As a new building/district administrator, or a new administrator in the Heartland AEA area, we hope you will join us for our New Administrator Orientation on August 27, 2010 Your day will be full of opportunities to network, learn and build upon the foundation for our partnership.
We will address subjects such as the Iowa Core, comprehensive school improvement, accountability reporting, Child Find, and general survival skills for new administrators. We will also help you learn more about Heartland AEA resources, programs and services, and you will have an opportunity to choose some breakout sessions in the area of special education or online resources to support teaching and learning for your students and staff.
The session will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Room 18 at the Johnston Regional Education Center at 6500 Corporate Drive in Johnston.
To register, go to http://www.aea11.k12.ia.us/educators/pd_learning/index.html and click on Professional Development Catalog. At the bottom of the page enter the activity number, AD013492111101, and follow the prompts. There is no charge for this session.
If you have any questions, contact Kim Thuente, Assistant Director of Curriculum & Instruction at kthuente@aea11.k12.ia.us or by phone at (515) 270-0405 or (800) 255-0405, extension 14372.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Instructional Decision Making (IDM) Evaluation Update
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for participating in Instructional Decision Making (IDM) training and/or implementing IDM practices in your school. We are pleased to announce that we are returning the 2009-10 implementation data that was collected last spring in 73 buildings. Data will be delivered the week of August 16. The package will include a cover letter and a DVD with the following files:
If you have any questions about the IDM implementation results, please contact Alecia Rahn-Blakeslee at arahn@aea11.k12.ia.us, Brad Niebling at bniebling@aea11.k12.ia.us or Shannon Harken sharken@aea11.k12.ia.us.
- A webinar recording to assist schools with navigating the files and interpreting results (New!)
- A README file to assist schools with interpreting the results
- Implementation results: Building- and agency-level
- Special education eligibility results: Building- and agency-level (New!)
- PESA indicators and evidence criteria
If you have any questions about the IDM implementation results, please contact Alecia Rahn-Blakeslee at arahn@aea11.k12.ia.us, Brad Niebling at bniebling@aea11.k12.ia.us or Shannon Harken sharken@aea11.k12.ia.us.
Principals: Time Sensitive National Board Certification Application
Iowa is one of 19 states that have been selected by the Southern Education Regional Board (SREB) to field test the process that will eventually result in National Board Certification for Principals (NBTPS). To view the NBTPS resource guide, click here. Iowa will have 20 "slots" allotted the 600 applicants that they will admit to the program. Those principals who are fortunate enough to be selected will be able to participate at no cost and if successful, will be given NBPTS certified status.
Tight timeline
Interested principals have until August 31, 2010 to submit their initial intent to apply. After applying, principals will be given information on next steps by SREB and will be notified by September 15 if they have been chosen. A principal FAQ has been developed by SREB and is also attached here.
Criteria for eligibility
Process for applying
If interested, visit the to the SREB web site at http://www.sreb.org/ to indicate initial interest. You will be asked to complete a seven-item demographic fact sheet. SREB will notify selected principals after the application process closes at the end of August. Iowa has a targeted demographic profile which will form the basis for their selection. To view the demographic profile, click here.
Click here for PowerPoint presentation covering the field test process. There will be an emphasis on performance assessments of real tasks, not simulations or research papers. The entire pilot lasts 18 months.
The SREB encourages all Heartland area principals to apply.
Tight timeline
Interested principals have until August 31, 2010 to submit their initial intent to apply. After applying, principals will be given information on next steps by SREB and will be notified by September 15 if they have been chosen. A principal FAQ has been developed by SREB and is also attached here.
Criteria for eligibility
- BA degree
- Three years of experience
- Possesses a valid state license
Process for applying
If interested, visit the to the SREB web site at http://www.sreb.org/ to indicate initial interest. You will be asked to complete a seven-item demographic fact sheet. SREB will notify selected principals after the application process closes at the end of August. Iowa has a targeted demographic profile which will form the basis for their selection. To view the demographic profile, click here.
Click here for PowerPoint presentation covering the field test process. There will be an emphasis on performance assessments of real tasks, not simulations or research papers. The entire pilot lasts 18 months.
The SREB encourages all Heartland area principals to apply.
Help Parents and Families Save with Iowa’s Tuition and Textbook Credits
Many families are often unaware of Iowa’s tuition and textbook credits. It can truly make a difference on their state tax returns. The Iowa State University Extension has provided a flyer about available tax credits on eligible K-12 education expenses. The flyer can be downloaded by clicking here. Please feel free to distribute the flyer in your newsletters, at registrations, open houses and/or parent-teacher conferences.
Student Invitation to the United States Senate Youth Program
The state of Iowa has accepted an invitation to participate in the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP), sponsored by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation. The program is designed to give young Americans a working knowledge of American political life.
Each year, two Iowa students have the opportunity to spend a week in Washington, D.C. The William Randolph Hearst Foundation pays all expenses. In addition, the two Iowa high school representatives each receive a $5,000 scholarship, subject to scholarship conditions and requirements. The selection of the two Iowa high school representatives is based solely on the outstanding ability and demonstrated leadership qualities of elected junior or senior high school student officers for the 2010-11 school year.
Each high school may nominate only one student. Click here for a brochure about the USSYP Program. Student application materials are attached here or may be downloaded from the Iowa Department of Education’s Web site at
http://www.iowa.gov/educate/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=939&Itemid=1225
The completed applications must be submitted to Kim Thuente at Heartland AEA 11 by September 27, 2010. Nominees selected from the applicants will be required to take a qualifying examination on October 20, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. in the Johnston Regional Education Center Computer Lab (6500 Corporate Drive). The qualifying examination consists of a 45-minute multiple-choice, matching and T/F test with questions about U.S politics, government and the U.S. Constitution. The top five scoring students will then complete a 45-minute essay exam.
The essays and application materials from the top five scoring students will be submitted to the Iowa DE by October 29 for selection of the two Iowa delegates and alternates.
If you have questions please contact Kim Thuente at kthuente@aea11.k12.ia.us or (515) 270-0405 or (800) 255-0405 extension 14372.
Each year, two Iowa students have the opportunity to spend a week in Washington, D.C. The William Randolph Hearst Foundation pays all expenses. In addition, the two Iowa high school representatives each receive a $5,000 scholarship, subject to scholarship conditions and requirements. The selection of the two Iowa high school representatives is based solely on the outstanding ability and demonstrated leadership qualities of elected junior or senior high school student officers for the 2010-11 school year.
Each high school may nominate only one student. Click here for a brochure about the USSYP Program. Student application materials are attached here or may be downloaded from the Iowa Department of Education’s Web site at
http://www.iowa.gov/educate/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=939&Itemid=1225
The completed applications must be submitted to Kim Thuente at Heartland AEA 11 by September 27, 2010. Nominees selected from the applicants will be required to take a qualifying examination on October 20, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. in the Johnston Regional Education Center Computer Lab (6500 Corporate Drive). The qualifying examination consists of a 45-minute multiple-choice, matching and T/F test with questions about U.S politics, government and the U.S. Constitution. The top five scoring students will then complete a 45-minute essay exam.
The essays and application materials from the top five scoring students will be submitted to the Iowa DE by October 29 for selection of the two Iowa delegates and alternates.
If you have questions please contact Kim Thuente at kthuente@aea11.k12.ia.us or (515) 270-0405 or (800) 255-0405 extension 14372.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Message from Interim Chief Administrator
As the 2009-10 school year comes to a close, so does my time as the Interim Chief Administrator at Heartland AEA. I want to express my deep appreciation for our continued partnership to ensure that all students in Iowa have the means to succeed. I strongly encourage you to continue your collaboration with Heartland AEA as we transition into new leadership.
Effective July 1, I will resume my duties as Executive Director of District Partnerships while Dr. Paula Vincent assumes the position of chief administrator of Heartland AEA. I look forward to working with Dr. Vincent and supporting her transition into the chief role. Dr. Vincent will bring knowledge, experience and innovation to our organization, and we look forward to utilizing her expertise to continue growing as an agency.
In the meantime, if you have any questions about the transition of leadership or Heartland services, please do not hesitate to contact me at sking@aea11.k12.ia.us or (515) 270-9030.
Thank you for your support and dedication to working together to provide efficient and effective services to all Central Iowa students. I hope you take some time this summer to relax and recharge.
Best regards,
Sheila King
Effective July 1, I will resume my duties as Executive Director of District Partnerships while Dr. Paula Vincent assumes the position of chief administrator of Heartland AEA. I look forward to working with Dr. Vincent and supporting her transition into the chief role. Dr. Vincent will bring knowledge, experience and innovation to our organization, and we look forward to utilizing her expertise to continue growing as an agency.
In the meantime, if you have any questions about the transition of leadership or Heartland services, please do not hesitate to contact me at sking@aea11.k12.ia.us or (515) 270-9030.
Thank you for your support and dedication to working together to provide efficient and effective services to all Central Iowa students. I hope you take some time this summer to relax and recharge.
Best regards,
Sheila King
HEART Updates
New Data Uploading Procedure for HEART
There is a new process for sending data for import into HEART. We would like for all data to be imported into HEART to come in via the secure upload that is now built into the HEART website. Please do not email data files or send data disks via U.S. Post or AEA van mail. The upload is safer and quicker. It can be found in the Management Control Panel link inside of HEART. Directions are available by clicking the HELP link on that page, as well as in the HEART Administrative Manual, which can be fount on our website at http://www.aea11.k12.ia.us/educators/assessment/heart.html.
Thank you for using this system for data uploads. Please share this information with others in your district who might need to be aware of this new procedure.
HEART for New Administrators
If you are passing the torch to a new administrator after this year, please advise him/her to take the "HEART for New Administrators" class. The half-day class will be offered Friday, August 6, 2010 in the Johnston REC (6500 Corporate Drive) from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
The class is intended for new administrators and also clerical or technical staff who have responsibilities for updating HEART. (The class can also be taken by those wanting a refresher.) Items covered will include using the HEART system for achievement data, managing security and other administrative functions in HEART and discussing a brief overview of the behavior module. This is the same content that is usually covered in "HEART for Administrators" classes. This early-bird class is intended to provide a learning opportunity early in the school year for new administrators and others.
To register, go to the Heartland Professional Development Catalog at https://prodev.aea11.k12.ia.us/4DCGI/YYYYYYYYYYYYYYSRCH.
Enter activity number: AS003792111101
For questions about HEART, contact Connor Hood at chood@aea11.k12.ia.us or (515) 270-0405 ext. 14506.
There is a new process for sending data for import into HEART. We would like for all data to be imported into HEART to come in via the secure upload that is now built into the HEART website. Please do not email data files or send data disks via U.S. Post or AEA van mail. The upload is safer and quicker. It can be found in the Management Control Panel link inside of HEART. Directions are available by clicking the HELP link on that page, as well as in the HEART Administrative Manual, which can be fount on our website at http://www.aea11.k12.ia.us/educators/assessment/heart.html.
Thank you for using this system for data uploads. Please share this information with others in your district who might need to be aware of this new procedure.
HEART for New Administrators
If you are passing the torch to a new administrator after this year, please advise him/her to take the "HEART for New Administrators" class. The half-day class will be offered Friday, August 6, 2010 in the Johnston REC (6500 Corporate Drive) from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
The class is intended for new administrators and also clerical or technical staff who have responsibilities for updating HEART. (The class can also be taken by those wanting a refresher.) Items covered will include using the HEART system for achievement data, managing security and other administrative functions in HEART and discussing a brief overview of the behavior module. This is the same content that is usually covered in "HEART for Administrators" classes. This early-bird class is intended to provide a learning opportunity early in the school year for new administrators and others.
To register, go to the Heartland Professional Development Catalog at https://prodev.aea11.k12.ia.us/4DCGI/YYYYYYYYYYYYYYSRCH.
Enter activity number: AS003792111101
For questions about HEART, contact Connor Hood at chood@aea11.k12.ia.us or (515) 270-0405 ext. 14506.
Project SEMI in the Running for Pepsi Refresh Grant
Project SEMI (Science Education Mobile Instruction) is a fully-equipped mobile science laboratory that has previously traveled throughout the year to schools in Heartland's service area. Because of budget constraints, the lab's teacher/facilitator position had to be eliminated, and this year, schools were only able to check out the lab's equipment rather than having the lab travel to their school.
During the past year, the Iowa Biotechnology Association and others formed a 501(c)3 organization, the Inspire 21 Foundation, that could assume future day-to-day operations of the SEMI and plan/engage in fundraising. One of the projects that was undertaken was application for a Pepsi Refresh Project grant. Funds from the grant would be used to update the SEMI’s equipment and materials, provide a teacher/facilitator to travel with the SEMI and get the lab back on the road helping students learn about science.
Voting will occur during the month of June at http://www.refresheverything.com/inspirationstation.
TO VOTE: You need to create an account to vote and can cast up to 10 votes daily during June (only 1 vote/project). You cannot create multiple accounts to vote—this can cause the elimination of the application.
Please consider voting for this worthwhile project throughout the month of June. Pass the word on to anyone who would be interested in promoting the project.
During the past year, the Iowa Biotechnology Association and others formed a 501(c)3 organization, the Inspire 21 Foundation, that could assume future day-to-day operations of the SEMI and plan/engage in fundraising. One of the projects that was undertaken was application for a Pepsi Refresh Project grant. Funds from the grant would be used to update the SEMI’s equipment and materials, provide a teacher/facilitator to travel with the SEMI and get the lab back on the road helping students learn about science.
Voting will occur during the month of June at http://www.refresheverything.com/inspirationstation.
TO VOTE: You need to create an account to vote and can cast up to 10 votes daily during June (only 1 vote/project). You cannot create multiple accounts to vote—this can cause the elimination of the application.
Please consider voting for this worthwhile project throughout the month of June. Pass the word on to anyone who would be interested in promoting the project.
Call for Presenters for the Iowa Mosaic Diversity Conference, October 18
Mark your calendars for the 2010 Iowa Mosaic Diversity Conference on October 18, 2010 at the Scheman Center in Ames. This year’s theme is “The Changing Diversity Footprint: Moving from Reflex to Inclusion”. The theme focuses on the reality of cultural diversity in Iowa and what we as Iowans can do to bring our communities and organizations together. Learn more about the 2010 conference by visiting http://www.iowamosaic.org/RFPInvite/index.html.
Do you have a success story you can share, or feel you can provide thought-provoking content to support the 2010 theme? If so, consider being a presenter for the conference. Click here for more information on how to present a proposal and here for an application form. The deadline for proposals has been extended to June 14, 2010.
Do you have a success story you can share, or feel you can provide thought-provoking content to support the 2010 theme? If so, consider being a presenter for the conference. Click here for more information on how to present a proposal and here for an application form. The deadline for proposals has been extended to June 14, 2010.
Perry CSD in Search of Guidance for Dean of Students Position
The Perry CSD is discussing the possibility of a Dean of Students position at the secondary level. They have questions regarding qualifications, contract days, responsibilities, etc., and are curious about this position in other districts.
If your district has a Dean of Students (or a similar position) and you could provide insight and guidance on what all that position entails, please contact Superintendent Lynn Ubben at Lynn.Ubben@perry.k12.ia.us.
If your district has a Dean of Students (or a similar position) and you could provide insight and guidance on what all that position entails, please contact Superintendent Lynn Ubben at Lynn.Ubben@perry.k12.ia.us.
Revised Ames Office Summer Hours
The Ames office’s summer hours have been revised to the following:
June 14 to June 30
7:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
12:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
July 1 to August 11
7:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
12:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
June 14 to June 30
7:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
12:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
July 1 to August 11
7:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
12:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
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