Apply Now for STEM Scale-Up Programs

What do designing robots, solar cars, aircrafts, wind turbines, creating with Legos, performing experiments on earth materials and diagnosing diseases have in common? Answer: They have the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) focus of the educational curriculum/training available for FREE implementation by LEAs or after-school organizations!

Iowa has selected 12 STEM programs to coordinate with and to enhance your current curriculum. These programs are designed to increase students’ interest and achievement in STEM fields through a focus on students use of problem solving and creative, collaborative and critical thinking skills.

For this program, the applying organization can be an entire district, a single school, a grade-band, an individual classroom, a PTA, 4H or Girl Scout group or an after-school program. In order to implement one (or more) of these programs, schools/organizations apply to the Regional Hub. Click here for the Regional Hub Map. Regional Managers for the Heartland AEA area are the following:

Jay Staker, North Central Regional STEM Manager
jstaker@iastate.edu
(515) 294-8417

Beth Kulow, Southwest STEM Regional Manager
Kulow@bvu.edu
(641) 782-1520

Kari Webb, Northwest STEM Regional Manager
kwebb@ilcc.cc.ia.us
(712) 3620-8341

If the LEA/organization is awarded program implementation, all aspects of the program (including professional development and curricular materials) will be provided FREE to you and your school/organization. All funding will be coordinated between your Regional STEM manager and the program provider.

A brief description (including the website) of each program can be found at http://www.iowastem.gov/.

Benefits of the programs:

• There are different programs available for elementary, middle and high school students
• Many of the programs can be implemented during the school day and some are best suited for before or after-school programs
• The programs all provide either stipends for teachers/coaches or curriculum materials or both
• Many of the programs also provide a level of training related to the provided materials

It is an exciting time for math and science in Iowa. The application is relatively simple and can be found online at http://www.iowastem.gov/educators-stem-scale-application#overlay-context=node.

The application deadline is September 14, 2012. Those educators selected to receive programming will be notified by October 1, 2012 and can implement the programming immediately this fall.

CWRA Representative to be at First HAA Meeting Sept. 4

The first Heartland Administrators’ Association (HAA) meeting for superintendents will be held on Tuesday, September 4, 2012. At this meeting Chris Jackson, representative from the College and Work Readiness Assessment (CWRA), will present from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. This is an assessment that is intended to help a school learn how well students are learning how to think critically, reason analytically, solve problems and write well. While superintendents are welcome to invite other leaders from their district to attend the meeting with them, there will also be an option to listen to the session via webinar. Watch next week's Administrator Connection for the full agenda for the meeting and the link to tune into the CWRA session.

Reminder: Continuing Education for New School Nurses

Heartland AEA is offering an exciting online learning experience for new school nurses. Beginning September 3, the Moodle-based class will be open to all school nurses hired August 2011 or later. Registration is mandatory but the class is free. Credit toward nurse license renewal is optional for a flat fee of $15 dollars. Topics to be covered include:

• Nursing delegation of health procedures to paraprofessionals
• Instruction on how to write an individual health plan (IHP)
• Instructions on how to conduct health evaluations and screenings for special education
• Understanding special health services and the IEP
• Medicaid billing and the role of the school nurse
• Section 504 and the nurse as a team member
• Heartland AEA resources available to assist nurses

Please pass on this opportunity to new school nurses. They may register here or go through our Professional Development catalog and enter activity number DR346899991301 in the correct field.

Preschool Support Workshops for Administrators

These workshops are intended for administrators new to supporting early childhood programs or would like a refresher course. Register through the Heartland AEA Professional Development catalog.

Early Childhood Administrative Introduction to Iowa Quality Preschool Program Standards (QPPS)
This workshop is designed for principals and/or administrators that are new to early childhood (preschool) programs or would like a refresher course in the Iowa Quality Preschool Programs, the Iowa Early Learning Standards and the verification process. The focus for this workshop will be to inform administrators of the basic information needed to ensure their preschool programs are implementing quality preschool standards as outlined by the Department of Education.

October 11, 2012
8:30-11:30 a.m.
Johnston Regional Education Center (6500 Corporate Dr., Johnston)
Activity Number: EC010892111301

Early Childhood Administrative Introduction to Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies GOLD
This workshop is also designed for principals and/or administrators that are new to early childhood (preschool) programs or would like a refresher course on Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies GOLD. The focus of this workshop will be to inform administrators on the curriculum and assessment being implemented in the preschool classroom.

October 11, 2012
1:00-4:00 p.m.
Location: Johnston Regional Education Center (6500 Corporate Dr., Johnston)
Activity Number: EC010992111301

Implementing a Quality ESL Program: A Day Seminar for Administrator/Teacher Teams

All administrators working with Title III (ELLs) are invited to bring a team of ESL and content/grade level teachers to this full day seminar to meet the new Title III director and hear from a number of experts. Title III will provide reimbursement for substitute teacher costs (up to five), and ELL-specific resources will be available to districts. Click here for more information.

September 26, 2012
8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center, Rooms 13 A & B

Click here to register or register through the Heartland AEA Professional Development Catalog and put activity number ES006892111301 in the correct field.

Correction: TELPA Study and TELPA Ordering Guidelines

Once again schools across the state are being asked to join the TELPA study. The TELPA is an ESL screening instrument used to determine whether or not a student who speaks or hears a language other than English at home should receive ESL (Title III) services.

Schools in the Heartland AEA area must order and pay for their own TELPA tests from Measurement Inc. (MI). Click here for the reimbursement form which should be printed, completed and sent to Kevin Fangman at Heartland AEA. This form must contain an original signature.

TELPA Ordering Guidance

TELPA materials orders may be placed at any time. When placing an order with MI, you will be required to either enter a purchase order number or indicate that no purchase order number is required. Your district will be billed directly for all TELPA materials ordered.

To access the ordering web site, navigate to the following link and enter the User ID and Password below.

https://state2.measinc.com/TELPAMaterials

Enter the User ID and Password that is specific to your district. To get or reset your district password, contact the ELDA/TELPA Help Line at ELDA @measinc.com or 1-888-612-0180.
 

The TELPA is locally administered and scored so you will have immediate results to help you place your students. Once you do this, you will need to transfer your students’ scores to a Bubble Answer Sheets (BAS) Scantron sheet. You will send these to Northwest AEA so the test results can be entered into an assessment database for evaluation. Contact Stephaney Jones-Vo at sjones-vo@aea11.k12.ia.us or Pat Latham at platham@aea11.k12.ia.us for BAS Scantron sheets, not Northwest AEA or the DE. The BAS Scantron sheets will be sent to you by Heartland van mail.

Invitation to Participate in the TELPA

Dr. Jobi Lawrence, Title lll Education Program Consultant for the Iowa Department of Education, would like to invite you to participate in a study of a placement test that assesses the ELL students entering your district. The study is to confirm the alignment of the Tennessee English Language Placement Assessment (TELPA) with the Iowa English Language Development Assessment (I-ELDA).

The results of this study will determine if the TELPA will be used to replace the LAS and the IPT, which are currently in use. If this assessment is adopted, the test will define an entry level English Proficiency when the student enters the district so we can capture the first year growth.If you would like to participate in the study please have your superintendent fill in the consent to participate form (found by clicking here) and send it back to:

Iowa Department of Education

Attn: Mary Smith

Grimes State Office Building

400 E. 14th St.

Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0146

or
By e-mail to Mary Smith

Mary.Smith@iowa.gov

If you choose to participate in this study the test materials will be of no cost to your district. Testing materials will only be of no cost to districts while the study is being conducted.To obtain TELPA BAS Scantron sheets please contact your AEA consultant with the number needed in K-2, 3-12 grade spans.

• Click here to read the directions for filling out front page of BAS Scantron
• Click here for the directions for returning TELPA BAS Scantrons to Northwest AEA (not Heartland AEA 11)

Learning Forward Seminar to Advise on Becoming a Skilled Facilitator in a Learning School

Learning Forward will hold a seminar on October 11 which will give participants an opportunity to deepen their knowledge and skills in becoming a skilled facilitator in a learning school (PLC). The focus will be on learning and practicing the essential skills needed to facilitate effective leadership and collaborative learning teams. Emphasis will be on building a foundation for effective teams, preparing and organizing teams, defining team expectations, conducting effective team meetings and monitoring and assessing team progress. Click here for a brochure. This is a perfect session for teachers who are asked to facilitate Learning Teams or PLCs.

The dissemination of information from external organizations by Heartland AEA does not imply sponsorship or endorsement of the information. It is being passed on to our stakeholders for its educational value.

Heartland AEA Provided News Clips

Each morning, the Heartland Communications Department provides links to local and national education news headlines. We call this service "news clips." If you would like to receive the news clips via email, please email the Heartland Communications Department at comms@aea11.k12.ia.us with the subject line of "Add Me to News Clips."

Some media sources require digital access subscriptions. News clips receivers are responsible for setting up their own digital access for these media sources. Heartland AEA is unable to provide this digital access for our news clips receivers. We thank you for your understanding.

Meet the New Heartland Area Superintendents

Before the first Heartland Administrator Association Meeting on Tuesday, September 4, we thought that we would introduce you to some new faces. Below are the new superintendents starting this year in Heartland AEA's area.

Thomas Ahart
Des Moines CSD
Education
BA in communications from University of Denver
MPA from Drake
K-12 Admin. Certificate from ISU
Ed.S. from Drake
Currently completing doctorate at Drake

Past Work Experience
Taught high school language arts in Glenwood Springs, CO, and Denison, IA; School Improvement Consultant with Heartland AEA 11; Director of Instruction for Marshalltown Community Schools; Director of Human Resources for Ankeny Community Schools; Principal of Harding Middle School, DMSP; Associate Superintendent for Teaching & Learning for DMPS; Interim Superintendent for DMPS

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
I am passionate about the students in Des Moines and the outstanding team of educators we have serving them. It is a diverse district in a great city, rich with challenges and therefore rich with opportunities.

What is your vision for your district?
I see DMPS as continuing to improve the ways we serve our ELL students, to continue to expand innovative ways for teachers to access the highest quality professional development, and to continue to encourage teachers to be innovators in how they connect with students to make learning meaningful.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy exercising, reading, music and theater.

Deron Durflinger
Van Meter CSD
Education
Advanced Studies Certificate, University of Northern Iowa
Master of Science, Buena Vista University
Bachelor of Arts, William Penn College

Past Work Experience
Van Meter Schools, Secondary Principal, 2009-present
Cardinal Community Schools, Principal, Teacher, Coach, 2002-2009
Charter Oak-Ute Community Schools, Teacher, Coach 1997-2002

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
I have been the Secondary Principal at Van Meter for the past three years. I love what we have been able to do in our building, and I wanted to increase my circle of influence within the district. Van Meter is a great community, located near Des Moines, with a school district willing to do whatever it takes to see students be successful. I wanted to continue to be a part of the wonderful traditions established in our district, so the progression to the superintendency was natural.

What is your vision for your district?
The vision for Van Meter Community School District is to empower students to be learners who:

• Communicate
• Collaborate
• Create
• Innovate
• Solve Problems
• Think Globally
• Live Ethically

A more detailed description of my vision can be found here: http://bit.ly/OWYGGB

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I have four kids aged 14, 12, 10, and 8, so most of my free time is spent with my wife at our kids' activities. However, I do find some time to golf in the summer, and I am a strong supporter of the Iowa Hawkeyes, Pittsburg Steelers, and St. Louis Cardinals, so I enjoy watching each of them when I get a chance.

Brad Jermeland
Ogden CSD
Education
Specialist in Education, Drake University
Master of Science in Educational Administration and Supervision, Drake University
Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, Luther College

Past Work Experience
Associate Superintendent, Indianola Community School District, 2005-2012
Building Principal, Indianola Community School District, 1999-2005
Special Education Zone Coordinator, Heartland AEA, 1995-1999
Building Principal, Carlisle Elementary, 1993-1995
Principal, Manson Northwest Webster Elementary, Mason City Community School District, 1992-1993
Teacher and Unit Leader - Grade 5, Hoover Elementary, Mason City Community School District, 1991-1992
Special Education Teacher in Behavior Disability Program, Madison Elementary, Mason City Community School District, 1987-1991

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
Ogden is a community that has a strong tradition of supporting education and its schools. The school district has a dedicated, visionary and supportive school board. The district has a dedicated and professional staff that is committed to providing quality educational experiences for students. The building principals are all new to their positions, and they are student-centered and dedicated leaders for their buildings.

What is your vision for your district?
Through the interview process two opportunities became evident as focus areas. The first is to develop a long-range plan that will lead to quality programs for student learning and the second would be to develop a plan that would market the school district and attract families to the Ogden Community School District.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy spending time with my wife and two daughters. They are a wonderful support system. I also enjoy going to Iowa Hawkeye football games, golfing (though I am bad at it), and supporting students in their co-curricular and extra curricular activities.

Bruce Kimpston
Ankeny CSD
Education
Doctor of Education – Drake University (2001)
Master of Science in Education – Drake University (1995)
Master of Science – Drake University (1991)
Bachelor of Arts – Iowa Wesleyan College (1986)

Past Work Experience
2009-Present –Ankeny Community Schools
1995-2009 – Waukee Community Schools
1992-1995 – West Des Moines Community Schools
1990-1992 – Dowling Catholic High School
1986-1990 – Martensdale-St. Mary’s Community Schools

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
Prior to moving to the superintendent position, I was the Associate Superintendent of Schools in Ankeny. This allowed me to see all facets of the district and how our schools function as a system. I accepted the position because of the people I have encountered in our buildings during the past three years. They care deeply about our students and work hard to help all students succeed.

What is your vision for your district?
My vision is to develop personalized learning for each child in the Ankeny Community School District. This can only be accomplished if we commit daily to provide differentiated learning experiences in all classrooms, as well as engage our teachers in professional collaboration and development in our professional learning communities.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy reading, gardening, and attending activities in which my children are involved in college.

Ottie Maxey
Ballard CSD
Education
B.A. Coe College, Major Course of Study – Economics, 1989
B.A. University of Northern Iowa, Major Course of Study – Social Science Teaching, 1994
M.S. Drake University, Education Administration, 1999
Advanced Studies Certificate in Superintendency, UNI, 2011
Doctoral Program, UNI, 2011 – Present

Past Work Experience
Social Studies Teacher/Coach – West Des Moines, 1995 – 2001
Social Studies Teacher/Coach – Cedar Rapids, 2001-2003
Dean of Students/Coach – Cedar Rapids, 2003-2005
Associate Principal – Cedar Rapids Kennedy, 2005-2009
Superintendent – Postville, 2009-2012

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
I considered Ballard a great opportunity for a variety of reasons. The Board of Education is very cohesive and supportive, the administrative team is experienced and forward-thinking, staff members are exceedingly dedicated and put students first, students value their education and are respectful of themselves and one another, and the communities of Cambridge, Huxley, Kelley, and Slater are committed to providing students with the resources and facilities for a great educational experience. In addition, the location of the district between Ames and Des Moines provides access to great resources, activities, and events.

What is your vision for your district?
Ballard’s vision is “Empower all learners” and it’s one I wholeheartedly embrace. As students progress through their education, we must provide an experience that enables them to become increasingly responsible for directing their learning. When they graduate our students will be confident they have the ability to succeed in their post-secondary pursuits.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
My wife, Melissa, and I have two sons. Hersch is a seventh grader and Willie is in fourth grade. I enjoy coaching them in athletics, and they love attending school events like most administrators’ kids. When vacationing, we enjoy snowboarding and spending time in the mountains. Around Iowa, we try to find time to go hunting, fishing, and golfing when the kids aren’t involved in activities. Also, I try and read as much as possible, but there never seems to be as much time for that as I’d like.

Susie Meade
Winterset CSD
Education
BA - Secondary Education Family and Consumer Science, University of Iowa
MS - Special Education, Minnesota State at Mankato
PhD - Educational Administration, Iowa State University

Past Work Experience
Secondary FCS - Faribault, Minnesota, 1989-1991
Elementary Behavior Disorders - Fort Dodge, Iowa, 1991-1993
Secondary Special Education - Algona, Iowa, 1993-1995
Elementary Special Education - West Des Moines, Iowa, 1995-1998
Principal - Saydel, Iowa, 1998-2000
Director of Special Education - West Des Moines, Iowa, 2000-2006
Principal - Mesa, Arizona, 2006-2008
Assistant Superintendent - Ankeny, Iowa, 2008-2012

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
Winterset is committed and invested in providing innovative learning opportunities for students. The Board of Education is invested in doing "whatever it takes" to fulfill our vision. The district recently participated in a strategic planning process which produced a mission, vision, values and goals much aligned to the initiatives supported by the state as well as my own philosophy. Additionally, when we moved back to Iowa my husband's position was based in Winterset. He had four years to preview the community, and we knew it was a great match for us.

What is your vision for your district?
To engage the community in developing a learning community whereby every student in Winterset is prepared for their next journey in life whether it be college or career.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
Reading, travelling, spending time with family and friends