Additional Early Literacy Guidance/CBE Final Report

Message from Iowa Department of Education

Dear Administrator:

I am writing to notify you of two items regarding recently enacted Iowa Code Section 279.68 on Early Literacy Progression.  Both items require action on your part.  First, in order to obtain your district’s share of the $8 million appropriated by the legislature for implementation of the Early Literacy Progression law, you need to submit a brief application at www.iowagrants.gov.  This process is similar to the process used to distribute the Teacher Leadership and Compensation planning grant funds earlier in the school year. The grant opportunity is currently open, and I urge you to submit your information as soon as possible.  Instructions for accessing the grant application are attached in the link below.

Second, due to the scope of the law, the Iowa Department of Education will be offering a series of technical assistance opportunities throughout the next year to support districts with implementation. The first installment will occur in the next two weeks.  The Department will sponsor one face-to-face meeting and two webinars during which representatives from the Department will review new guidance on Iowa Code §279.68 and the rules recently noticed by the State Board of Education in IAC 281—62. Two guidance documents, both attached in the link below, include information on the new requirements for Iowa’s school districts and tips on how districts may wish to use the funds allocated for the purpose of fulfilling the requirements.  There will be ample opportunity for questions. Dates and times offered are below.

December 18
Webinar: http://iowa.adobeconnect.com/r6o0lfof3zc/
2:00-4:00 p.m.

December 19
Webinar: http://iowa.adobeconnect.com/r6o0lfof3zc/
7:30-9:30 a.m.

December 20
Grimes Building, 400 E 14th St., Des Moines (Room - Basement 100)
2:00-4:00 p.m.

Please forward this information to others in your district who may need to know.

I look forward to working with each of you as we continue to improve literacy results for all of our children.  I hope this note finds you well and that you and your family enjoy a wonderful holiday season.

Cordially,
Dave Tilly

If you have never attended an Adobe Connect meeting before:

Test your connection: http://iowa.adobeconnect.com/common/help/en/support/meeting_test.htm

Get a quick overview: http://www.adobe.com/products/adobeconnect.html

Link to attachments: https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0ByfBML663TIENExxNHdOOERwSEk&usp=sharing