Our Mission
To improve the learning outcomes and well-being of all children and youth by providing services and leadership in partnership with families, schools and communities.
Our Goals
- Increase learning growth for students
- Decrease the gap in achievement
- Increase annual graduation rates
- Increase gateways to post-secondary success
The Computer Science Professional Development Incentive Fund application process is now open through Nov. 9 for districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and collaboratives. Funding is aimed at building the computer science teacher workforce by offering high-quality professional development to prepare Iowa teachers to teach computer science, engaging teachers who are new to computer science and encouraging innovation.
The incentive fund was created through 2017 legislation that encourages computer science in every school in Iowa, and is funded through a state appropriation as well as with dollars from a 2007 settlement of an Iowa class-action lawsuit filed against Microsoft Corp.
Applications for funding must demonstrate how schools will prepare K-12 educators to teach computer science and expand high-quality computer science instruction based on Iowa’s computer science standards adopted by the State Board of Education. The goal is for students to have a strong computer science foundation in elementary school, and then build upon it as they move through middle and high school.
For questions about the incentive fund, contact Wren Hoffman at wren.hoffman@iowa.gov or (515) 981-3306.
The Heartland AEA Literacy News and Notes is now available. Make sure to follow the newsletter and share it with your colleagues! In this issue…
- October is Dyslexia Awareness Month
- Fluency Protocol for Middle School and High School
- How to use UFLI’s Blending Board
- What are the Heartland AEA Literacy Consultants reading?
- Keys to Literacy Offering Webinars on Virtual Learning
- 3-8 and K-12 High Impact Instructional Routines
In an effort to support the well-being of districts, students, educators and families, we're pleased to bring you "Wellness Inspiration." We are reviving our wellness resource site to bring you resources dedicated to well-being.
Check out the Wellness Inspiration site for well-being resources, tips and fun and share with colleagues and families! This week features:
⇨ “Five Favorite Tips for Coping When Times are Really Challenging & Tough”
In this video, Laurie Santos, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology at Yale, highlights five evidence-based ways to cope as we are battling a worldwide pandemic that is causing fear, uncertainty and disruption in our normal routines.
Two new documents to address COVID Recovery Services were released on Oct. 13, 2020 at the AEA System Special Education Network Webinar.
COVID-19 Recovery Services for Learners Receiving IDEA Services Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): The previous Recovery Services FAQ was updated on Oct. 13, 2020. It has also been updated on the Return to Learn Special Education Compendium.
Considerations for Recovery Services: This document is a flowchart to support IEP teams through the process of considering when COVID Recovery Services are warranted for an individual student with a disability.
Are you looking for upcoming tech integration professional learning opportunities? Check out what our team has to offer in their current newsletter:
- Mini webinars
- New Facebook Group
- EdTech Learning Tools
- Professional Learning Opportunities
The University of Northern Iowa Institute for Educational Leadership received a Leading and Learning with Character Grant through the Kern Family Foundation. As part of the grant, we are offering Leadership Camps, approved for evaluator renewal, for principals, superintendents and other school leaders. We are currently offering an online Leadership Camp from Nov. 9 - Dec. 10, 2020, with self-paced modules.
What: The Leadership Camp is an opportunity to engage in reflection around the Iowa Standards for School Leadership, earn a reduced-cost Evaluator Approval Renewal credit ($75 reduced from $509), enjoy a meaningful, professional development experience hosted by UNI Educational Leadership faculty through online modules and have the opportunity to participate in a research project as part of a grant funded by the Kern Family Foundation.
When: Nov. 9 - Dec. 10, 2020 (15 self-paced modules and resources with one month to complete the work.
Registration is now open for the Iowa School Public Relations Association 2020 Virtual Fall Conference on Oct. 28-30. ISPRA is excited to offer you and your leadership team communications-focused professional development over three days at a great value without the need to travel.
Topics include:- Communicating to Stressed Audiences in Unpredictable Times
- The Power of Digital Storytelling
- Expanding Your Communications Team by Partnering with Your Staff
- Media Relations and Legal Obligations
- David and Goliath PR: Assembling your Communications from a Large Team to a One-person Office
Register before Oct. 21 to receive an ISPRA conference welcome kit!
http://ispra.org/events/ispra-2020-virtual-fall-conference/
