at the Polk County Convention Complex, at the conclusion of the 24th annual Iowa Culture and Language Conference (ICLC).

The forum will include a panel of local and national experts who will share facts about immigration and implications for Iowa educators as well as individuals who have immigrated to the United States who will share their first-hand experiences. Click here to view a list of our panelists.

The information shared at the forum is appropriate and timely as Iowa's student population continues to become more diverse. The 2009 Condition of Education Report from the Iowa Department of Education indicated that the student minority population in Iowa was at 15.5% in the 2008-09 school year, which was up from 14.4% in 2008-08 and from 4.5% in 1986.

As may be expected with the increase of Hispanic and other minority enrollments, the number of English Language Learner (ELL) students has also risen in recent years. The 20,750 ELL students in Iowa schools in the 2008-09 school year was more than double the number reported 10 years earlier. In addition, African American students made up 5.8% of the student population last school year.

The increasing diversity of Iowa's families presents many new challenges as well as opportunities for schools and educators. This forum will enable today's teachers, administrators, business leaders and legislators to learn more about immigration and how to best serve students of diverse backgrounds.

For more information, contact Stephaney Jones-Vo at (515) 270-0405 ext. 14680 or Gilmara Mitchell at (515) 270-0405 ext. 14679