Friday, November 22, 2013
Superintendents: December 3 HAA Meeting
The next HAA meeting will be held from 9:00-11:50 a.m. on Tuesday, December 3 in Rooms 13 A & B of the Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center (6500 Corporate Drive). As there is no Administrator Connection next week, the agenda will be emailed to superintendents before the meeting.
Curriculum Network: December 6 Meeting
The next Curriculum Network meeting will be held on Friday, December 6 in Rooms 13 A & B of the Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center (6500 Corporate Drive) and will begin at 8:30 a.m. The agenda and handouts will soon be posted on the Curriculum Network Google Site.
Busteed to Focus on Gallup Research and “Economics of Human Development," Feb. 4
After decades of focus on standardized testing and school accountability, American schools still trail much of the world on international measures of student performance. Amidst a time of globalization, disruptive technology and new demands in the workforce, are we educating our students in the right way?
Learn what Gallup research has to say about the “economics of human development,” and what should become a New Bill of Rights for All Students. Brandon Busteed, Executive Director of Gallup Education, will take you through a whirlwind of the most important research informing how we can get our education system back on the path to winning again. Gallup’s insights will change everything you think you know about education.
February 4, 2014
Time: 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Location: Heartland AEA Johnston REC, Rooms 13A & B
Audience: Superintendents, principals, district administrators and curriculum directors. It will be a great opportunity for superintendents or principals to bring in school teams.
Activity Number: AD015292111401
Additionally, Mr. Busteed will hold a presentation for superintendents during the Heartland Administrators’ Association Meeting that morning.
Learn more about Mr. Busteed here.
Learn what Gallup research has to say about the “economics of human development,” and what should become a New Bill of Rights for All Students. Brandon Busteed, Executive Director of Gallup Education, will take you through a whirlwind of the most important research informing how we can get our education system back on the path to winning again. Gallup’s insights will change everything you think you know about education.
February 4, 2014
Time: 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Location: Heartland AEA Johnston REC, Rooms 13A & B
Audience: Superintendents, principals, district administrators and curriculum directors. It will be a great opportunity for superintendents or principals to bring in school teams.
Activity Number: AD015292111401
Additionally, Mr. Busteed will hold a presentation for superintendents during the Heartland Administrators’ Association Meeting that morning.
Learn more about Mr. Busteed here.
Community of Practice for Iowa Fine Arts Teachers
All Iowa fine arts teachers are invited to join in a Creative Community of Practice starting December 11 and offered jointly by AEA PD Online and Prairie Lakes AEA.
This blend of onsite and online workshops will create a community of practicing art teachers interested in elevating the value of creative thinking in our schools. Together they will explore and create ways to integrate creativity into the learning experience of all students- and make it a valued component of all content areas as students move to more authentic tasks and relevant performance indicators.
Click here for more information.
This blend of onsite and online workshops will create a community of practicing art teachers interested in elevating the value of creative thinking in our schools. Together they will explore and create ways to integrate creativity into the learning experience of all students- and make it a valued component of all content areas as students move to more authentic tasks and relevant performance indicators.
Click here for more information.
ICLC Reimbursement Form Due Nov. 29
If your district had participants attend the Iowa Culture and Language Conference and Preconference November 11-13, please complete the claim form attached in the Administrator Connection blog and return it via the Heartland AEA van mail by November 29, 2013 to the following:
Pat Latham, ESL Consultant
Heartland AEA Adel Office
Van Route # 1.13
Pat Latham, ESL Consultant
Heartland AEA Adel Office
Van Route # 1.13
TLC Grant Planning Workshop, Dec. 2
The next Teacher Leadership and Compensation System Grant Planning Workshop will be Monday, December 2, 2013. The workshops are full, but new districts can attend via Adobe Connect. You may access the Google Site with directions to connect with Adobe Connect, agendas, planning tools and other guidance by clicking here.
State Report Shows Inconsistencies in Reading Instruction
Click here for a report released Wednesday by the Iowa Reading Research Center (IRRC). The report shows inconsistencies in literacy instructional practices in Iowa schools, which may be contributing to stagnant reading trends reported among Iowa’s students for the past several years.
About the Iowa Reading Research Center (IRRC)
The Iowa Reading Research Center’s purpose is to apply current research for the development of literacy across Iowa. The IRRC is action-oriented and initiatives include reading assessments, data reporting system, evidence-based interventions and teaching strategies, early literacy framework, summer reading program, professional learning, and parent resources and information. Please visit www.iowareadingresearch.org.
About the Iowa Reading Research Center (IRRC)
The Iowa Reading Research Center’s purpose is to apply current research for the development of literacy across Iowa. The IRRC is action-oriented and initiatives include reading assessments, data reporting system, evidence-based interventions and teaching strategies, early literacy framework, summer reading program, professional learning, and parent resources and information. Please visit www.iowareadingresearch.org.
Schools Recognized for Reducing Gaps in Achievement Among Students
Congratulations to Carroll High School and Northeast Elementary (Ankeny) two of six schools from across the state honored by the State Board of Education for significant progress in closing gaps in student achievement.
The Breaking Barriers to Teaching and Learning Award was created by the State Board of Education. Each year, the award recognizes successful efforts to eliminate achievement gaps among students who face challenges. This year’s award-winners were recognized for having the highest proficiency rates statewide in math and reading among a specific subgroup of students, such as students who do not speak English as their native language and students from low-income backgrounds. Data from three years were examined to confirm a positive trend for each school.
The schools that met this criteria include:
The Breaking Barriers to Teaching and Learning Award was created by the State Board of Education. Each year, the award recognizes successful efforts to eliminate achievement gaps among students who face challenges. This year’s award-winners were recognized for having the highest proficiency rates statewide in math and reading among a specific subgroup of students, such as students who do not speak English as their native language and students from low-income backgrounds. Data from three years were examined to confirm a positive trend for each school.
The schools that met this criteria include:
- Kennedy High School, Cedar Rapids: Latino students (92.3 percent proficiency rate in reading and mathematics; statewide average for this subgroup is 58.8 percent).
- Cedar Falls High School, Cedar Falls: African American students (84.7 percent proficiency rate in reading and mathematics; statewide average for this subgroup is 46.3 percent).
- South Tama County Elementary, Tama: Native American students (75.8 percent proficiency rate in reading and mathematics; statewide average for this subgroup is 59.3 percent).
- Carroll High School, Carroll: Low socioeconomic status (86.4 percent proficiency rate in reading and math; statewide average for this subgroup is 61.3 percent).
- Northeast Elementary, Ankeny: Students on Individualized Education Programs (75.8 percent proficiency rate in reading and mathematics; statewide average for this subgroup is 32.3 percent).
- Lenox Elementary School, Lenox: English language learners (86.4 percent proficiency rate in reading and math; statewide average for this subgroup is 42.6 percent).
Quick Pitch Biz Competition for Business-Minded High School Students
The Jacobson Institute for Youth Entrepreneurship is running a Quick Pitch Biz Competition for high school students in grades 9-12. Students don't need a business background or existing business. All they need is an idea to compete!
Competitors need:
Click here for more information. Deadline to submit Application and 1-page Executive Summary is Friday, November 29.
Competitors need:
- Motivation
- Passion
- Good idea
- Read about past competitors
Click here for more information. Deadline to submit Application and 1-page Executive Summary is Friday, November 29.
Friday, November 15, 2013
November 2013 AEA PD Online & AEA K-12 Online Updates
The November 2013 AEA PD Online and AEA K-12 Online updates are now available. For real time updates, follow AEA PD Online on Twitter @aeapdonline or download our app at http://myapp.is/aeapdonline.
AEA PD Online
• Moodle Updates: Introducing the "Awesome" Bar
• Tool of the Month: Are you "Kahoot"-ing?
• Upcoming Courses
• AEA PD Online: Live!
• External Partners
AEA K-12 Online
• Accessing AEA K-12 Online's Moodle Hosting Services and E-curriculum
AEA PD Online
• Moodle Updates: Introducing the "Awesome" Bar
• Tool of the Month: Are you "Kahoot"-ing?
• Upcoming Courses
• AEA PD Online: Live!
• External Partners
AEA K-12 Online
• Accessing AEA K-12 Online's Moodle Hosting Services and E-curriculum
ICLC Reimbursement Form Now Available
If your district had participants attend the Iowa Culture and Language Conference and Pre-conference November 11-13, please complete the attached claim form and return it via the Heartland AEA van mail by November 29, 2013 to the following:
Pat Latham, ESL Consultant
Heartland AEA Adel Office
Van Route # 1.13
Pat Latham, ESL Consultant
Heartland AEA Adel Office
Van Route # 1.13
Tell Us Your Good News!
We know that our staff have great partnerships with families, educators and partner organizations that ultimately improve the learning outcomes and well-being of central Iowa's children and youth. We need to get the word out about these great things so that the work of the AEAs does not go unrecognized. Any piece of good news would be much appreciated! Click here for a form to let us know about the celebrations we could share!
Thanksgiving Holiday Office & Van Delivery Schedule
Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, all Heartland AEA offices will be closed on November 28 and 29. Our van delivery schedule will be as follows:
• Regular delivery Nov. 25-26
• No delivery Nov. 27-29
Additionally, there will be no Administrator Connection update on November 29.
• Regular delivery Nov. 25-26
• No delivery Nov. 27-29
Additionally, there will be no Administrator Connection update on November 29.
E-Rate Training and Updates
Pam Jacobs, Iowa E-rate Coordinator, will hold a virtual E-rate training for completion of Form 470 for the 2014-15 school/funding year on Tuesday, November 19 at 2:00-3:30 p.m. To participate, go to http://iowa.adobeconnect.com/e-rate/ and select “enter as a guest.”
The USAC Board has determined that the Form 471 "window" for 2014-15 school/funding year will open no sooner than January 8, 2014. The window closing/deadline has not yet been established but will likely be sometime in mid to late March. One reason for the uncertainty of dates is that there will be a new version of Form 471 and that form must be tested in the online system before the window opens.
Dates for the Form 471 training will be posted in December (first Form 471 training session likely to take place the week of January 13). Because of the new Form 471, it is recommended that newcomers and seasoned veterans participate in one of the trainings.
The USAC Board has determined that the Form 471 "window" for 2014-15 school/funding year will open no sooner than January 8, 2014. The window closing/deadline has not yet been established but will likely be sometime in mid to late March. One reason for the uncertainty of dates is that there will be a new version of Form 471 and that form must be tested in the online system before the window opens.
Dates for the Form 471 training will be posted in December (first Form 471 training session likely to take place the week of January 13). Because of the new Form 471, it is recommended that newcomers and seasoned veterans participate in one of the trainings.
Iowa Commission on the Status of Women Announces the 30th Annual Write Women Back Into History Essay Contest
The Iowa Commission on the Status of Women, in partnership with the Iowa Department of Education and the State Historical Society of Iowa, invite Iowa’s youth to gain a deeper and more relevant appreciation of women’s roles in history and celebrate March as Women’s History Month by participating in the Write Women Back Into History Essay Contest.
This year’s theme is “Celebrating Women of Character, Courage and Commitment.” Though women have always made significant contributions to these fields, historically those contributions have not been recognized as publicly as those of men. Here is a chance for Iowa’s youth to change that and learn more about women in these fields.
The contest is open to students in grades 6–9. Winning essayists will be awarded prizes and recognized at a special ceremony at the State Capitol during Women’s History Month, and each finalist will receive a certificate signed by the governor. They also will be introduced in the Iowa Senate and House of Representatives. All winners will receive some cash prize, names will be released to the press and a special effort will be made to inform media outlets in the students’ communities of their honors.
The best essay on Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math will receive book prizes and cash prizes as well.
The deadline for entries is January 24, 2014. Guidelines and entry forms can be found at http://www.women.iowa.gov/about_women/womens_history/essay_contest.html. Contact Sanjita Shrestha at ICSW for more information at (515) 281-4219, (800) 558-4427 or women@iowa.gov.
This year’s theme is “Celebrating Women of Character, Courage and Commitment.” Though women have always made significant contributions to these fields, historically those contributions have not been recognized as publicly as those of men. Here is a chance for Iowa’s youth to change that and learn more about women in these fields.
The contest is open to students in grades 6–9. Winning essayists will be awarded prizes and recognized at a special ceremony at the State Capitol during Women’s History Month, and each finalist will receive a certificate signed by the governor. They also will be introduced in the Iowa Senate and House of Representatives. All winners will receive some cash prize, names will be released to the press and a special effort will be made to inform media outlets in the students’ communities of their honors.
The best essay on Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math will receive book prizes and cash prizes as well.
The deadline for entries is January 24, 2014. Guidelines and entry forms can be found at http://www.women.iowa.gov/about_women/womens_history/essay_contest.html. Contact Sanjita Shrestha at ICSW for more information at (515) 281-4219, (800) 558-4427 or women@iowa.gov.
November 2013 Iowa Board of Educational Examiners News Update
Click here to find the November 2013 News Update from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners. The BoEE produces this quarterly newsletter for Iowa educators and it is being passed on for your information.
Iowa Children's Museum Field Trips
The Iowa Children's Museum in Coralville has updated their schedule to include K-6th grade field trip packages to match the Iowa Core standards. Click here for their field trip offerings.
UNI Iowa's Geological Resources Workshop for Teachers
Click here for a copy of the Iowa's Geological Resources Workshop for Teachers brochure. Please distribute this electronic copy of the brochure to middle and high school earth, environmental or geological science. This course begins with an online component in the spring to prepare teachers for a hands-on-workshop (July 13-15, 2014) where they will be visiting various geological sites and preparing curricular materials.
Flyer for Iowa ASCD’s 4th/5th Grade Teacher Conference
Click here
for a flyer that can be shared with fourth- and fifth-grade teachers to
attend the Iowa ASCD’s Teacher Conference on December 4, 2013. With
four teacher registrations, the principal comes free.
Around the World Schools Need to Respond to the Disaster in the Philippines
This message was sent to Dr. Vincent from the Dept. of Psychology at UCLA.
Schools need to respond because news of a disaster anywhere in the world can have an impact on their students, families, school staff, and communities.
Reaction to the news of the disaster may stem from having relatives and friends who have been directly affected or because the media images they experience trigger feelings of empathy, anxiety, fear.
Whenever there is a major disaster, schools can mobilize to provide support to those affected directly and indirectly by the event.
For example:
• For those at school who have relatives in the impacted country, schools can consider providing appropriate opportunities to share what they know about the situation, what concerns they have, how they might address those concerns (e.g., up-to-date information, ways their families/communities are reaching out to find/support friends and relatives, what plans are underway for recovery).
• For those at school who have strong emotional reactions to the news reports (e.g., are anxious that such a disaster might occur in their community), schools can mobilize those facets of their emergency aftermath plans to provide appropriate supports.
• To help with disaster relief, schools can follow the lead of and connect with those organizing such relief (e.g., the Red Cross, UNICEF, Doctors without Borders, etc. – see How to help: Organizations offering relief to Typhoon Haiyan survivors – http://www.cnbc.com/id/101189935).
• Schools can also tie the responses into their efforts to promote social-emotional learning, character building, etc.
• And, as always, schools should review school crisis plans and encourage families to involve their children in understanding what to do if there is a disaster, where to get help, etc.
For more resources related to crisis response and trauma, see our quick find topic page http://smhp.psych.ucla.edu/qf/p2107_01.htm
Schools need to respond because news of a disaster anywhere in the world can have an impact on their students, families, school staff, and communities.
Reaction to the news of the disaster may stem from having relatives and friends who have been directly affected or because the media images they experience trigger feelings of empathy, anxiety, fear.
Whenever there is a major disaster, schools can mobilize to provide support to those affected directly and indirectly by the event.
For example:
• For those at school who have relatives in the impacted country, schools can consider providing appropriate opportunities to share what they know about the situation, what concerns they have, how they might address those concerns (e.g., up-to-date information, ways their families/communities are reaching out to find/support friends and relatives, what plans are underway for recovery).
• For those at school who have strong emotional reactions to the news reports (e.g., are anxious that such a disaster might occur in their community), schools can mobilize those facets of their emergency aftermath plans to provide appropriate supports.
• To help with disaster relief, schools can follow the lead of and connect with those organizing such relief (e.g., the Red Cross, UNICEF, Doctors without Borders, etc. – see How to help: Organizations offering relief to Typhoon Haiyan survivors – http://www.cnbc.com/id/101189935).
• Schools can also tie the responses into their efforts to promote social-emotional learning, character building, etc.
• And, as always, schools should review school crisis plans and encourage families to involve their children in understanding what to do if there is a disaster, where to get help, etc.
For more resources related to crisis response and trauma, see our quick find topic page http://smhp.psych.ucla.edu/qf/p2107_01.htm
Friday, November 8, 2013
Iowa’s NAEP results show some gains, need for improvement
Iowa’s student results on the National Assessment of Educational Progress show some gains in math and reading since 2011, but stagnation over the long term remains a challenge statewide.
“We see some bright spots in today’s results, but they largely underscore the need to continue pushing forward with our education priorities,” Iowa Department of Education Director Brad Buck said.
Iowa has participated in NAEP assessments since they were first administered in 1990. Today’s NAEP results cover math and reading for grades 4 and 8. Iowa’s results show small growth from 2011 in fourth- and eighth-grade reading and fourth-grade math. The long-term trend remains flat in reading at both grade levels, with small growth in math.
The results also show no single demographic group stands out for Iowa’s relative stagnation. White students, who make up 81 percent of Iowa’s student population, are behind their white peers nationally across all tested grade levels and subject areas.
Significant gaps in achievement also remain for black and Hispanic students, students who do not speak English as their native language, students from low-income backgrounds and students with disabilities.
Click here for additional information.
“We see some bright spots in today’s results, but they largely underscore the need to continue pushing forward with our education priorities,” Iowa Department of Education Director Brad Buck said.
Iowa has participated in NAEP assessments since they were first administered in 1990. Today’s NAEP results cover math and reading for grades 4 and 8. Iowa’s results show small growth from 2011 in fourth- and eighth-grade reading and fourth-grade math. The long-term trend remains flat in reading at both grade levels, with small growth in math.
The results also show no single demographic group stands out for Iowa’s relative stagnation. White students, who make up 81 percent of Iowa’s student population, are behind their white peers nationally across all tested grade levels and subject areas.
Significant gaps in achievement also remain for black and Hispanic students, students who do not speak English as their native language, students from low-income backgrounds and students with disabilities.
Click here for additional information.
November 2013 School Leader Update
Click here to find a link to the November 2013 issue of the School Leader Update from the Iowa Department of Education.
Flyer for Iowa ASCD’s 4th/5th Grade Teacher Conference
Click here for a flyer that can be shared with fourth- and fifth-grade teachers to attend the Iowa ASCD’s Teacher Conference on December 4, 2013. With four teacher registrations, the principal comes free.
DMACC Surplus Available
DMACC has eight of the instructor stations available for pick up after December 1 at the Hunziker location in Ames. Click here for pictures and more information. These surplus items are free to the first school to ask for them. Please contact Julie Klocke at jaklocke1@dmacc.edu if you are interested.
SchoolReach and CyberBully Hotline to Hold Webinars in November
Bullying in Schools: What Can We Do?
Tues. Nov. 19th @ 10:30-11:30 a.m. Central
Register here: https://www4.gotomeeting.com/register/540564623
Join a free webinar in a professional development series featuring anti-bullying author and speaker, Stan Davis. Stan will discuss strategies for reducing bullying in schools AND for reducing the harm that bullying can cause, based on a recent large national research project.
Attendees of this webinar will learn:
Thurs. Nov. 21st @ 10:30-11:30 a.m. Central
Register here: https://www4.gotomeeting.com/register/384218335
Join retired police officer, School Resource Officer, and School Safety expert, Gary Sigrist, Jr. as he discusses reunification plans for schools. Many schools prepare for emergencies, but many are not prepared for the reunification that happens following an emergency. Reunification occurs when events at the school or in the neighborhood demand students are physically returned to parents. In the event of criminal activity, injury or death, additional time may be needed for law enforcement interviews or crisis counseling.
Attendees of this webinar will learn:
Tues. Nov. 19th @ 10:30-11:30 a.m. Central
Register here: https://www4.gotomeeting.com/register/540564623
Join a free webinar in a professional development series featuring anti-bullying author and speaker, Stan Davis. Stan will discuss strategies for reducing bullying in schools AND for reducing the harm that bullying can cause, based on a recent large national research project.
Attendees of this webinar will learn:
- Ways to talk about bullying with youth that make it both less frequent and less damaging
- Ways to broaden your focus beyond just stopping mean behavior to also building community, inner strength and helping behaviors
- Strategies for empowering peers to give effective, safe support to bullied youth
- How adults can best support bullied youth to reduce emotional harm
Thurs. Nov. 21st @ 10:30-11:30 a.m. Central
Register here: https://www4.gotomeeting.com/register/384218335
Join retired police officer, School Resource Officer, and School Safety expert, Gary Sigrist, Jr. as he discusses reunification plans for schools. Many schools prepare for emergencies, but many are not prepared for the reunification that happens following an emergency. Reunification occurs when events at the school or in the neighborhood demand students are physically returned to parents. In the event of criminal activity, injury or death, additional time may be needed for law enforcement interviews or crisis counseling.
Attendees of this webinar will learn:
- How to choose a reunification site
- How to manage the reunification process
- Where to direct parents who come to pick their children up
- Who's allowed to pick students up
- Where to stage students
- How to reduce parents' drama and anxiety
- What to anticipate regarding medical issues
Friday, November 1, 2013
Reminder About Iowa Alternate Assessment for Homebound Students and Students on Shortened School Days
This is a reminder that homebound students (usually for medical reasons) and students on shortened school days who receive educational services from a district are required to be tested for NCLB.
Homebound students take the same assessments as if they were in a school building. Iowa Code does not provide exemption of assessment for students on shortened school days. For homebound/shortened school day students where instruction and assessment on the Iowa Alternate Assessment requirement of 15 items per content area assessed may be problematic, IEP teams must convene and come to consensus that a reduction of the requirement is warranted and then submit a request to the Department. The Department will then make a determination on the number of rating scales required for assessment.
If you have questions about IAA requirements, contact your regional director or Angela Calhoun at acalhoun@heartlandaea.org.
Homebound students take the same assessments as if they were in a school building. Iowa Code does not provide exemption of assessment for students on shortened school days. For homebound/shortened school day students where instruction and assessment on the Iowa Alternate Assessment requirement of 15 items per content area assessed may be problematic, IEP teams must convene and come to consensus that a reduction of the requirement is warranted and then submit a request to the Department. The Department will then make a determination on the number of rating scales required for assessment.
If you have questions about IAA requirements, contact your regional director or Angela Calhoun at acalhoun@heartlandaea.org.
Superintendents: November 5 HAA Meeting
Click here for the updated HAA agenda for next week’s meeting. The meeting will be held from 9:00-11:50 a.m. on Tuesday, November 5 in Rooms 13 A & B of the Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center (6500 Corporate Drive). Meeting topics include a session with SAI Legal Counsel Matt Carver about school safety and related legal issues and breakouts dealing with district-wide technology and negotiations.
Assessing Academic Rigor, Spring 2014
Spring dates for Assessing Academic Rigor courses are set! If you are looking to renew your Administrative License, one of the courses you may want to take is Assessing Academic Rigor. The spring dates are January 23, 30, February 20 & 27 at Heartland AEA. Click here to register.
Teacher Leadership and Compensation Model Google Site
Heartland AEA has a Google Site of resources to support schools as they plan their teacher leadership and compensation model. The site can be accessed here. One key resource listed under the October 30 meeting documents is the planning template. Districts that attended the first planning workshop really found this template helpful.
Background Checks Requirements for School Employees
This guidance is from Iowa Department of Education website.
Under Iowa Code section 279.69, the Legislature has closed the gap on the requirement for school district employees to have background checks. The newly passed law requires that all school district employees have a background check conducted in compliance with various Iowa laws by July 1, 2014. This legislation includes other school employees such as cooks, custodians, paraprofessionals, and administrators who are not licensed with the Board of Educational Examiners. These employees must have a background check upon initially being hired and then every five years on the anniversary date of the employee. The law requires the school district to review information in the Iowa court information system, the sex offender registry, the child abuse registry, and the central registry for dependent adult abuse for information regarding the applicant. The school district must pay the costs of the checks and maintain documentation of compliance with this law. Click here for an ISFIS report for guidance with the new background check law.
Under Iowa Code section 279.69, the Legislature has closed the gap on the requirement for school district employees to have background checks. The newly passed law requires that all school district employees have a background check conducted in compliance with various Iowa laws by July 1, 2014. This legislation includes other school employees such as cooks, custodians, paraprofessionals, and administrators who are not licensed with the Board of Educational Examiners. These employees must have a background check upon initially being hired and then every five years on the anniversary date of the employee. The law requires the school district to review information in the Iowa court information system, the sex offender registry, the child abuse registry, and the central registry for dependent adult abuse for information regarding the applicant. The school district must pay the costs of the checks and maintain documentation of compliance with this law. Click here for an ISFIS report for guidance with the new background check law.
November-December 2013 Each & Every Child Newsletter
Click here to for a link to the November-December 2013 edition of the Each & Every Child newsletter from the Iowa Department of Education. This issue introduces you to the school that is simply the best in the state when it comes to bringing their students on Individualized Education Plans up to grade-level achievement. Take a bow, Northeast Elementary in Ankeny!
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