During the past two years, the Evaluator Advisory Committee represented by schools, area education agencies (AEAs), colleges/universities, School Administrators of Iowa (SAI), Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB), Board of Educational Examiners (BoEE) and the Department of Education (DE) have been meeting to analyze data regarding evaluation, reading and reflecting on research, seeking best practices in evaluation that improve teaching and learning and designing Evaluator Approval Level III. As the new calendar year approaches, the DE will be unveiling Evaluator Approval Level III for those professionals who will need to renew their administrator/evaluator license and have successfully completed Evaluator Approval Level I and II prior to January 2011. At the same time, the DE will be combining Levels I and II into an online course, iEvaluate.
Evaluator Approval Level III
The training for Evaluator Approval Level III will look somewhat different than the previous training for Evaluator Approval Levels I and II. Beginning January 2012, the four credits required to renew an administrator/evaluator’s license will be completed by selecting from a menu of required modules that will enhance the skills necessary to be an effective instructional leader and evaluator. Each administrator/evaluator will successfully complete one common learning module - Assessing Academic Rigor – for two required renewal credits. The additional two credits required to renew an administrative/evaluator license will be earned by selecting from any one of the additional modules:
- Fierce Conversations (available in all AEAs)
- Increasing the Effectiveness of Leadership Teams (release date Spring 2011)
- Employee Discipline/Intensive Assistance Plans
- Developing Professional Development Plans that Impact Teaching and Learning
- Leadership Skills for Beating the Odds
Not all modules are fully developed at this time, so it is suggested that individuals watch the DE, SAI, BoEE and their respective AEA websites for more information.
NOTE: The DE does understand that some professionals have already completed two hours of credit toward this renewal and are awaiting information from the DE about future evaluator training to complete the four required renewal credits. To accommodate those individuals, the DE will allow a professional to use hours accumulated prior to December 31, 2011, plus the Assessing Academic Rigor module to meet requirements for renewal of administrator/evaluator licensure. Any hours completed after December 31, 2011, other than the required modules may not be used toward renewal.
For further information, you may download the following resources in the Administrator Connection blog:
Yesterday, participants logged in the AEA-sponsored live webinar covering GoogleDocs. As communicated in a past Administrator Connection, these Google App webinars are free and open to all educators in Iowa. If you were unable to attend yesterdays webinar, make sure to sign up for one of the below listservs that pertains to you. Signing up for the listserv will allow you to watch the recorded webinar.
Iowa Google Apps Group ListservThe Iowa Google Apps Group is for tech directors, network administrators and other individuals that are deploying or managing Google Apps in their schools. Visit http://groups.google.com/group/iowa-google-apps-group
Iowa Teachers Google Apps User Group Listserv
The Iowa Teachers Google Apps User Group is designed for teachers and administrators using Google Apps everyday with students and staff. Visit http://groups.google.com/group/IA-Teach-GApps-UserGroup
Be sure to mark your calendars for the next two scheduled webinars. All live webinars will be accessible at http://iowaec.na4.acrobat.com/googleapps and do not require a pre-registration. Each webinar will begin at 3:30 p.m. on the dates below.
November 11, 2010 - Using Gmail
December 16, 2010 - Using Google Groups(More webinars will be scheduled in 2011.)
For more information about the Google Apps webinars, contact Andy Crozier at acrozier@gwaea.org or (319) 399-6866.
SchoolDude is coming to Iowa on their 25-city tour, bringing you a free one day seminar focused on best practices for achieving success in educational facility and business operations. The state budget crisis continues to have a tremendous impact on your job. This may be the only opportunity you have to sharpen your survival skills for succeeding in a difficult economic environment. Due to the need, SchoolDude is bringing the tour to Iowa!
SchoolDude Survivor Tour
November 9, 2010 at Gateway Hotel and Conference Center in Ames, Iowa
Register at http://discover.schooldude.com/forms/SurvivorTourAmesIA
This no-cost, Iowa event will feature:
• Survival Skills sessions
• Insight from peer networking and panel discussions
• Best practices and proven methods for success in tough times
• Strategies and tactics that are achieving results for your colleagues• Expert advice in the SchoolDude Consulting Center
The Introduction to Creative Curriculum has been scheduled. This two-day course will explore the philosophy of The Creative Curriculum for Preschool, the theory and research supporting it and an overview of the Creative Curriculum Framework. Early childhood educators, special education teachers and preschool teachers serving children on IEPs who are new to Cretive Curriculum are encouraged to attend. Interested school personnel should register through the Heartland Professional Development Catalog and enter the activity number listed in the appropriate field.
Introduction to Creative Curriculum for Preschool
Johnston Regional Education Center (6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston) in Rooms 3, 4 & ICN
November 10 & 11 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Activity Number: EC007092111101Save the date for an additional Teaching Strategies GOLD Assessment that will be offered February 1 & 2, 2011. The location is to be determined.
We realize that many of you are on Facebook and Twitter, and we thought it would be great to join you! Heartland AEA will be using Facebook and Twitter to post information about resources, classes, good news stories and other fantastic reads.
Follow Heartland AEA on Twitter at http://twitter.com/HeartlandAEA
Like Heartland AEA on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Johnston-IA/Heartland-Area-Education-Agency/159484134081654
Iowa's Area Education Agencies (our statewide AEA system) also has social media accounts. Get quick and current updates on education issues, policies and professional learning opportunities available around the state.
Follow Iowa's Area Education Agencies on Twitter at http://twitter.com/iowa_aea
Like Iowa's Area Education Agencies on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/iowaaea
As winter approaches, we’re all reminded that inclement weather is around the corner. Check out the notification systems available through the Iowa Educators Consortium at http://www.iec-ia.org/vnews/display.v/SEC/School%20Administration
IEC purchases allow schools to take advantage of aggressive pricing based on the purchasing volume of many Iowa schools. Always remember to check in on the IEC website at http://www.iec-ia.org/ to take advantage of the newest available cost-saving services!
