The melting snow and warming weather brings another spring tradition – it’s that time of year again when we ask that you fill out the AEA Customer Satisfaction survey. Next Monday, March 8 you and your staff will receive an email asking that you complete the 2010 AEA Customer Satisfaction survey. The Subject line of the email will read “AEA Customer Satisfaction Survey.” The survey will be available March 8 through April 9.
The survey provides us with your insight on how to improve our services to your school(s) and students. Last year, we were delighted of our high response rate and hope that we can achieve those souring numbers (or higher) this year.
We will be sending reminders throughout the month of March and early April. Since the survey is anonymous, we have no way of knowing who has contributed and who has not. You are only asked to fill out the survey once. After you complete the survey, you may disregard the reminder notices.
Please remind all your staff to participate. We look forward to your input!
Friday, March 5, 2010
IEP and Medicaid Basics for School Nurses
Please notify your school nurse of the upcoming IEP and Medicaid Basics training on April 14, 2010. The purpose of the program is to provide education for school nurses on the individualized educational plan (IEP), the Medicaid reimbursement program, and the individualized health plan (IHP). Given all the budget shortfalls, more schools are electing to bill Medicaid.
This workshop will prepare school nurses to be an active and knowledgeable participant in the billing process. Click here for an agenda and registration form. Participants may also register by going to the Heartland Professional Development catalog on our home page. They then can copy activity number: NU001692111001 and paste it into the search box on the registration page in the browser.
This workshop will prepare school nurses to be an active and knowledgeable participant in the billing process. Click here for an agenda and registration form. Participants may also register by going to the Heartland Professional Development catalog on our home page. They then can copy activity number: NU001692111001 and paste it into the search box on the registration page in the browser.
Special Education Administrative Rules of Special Education Manual
You may access the 2010 Special Education Administrative Rules of the Special Education Manual by clicking here. There is also a supplement found here containing some changes since the original writing, dated January 20, 2010.
Cool Apps for Your iTouch
Heartland AEA supports the Department of Education’s eWalk initiative through training and issuing iPod Touches to administrators. The eWalk software is intended to assist school leaders in gathering data while conducting classroom walk-throughs. It is a free application for Iowa administrators and collects, analyzes and stores teacher observation data. The results are uploaded to the web for instant data analysis for creating reports.
Heartland now has a fresh supply of iPod Touches for administrators. The cost continues to be $100 each. If interested in eWalk training and/or for obtaining iPod Touches, please contact:
Toy Waterman at ext. 14541 or twaterman@aea11.k12.ia.us
Mary Johnson (515) 270-0405 ext. 14528 or mjohnson@aea11.k12.ia.us
When you get your iTouch, make sure to check out Connect Pro Mobile. The AEAs often use Adobe Connect Pro to produce webinars. There is now an app so you can participate in those unique situations when a desktop or laptop computer is not available.
To learn more about Connect Pro Mobile, go to http://www.connectusers.com/tutorials/2010/02/connectpromobile/. Download the app from the App Store or go to http://itunes.com/apps/AdobeAcrobatConnectProMobile. Webex is another commonly used webinar platform--there's also an app for that.
Heartland now has a fresh supply of iPod Touches for administrators. The cost continues to be $100 each. If interested in eWalk training and/or for obtaining iPod Touches, please contact:
Toy Waterman at ext. 14541 or twaterman@aea11.k12.ia.us
Mary Johnson (515) 270-0405 ext. 14528 or mjohnson@aea11.k12.ia.us
When you get your iTouch, make sure to check out Connect Pro Mobile. The AEAs often use Adobe Connect Pro to produce webinars. There is now an app so you can participate in those unique situations when a desktop or laptop computer is not available.
To learn more about Connect Pro Mobile, go to http://www.connectusers.com/tutorials/2010/02/connectpromobile/. Download the app from the App Store or go to http://itunes.com/apps/AdobeAcrobatConnectProMobile. Webex is another commonly used webinar platform--there's also an app for that.
ISU AMS Severe Weather Poster Contest
Iowa State University Student Chapter of the American Meteorological Society (ISU AMS)is sponsoring a Severe Weather Awareness Poster Contest. They are looking for posters that illustrate ways to prepare for severe weather in Iowa (floods, tornadoes, lightning, etc). Winners and honorable mentions will be chosen for two age groups, K-3 and 4-6. Prizes for the winners may include certificates, weather calendars, window clings, NOAA weather radios and more. The posters must be postmarked by April 2nd and arrive by April 6th (the Tuesday of Iowa's Severe Weather Awareness Week).
Additional information, such as where to mail the posters, is available on their website at http://www.geology.iastate.edu/ams/community/posters.php. You may also click here for a flyer for distribution to your teacher and students with contest information. Any questions can be directed to Shannon Rabideau at posters.isuams@iastate.edu.
Additional information, such as where to mail the posters, is available on their website at http://www.geology.iastate.edu/ams/community/posters.php. You may also click here for a flyer for distribution to your teacher and students with contest information. Any questions can be directed to Shannon Rabideau at posters.isuams@iastate.edu.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Superintendents: March HAA Meeting Agenda
Click here for a document or here for a pdf of the agenda for the Heartland Administrators Association meeting on Tuesday, March 2. Please remember that we will be spending a portion of the meeting discussing your input about programs and services at Heartland AEA. If you have data you gathered from your administrative teams, please bring it to share during our conversations. We look forward to having your input.
Curriculum Network: March Curriculum Network Meeting Agenda
The March Curriculum Network meeting is scheduled for Friday, March 5 in Rooms 3, 4 & ICN at the Johnston Regional Education Center (6500 Corporate Drive). You can access the agenda and webinar link for the morning sessions at http://curriculumnet.pbworks.com/March-2010-Agenda. The afternoon sessions are more interactive and will not be available by webinar.
Superintendents: Message from the Urban Education Network on 'Race to the Top'
Lew Finch, Executive Director of Urban Education Network (UEN), requested each AEA chief administrator send the following message.
The majority of Urban Education Network (UEN) districts joined other districts in declining to sign a Race To The Top memorandum of understanding due to language embedded in legislation (SF 2033). Concerns focused on the requirement for a district in which a persistently lowest-achieving school is located to implement one of the RTTT models, even without supportive funding, and with the requirement that any plan for addressing persistently lowest-achieving schools must be “negotiated” with the teachers’ association.
In a recent meeting of a House Race To The Top committee, Kevin Fangman, Dept. of Education, disclosed that the process set forth in SF 2033 would also apply to any district application for a federal grant to address low performing schools and students. This includes an application for a School Improvement Grant (SIG). In a subsequent phone conversation with Kevin, he confirmed the position of the department on this issue.
This development confirms a suspicion among UEN superintendents that negotiation with the teachers’ association is likely to be extended to include many other district initiatives to improve the performance of low-performing schools and students, i.e., expand the scope of bargaining. UEN superintendents also contend that this information is unknown to many school board members and superintendents.
Although there are only 20 districts immediately impacted by the RTTT application and legislation, it is inevitable that the number of schools identified as persistently lowest-achieving schools will increase. And now, with revelation that the process is to be expanded, every Iowa district needs to be cognizant of possible implications since virtually every district has low performing students. Aggressively addressing low performing schools and students transcends any Race To The Top application, and will require a school board and administration to make difficult, bold decisions to implement strategies for “turning around” performance.
The major objection to a requirement to “negotiate” rather than “collaborate” is that efforts of a school board to address the problem of low-performing schools and students will inevitably be diverted to a focus on the welfare of teachers and not students. This assumption is predicated on experience with the negotiation process, and that the teachers’ association is obligated to advocate for those whom they represent, i.e., teachers. There is nothing wrong with efforts of the teachers’ association to advocate for the welfare of those whom they represent, but this is not the appropriate place for such advocacy.
In the event the first application for an RTTT grant is unsuccessful, there will likely be a second application submitted later this spring. The stated goal of Director Jeffrey, the Governor and members of the General Assembly is to encourage all Iowa districts to sign on to the application. Unless the language embedded in SF 2033 requiring negotiation is revised to collaboration, the majority of UEN districts are not likely to change their original decision.
It was suggested to Director Jeffrey that it would be in the best interest of the Department of Education to survey Iowa school boards and superintendents to determine how many would be willing to support a second application without a revision of SF 2033 language, and knowing that the requirement to “negotiate” school improvement plans has now been expanded. Such a revision would have to be enacted before the current session of the General Assembly adjourns, so time is short. Absent any organized survey, please indicate to your legislative delegation how your board may respond to a request for support of a second application under the circumstances.
The ISEA has been successful in convincing many legislators that the process is merely to involve teachers in collaboration in the process of developing school improvement plans. However, there is a distinct difference between “collaboration” and a requirement to “negotiate”. The UEN has developed a position statement and suggested revisions of SF 2033.
The majority of Urban Education Network (UEN) districts joined other districts in declining to sign a Race To The Top memorandum of understanding due to language embedded in legislation (SF 2033). Concerns focused on the requirement for a district in which a persistently lowest-achieving school is located to implement one of the RTTT models, even without supportive funding, and with the requirement that any plan for addressing persistently lowest-achieving schools must be “negotiated” with the teachers’ association.
In a recent meeting of a House Race To The Top committee, Kevin Fangman, Dept. of Education, disclosed that the process set forth in SF 2033 would also apply to any district application for a federal grant to address low performing schools and students. This includes an application for a School Improvement Grant (SIG). In a subsequent phone conversation with Kevin, he confirmed the position of the department on this issue.
This development confirms a suspicion among UEN superintendents that negotiation with the teachers’ association is likely to be extended to include many other district initiatives to improve the performance of low-performing schools and students, i.e., expand the scope of bargaining. UEN superintendents also contend that this information is unknown to many school board members and superintendents.
Although there are only 20 districts immediately impacted by the RTTT application and legislation, it is inevitable that the number of schools identified as persistently lowest-achieving schools will increase. And now, with revelation that the process is to be expanded, every Iowa district needs to be cognizant of possible implications since virtually every district has low performing students. Aggressively addressing low performing schools and students transcends any Race To The Top application, and will require a school board and administration to make difficult, bold decisions to implement strategies for “turning around” performance.
The major objection to a requirement to “negotiate” rather than “collaborate” is that efforts of a school board to address the problem of low-performing schools and students will inevitably be diverted to a focus on the welfare of teachers and not students. This assumption is predicated on experience with the negotiation process, and that the teachers’ association is obligated to advocate for those whom they represent, i.e., teachers. There is nothing wrong with efforts of the teachers’ association to advocate for the welfare of those whom they represent, but this is not the appropriate place for such advocacy.
In the event the first application for an RTTT grant is unsuccessful, there will likely be a second application submitted later this spring. The stated goal of Director Jeffrey, the Governor and members of the General Assembly is to encourage all Iowa districts to sign on to the application. Unless the language embedded in SF 2033 requiring negotiation is revised to collaboration, the majority of UEN districts are not likely to change their original decision.
It was suggested to Director Jeffrey that it would be in the best interest of the Department of Education to survey Iowa school boards and superintendents to determine how many would be willing to support a second application without a revision of SF 2033 language, and knowing that the requirement to “negotiate” school improvement plans has now been expanded. Such a revision would have to be enacted before the current session of the General Assembly adjourns, so time is short. Absent any organized survey, please indicate to your legislative delegation how your board may respond to a request for support of a second application under the circumstances.
The ISEA has been successful in convincing many legislators that the process is merely to involve teachers in collaboration in the process of developing school improvement plans. However, there is a distinct difference between “collaboration” and a requirement to “negotiate”. The UEN has developed a position statement and suggested revisions of SF 2033.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Heartland Gifted & Talented Consultant to be Featured on IPR
Heartland AEA gifted and talented consultant Mary Schmidt will be a featured guest on the Iowa Public Radio show “The Exchange” on February 26 from noon to 1:00 p.m. The show is Iowa Public Radio’s talk program and focuses on news, issues and events occurring in Iowa. The topic of discussion for the February 26th show will be gifted education.
Mary has been a consultant at Heartland AEA since 2001 and brings 30 years of experience in education to her position. She holds a master’s degree in gifted education, is immediate past president of the Iowa Talented & Gifted Association, is a National Board Certified Teacher and was previously a secondary gifted & talented and language arts teacher.
“The Exchange” can be heard on stations in Ames/Des Moines, Carroll, Cedar Falls/Waterloo, Clear Lake/Mason City, Dubuque, Fort Dodge, Cedar Rapids/Iowa City, Lamoni, Ottumwa and the Quad Cities. See http://iowapublicradio.org/ for station information. Shows are also archived on IPR’s website and can be listened to at a later date.
Mary has been a consultant at Heartland AEA since 2001 and brings 30 years of experience in education to her position. She holds a master’s degree in gifted education, is immediate past president of the Iowa Talented & Gifted Association, is a National Board Certified Teacher and was previously a secondary gifted & talented and language arts teacher.
“The Exchange” can be heard on stations in Ames/Des Moines, Carroll, Cedar Falls/Waterloo, Clear Lake/Mason City, Dubuque, Fort Dodge, Cedar Rapids/Iowa City, Lamoni, Ottumwa and the Quad Cities. See http://iowapublicradio.org/ for station information. Shows are also archived on IPR’s website and can be listened to at a later date.
Microsoft Cy Pres Settlement ICN Session
John O’Connell will present on March 17 and 18, 3:30-5:00 p.m. Microsoft eligible schools will want to learn more about:
• Examples of Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 evaluation results that will be provided participating schools.
• Teacher data report form and the principal walk through data report form.
• How student data are made available to the external evaluator for ITBS, MAP and IEOC test results.
http://www.iptv.org/iowa_database/event-detail.cfm?ID=10374
To register, click on the link provided. Read through the description of the event, then click on "register here" and follow the instructions. You are welcome to request any room in Iowa. Watch your inbox for a confirmation/denial email. If you are denied, IPTV is happy to help you find a room that will work. The ICN session will be recorded and available from the Heartland AEA library.
• Examples of Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 evaluation results that will be provided participating schools.
• Teacher data report form and the principal walk through data report form.
• How student data are made available to the external evaluator for ITBS, MAP and IEOC test results.
http://www.iptv.org/iowa_database/event-detail.cfm?ID=10374
To register, click on the link provided. Read through the description of the event, then click on "register here" and follow the instructions. You are welcome to request any room in Iowa. Watch your inbox for a confirmation/denial email. If you are denied, IPTV is happy to help you find a room that will work. The ICN session will be recorded and available from the Heartland AEA library.
ISDC & NSDC to Co-host One-day Workshop on Establishing School Culture
The Iowa Staff Development Council (ISDC), in conjunction with the National Staff Development Council (NSDC), is pleased to announce a one-day workshop with Dr. Ingrid Carney, "School Leaders and Their Role in Establishing School Culture and Narrowing Achievement Gaps". The workshop will be held Wednesday, March 17 at the Dubuque Community School District. This interactive workshop will provide participants with an overview of issues relevant to improving school culture to ensure that ALL children have opportunities to learn and achieve. Further, participants will learn about the 10 Boys Initiative to close achievement gaps, particularly boys of color.
For more information and registration, please go to the Iowa Staff Development Council's website at http://www.iasdc.org/ or contact Sue Schirmer at sschirmer@aea11.k12.ia.us.
For more information and registration, please go to the Iowa Staff Development Council's website at http://www.iasdc.org/ or contact Sue Schirmer at sschirmer@aea11.k12.ia.us.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)