Our Mission

To provide services and leadership, in partnership with families, schools and communities, that improve the learning outcomes and well-being of all children and youth.
Our Goals

• Increase learning growth for students
• Decrease the gap in achievement
• Increase annual graduation rates
• Increase gateways to post-secondary success

Districts Asked to Certify Their Transportation Agreements Starting May 7

During the last two months, districts were asked to complete Steps I - III of the online Request for Transportation Agreement process. Districts should now complete Step IV starting May 7 through May 30, which certifies their agreements. Once districts have certified their agreements, the process is complete for 2016-17.

Review the instructions and timelines for Step IV to complete the process. (The instructions for Step IV are also listed below.)

Instructions
1. Log in to your account at www.bit.ly/TransportationAgreements
2. Click Agreements
3. Click Certify
4. Follow screen prompts
5. Click Submit

For more information, contact Jenny Ugolini at (515) 270-0405 ext. 14441.

Heartland AEA 2016 Summer Van Delivery Schedule Announced

Heartland AEA vans will deliver twice a week to each district administration building during the summer months. If you have summer school, professional development programs or intercessions and you would like regularly scheduled deliveries to additional buildings, please email Colleen Miller at colleen_miller@heartlandaea.org.

Schedule-to-date:

• Twice-a-week delivery to each district administration building runs June 13 to August 5.
• Twice-a-week delivery will automatically continue to each building that has an extended year calendar.
• Regular fall van delivery resumes August 8.

Printing:

• Heartland AEA will contact the district to arrange for special delivery of large printing orders during the summer.

Have You Ordered Student Planners From Heartland AEA?

Quality and affordable student planners are available for your school through Heartland AEA’s Creative Services Department. Planners have a plastic front and back cover, coil binding and contain intro pages, planner pages, note pages and numerous reference and resource pages from which to choose. The planners include a full-year calendar to accommodate extended year schedules.

Visit our website to choose your preferred cover design, planner pages and reference pages from our set styles for planners. Optional pages, such as hall passes, can be added for an additional fee.

**For a timely delivery in the fall, place your orders soon so they will be ready for the beginning of the school year.**

For more information, contact the Heartland AEA Creative Services Department at (800) 255-0405 ext. 14368 or creativeservices@heartlandaea.org.

Clarification Provided for Training Requirements for the New English Language Proficiency (ELP) Standards

This message was sent from David Tilly, Deputy Director, Iowa Department of Education to LEA Superintendent sand AEA Chief Administrators.

In October 2015 I sent a letter to the field outlining area education agency (AEA) and school district responsibilities regarding the federal Title III program requirements as a result of the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) monitoring visit. This letter included the attachment "Title III Federal Monitoring Citations and Responses," which described the specific training requirements for the new English Language Proficiency (ELP) Standards. The purpose of this communication is to clarify and correct what we described as the professional development requirements related to the new ELP Standards.

Only certified educators responsible for delivering the Language Instruction Education Program (LIEP) must participate in professional development related to the new standards. The Iowa Department of Education will not require that all certified teachers in each district participate in this training. Since other certified teachers serving English learner students are also responsible for delivering parts of the LIEP, they should receive the "professional development as may be necessary to implement those educational and instructional models." (IAR Section 281 Chapter 60.3(3)b(5))

The Iowa Department of Education has worked with ELPA21 (English Language Proficiency Assessment for the 21st Century) and a consortium of states to develop training modules that can be used to address the required training on the ELP Standards. School districts and AEAs responsible for delivering the training have several options for how to use the modules to support the required training on the ELP standards:

A. AEAs and school districts may require the certified staff members directly responsible for delivering the LIEP (and others they deem appropriate) to view the Modules individually or collectively via AEA PD Online and take the associated brief quiz to document completion and content attainment.

B. AEAs and school districts may use the modules flexibly (chunk the content, provide training to groups where they watch the modules together with some facilitated discussion, alter the sequence, facilitate learning activities in conjunction with the modules, etc.) as long as the modules are viewed in their entirety through the delivery method determined by the AEA or the school district.

C. AEAs and school districts may deliver training using the content within the modules but not necessarily use the modules or only use clips from the modules - this will require submitting a training plan and receiving Iowa Department of Education approval prior to starting the training with staff. This option will also require that AEAs/school districts provide verification of training completed, the list of all participants who completed the training, and evidence of participant learning. The plan must include:

a. The trainers and the target audience for each training session.
b. The specific content and learning outcomes for each training session.
c. The learning activities that will be used to deliver the content.
d. How the trainers will assess whether or not the participants are meeting the intended outcomes.


Questions and Answers:

1. What are the ELP Standards?

The new ELP Standards describe the critical language, knowledge about language, and skills using language that are in college-and-career-ready standards and that are necessary for English language learners (ELLs) to be successful in schools. The new ELP standards can be downloaded from: http://www.elpa21.org/sites/default/files/Final%204_30%20ELPA21%20Standards_1.pdf

2. Why are we requiring training on the ELP Standards?

Ongoing professional learning is critical to continuous improvement of our instructional practices and improving outcomes for students This required professional development is in response to a citation from the USDE received in 2014 in which it was noted that Iowa educators were not familiar with or implementing the ELP Standards and had not received appropriate training in relation to the standards. The citation from the USDE stated:

Finding: The Iowa Department of Education (IDE) did not provide evidence that it has implemented English Language Proficiency (ELP) standards Statewide. Of the five districts we reviewed there was no evidence that ELP standards were implemented in the classrooms in any of these districts. The teachers interviewed had not received any training on the ELP standards. . . .

Citation: Section 3113(b)(2) of the ESEA requires SEAs to establish English language proficiency standards.

Further action required: The IDE must develop and submit to ED a plan, including a timeline, outlining the steps it will take to ensure that the newly adopted ELP standards are implemented, including training to districts on the standards.

The Iowa Administrative Rules: Section 281 Chapter 60.3(3)b(5) describes the professional development required for educators responsible for implementing educational programs for English learner students.

(5) Professional development. All district instructional staff and area education agency staff responsible for implementing the educational and instructional models defined in rule 281-60.2(280) shall receive such professional development as may be necessary to implement those educational and instructional models. Such professional development may be part of a district or area education agency professional development plan, an attendance center professional development plan, an individual professional development plan, or some combination thereof. The necessity for such professional development shall be determined based on the framework in rule 281-83.6(284). . . .

3. What training on the ELP Standards is the Iowa Department of Education providing?

The Iowa Department of Education has worked with a consortium of states to develop materials that can be used for training staff on the ELP Standards. Please see question #4 for more information.

4. Who developed the modules?

ELPA21's Professional Development Task Force is working with ELL experts and educators from ELPA21 states to develop materials and guidance that can be used in group trainings and accessed by individual teachers. This comprehensive toolkit consists of six online training modules that focus on classroom implementation of the ELP Standards:

Module 1 - Introduction;
Module 2 - Task Analysis;
Module 3 - ELP Standards;
Module 4 - Performance Level Descriptors;
Module 5 - Formative Assessment; and
Module 6 - Reflection.

The first three modules are available now through AEA PD Online and the remaining three modules are forthcoming. They address topics for both ELL and content teachers, including ELP Standards implementation, English language application, and students' understanding of language and content.

5. Do all educators have to participate in the training?

No. Only certified educators responsible for delivering the LIEP must participate in the professional development related to the standards. Other certified teachers serving English learner students and responsible for delivering parts of the LIEP program should receive the professional development necessary to implement those educational program components.

6. Do support staff have to take the training?

No.

7. Do I have to use the modules in the training?

No. However, the only place we have outlined important content for the training is within the modules. If you are not using the modules then the person planning and delivering the training should become familiar with the content within the modules and use that content as you design and deliver your own training. Also, you will need to submit a plan for your training and verification of delivery, participation, and learning. Please see option C (above) for more information.

David Tilly
Deputy Director
Iowa Department of Education
Grimes State Office Building
400 E 14th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319-0146
Ph: 515-281-3333
Email: David.Tilly@iowa.gov

Our Kids Summer Institute Registration Open for Those Serving English Learners

For the past 12 years, Our Kids Summer Institute has provided a high-quality professional development opportunity for teachers and administrators who work with English learners. Historically, premier presenters from the U.S and Canada have shared their expertise. Networking opportunities and multicultural experiences have been provided and various conference strands have met a range of needs and interests among participants.

In addition, Our Kids prides itself on highlighting cultures of students and families in Iowa by incorporating culturally and linguistically diverse voices in panels, cultural performances, planning, etc.

Speakers at this year’s event include:

• Mawi Asgedom, author and national motivational speaker, former child refugee and Harvard graduate
• Paula Markus, Program Coordinator of the world’s largest ESL/ELD program
• Andrea DeCapua, national expert and developer of the Mutually Adaptive Learning Paradigm (MALP®)
• Linda New Levine and Laura Lukens, authors and national ELL experts, K-12 Go To Strategies
• MaryAnn Strawhacker, MPH, R.N., Special Education Nurse Consultant, ELLs and Special Education issues, 504 and trauma
• Deb Vail, Media/Instructional Technology Consultant and Google for Education Certified Trainer with educator-friendly technology tips and resources for ELLs
• Izzy Schrock, Iman Darem, Stephen Wonbenyakeh, Amos Ceu, Noble Atubra, Diverse ELL Panel of First Person Voices (students)

Our Kids Summer Institute “Trip the Light”
Date: June 16-17, 2016
Location: Waukee High School, 555 SE University Ave., Waukee, IA

Conference brochure (for Heartland AEA participants)
Registration

Heartland AEA educators are reimbursed $150 for registration via Title III claim form, plus $150 honorarium, for full attendance and participation in the full two-day conference. Claim forms will be available onsite June 17.

Come a day early for the pre-conference workshop!
Grades 3-12 teachers are invited to explore evidence-based practices that support English learners and striving students in making gains in academic oral language and literacy to access the demands of the Common Core standards.

Our Kids Pre-conference Workshop: Using the Academic Vocabulary Toolkit for ELLs in Grades 3-12
Date: June 15, 2016
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Register here for the pre-conference 
*Registration includes Academic Vocabulary Toolkit materials by Kate Kinsella, National Geographic and lunch.

Heartland AEA educators are reimbursed $150 for registration via Title III claim form, plus $100 honorarium, for full attendance and participation in the workshop. Claim forms will be available onsite.

Registration for Best Practices in Social Studies Institute Closes May 10

Be sure and register for the 2016 Best Practices in Social Studies Institute, June 20-21 at the State Historical Museum in Des Moines. The Institute is entirely FREE to attend for any K-12 social studies teacher and license renewal credit will be available.

Some highlights of the Institute include:

• Overview of process for creating new draft Social Studies standards
• Statewide social studies professional development for elementary teachers on building literacy in social studies
• Teaching the Holocaust through Night. This session includes a Holocaust survivor.
• Using the Medal of Honor Foundation curriculum to teach using oral histories from Medal of Honor recipients. This includes all of their free curriculum.
• Technology integration sessions
• Great resources for teaching psychology
• Iowa history sessions such as Iowa Prisoner of War camps and the Underground Railroad in Iowa
• Economics resources from the Iowa Council on Economic Education
• Using State Historical Museum resources

View the at-a-glance schedule
Register here

For more information, contact Stefanie Rosenberg Wager with the Iowa Department of Education at (515) 725-7842.

Implementing the Teacher Leadership System with the End in Mind

Administrators and teacher leader who implement the Teacher Leader grant in their schools will explore how to utilize backward planning to increase student outcomes. Participants will focus on the benefits of coaching in education, backwards planning (motivation to recognize the behaviors of learning) and moving the instructional plan forward through teacher leaders and professional learning communities.

Date: June 10, 2016

Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Location: Stoney Creek Inn, 5291 Stoney Creek Court, Johnston

Register by June 3 here 

Beginning Next Month: Jim Knight Coaching Learning Opportunities

Beginning in June and over the next year, the statewide AEA system is offering multiple training opportunities across Iowa, focusing on Jim Knight's Instructional Coaching Model. Topics include:

• Instructional Coaching Seminar
• High Impact Instruction
• Focus on Teaching, Using Video to Gather Data

The dates, times and locations for these trainings can be found in this flyer.

"Impacting Literacy Leadership for Administrators" Professional Learning Sessions Coming Soon

Iowa administrators and teacher leaders are invited to three professional learning events on the components and interconnectedness of Chapter 62/Early Literacy Initiative, Teacher Leadership Compensation, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, Differentiated Accountability, Collaborating for Kids and Standards and Curriculum.

Impacting Literacy Leadership - Making the Connections
This one-day training provides an overview of the components of Multi Tiered Systems of Support while connecting this learning to Early Literacy Implementation and Differentiated Accountability. Members from the Iowa Department of Education and state AEAs will lead collaborative learning around the continuous improvement tools that have been developed through the Collaborating for Iowa's Kids (C4K) and the Teacher Leadership Structure. Action planning for implementation will also be integrated throughout the day so administrators can think about how to leverage their teacher leader resources back in their buildings.

Date: June 20, 2016
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Iowa Events Center, 730 Third Street, Des Moines
Cost: $25
Register by June 15
---------------------------------------------
Tools to Support MTSS Implementation
Save the date for this follow-up event to the June training. Administrators AND their teachers/teacher leaders and training cadre are invited.

Date: Aug. 1, 2016
Location: Iowa Events Center, 730 Third Street, Des Moines
--------------------------------------------
Keeping School Improvement Practical, Reasonable, and Doable for PK - 6 Leadership Teams

PreK - 6 Elementary Building Leadership Teams across Heartland AEA will come together to deepen their understanding in:

• Effective leadership team traits
• The interconnectedness of Chapter 62/Early Literacy Initiative, Teacher Leadership Compensation (TLC), Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, Differentiated Accountability, Collaborating for Kids (C4K) and Standards and Curriculum
• Building consensus with staff and constituents and the use of C4K school improvement tools

This opportunity will assist teams in moving forward from the summer TLC-C4K (June 20 and Aug. 1, 2016), however attendance at those leadership sessions is not required for this day.

Date: Sept. 29, 2016
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston
Register here. There is no cost to attend.

Advanced Cognitive Coaching Training Comes to Iowa

Heartland AEA will be hosting Advanced Cognitive Coaching this summer. This is a unique opportunity to have this workshop offered in Iowa as the training typically takes place in Lake Tahoe or New York at a much higher cost. You’ll want to make every attempt to participate!

Carolee Hayes, one of the co-directors of Thinking Collaborative will lead the two-part training for those who have completed the eight-day foundation seminar and would like to achieve expert proficiency in Cognitive CoachingSM or for those who are starting the path to become an in-district trainer.

Participants will:

• Refine and extend core coaching capabilities and skills
• Develop skills with advanced forms of paraphrasing, probing for specificity and inquiring to mediate the thinking of others
• Expand the possibilities of and applications for our identities as mediators
• Frame personal coaching mastery as a journey, not a destination

Advanced Cognitive Coaching - Part I
Date: July 25-27, 2016
Location: Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, IA
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Register here

Advanced Cognitive Coaching - Part II
Date: Aug. 1-3, 2016
Location: Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, IA
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Register here

Registration is limited to 30 people because of the individual, targeted feedback offered.

Registration is Under Way for the 2016 Special Education Symposium in Des Moines

The Special Education Symposium, which is a free event sponsored by the Iowa Department of Education, is June 13-14 and is intended for special education teachers, teacher leaders and mentors, Area Education Agency staff, administrators and families with students with disabilities.

Breakout sessions will include topics such as enhancements for early interventions, literacy and significant disabilities, improving adolescent literacy, leadership supports in special education, teaching social emotional skills, and addressing Specially Designed Instruction through diagnosis, design, delivery and engagement.

Keynote speakers

• Don Deshler, a nationally known expert in Specially Designed Instruction 
• Todd Whitaker, who specializes in staff motivation for teachers and administrators
• Tim Harris, a 26-year-old with Down Syndrome who owns and runs his restaurant in Albuquerque, Ariz. He also runs a nonprofit, Tim’s Big Heart Foundation, which helps people with intellectual disabilities and their families.

Visit the event website for more information and to register.

May 2016 School Leader Update

Welcome to the May 2016 issue of School Leader Update from the Iowa Department of Education. Inside, read Director Ryan Wise’s take on how the state is faring with its fledgling Teacher Leadership and Compensation program. Legislative Liaison Shan Seivert makes a prediction. And Attorney Nicole Proesch provides important reminders as the school year begins to wind down.

Educator Input Needed on Literacy Standards Survey - Deadline May 13

Feedback from educators is needed on Iowa’s current literacy standards as outlined in the Iowa Core, by May 13. Help spread the word about the online survey by forwarding this email to your staff.

The literacy standards outline learning expectations for English-language arts and for literacy in history, social studies, science and other technical subjects. This effort to collect input on literacy standards is part of an ongoing review of Iowa’s standards prompted by the Governor’s Executive Order 83. Thank you for your time and willingness to assist in this important work for Iowa’s schools and students.