After some delays, reports and data files for the new Iowa Assessments are starting to be delivered to schools. Naturally, there is some urgency to view the data in HEART and to start using the new reports from the Iowa Testing Program. Here is how the Agency is approaching these issues.
Unfortunately, it will take some time to rewrite the upload, import, storage and reporting features in HEART to handle the new data. The preliminary design ideas have been worked out based on the limited information previously available. Now that we have sample data files, the programming work can begin. Please be aware that it will take at least one to two months to take care of all of the new programming.
Based on what we know so far about the new data, a few changes in HEART are likely. There does not appear to be established proficiency cut points for any tests other than reading, mathematics, written expression, science and social studies for grades 3-11. Without cut points, proficiency graphs cannot be generated for any other tests of the Iowa Assessments or any grades outside of 3-11. Also, we do not have access to the necessary statistical data to build new growth charts which means these graphs will be unusable with the new Iowa Assessment data.
Finally, the individual student report and multi-test display will need some reworking to handle multiple score types in a way that helps prevent misinterpretation of the data. Thank you for your patience with the delays while we make all of the necessary changes.
If you have any further questions about HEART and the transition to the Iowa Assessments, please contact Connor Hood at chood@aea11.k12.ia.us.
As you work with the new Iowa Assessments reports, please remember that Heartland AEA has several resources available to help. There are videos from Iowa Testing Program workshops, handouts, PowerPoint presentations and the support of our Assessment Consultants. Check with your regional director for more details.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Check Out the New & Improved Iowa Educators Consortium Website
In a recent customer experience survey, it was obvious that many Iowa Educators Consortium (IEC) clients found the website difficult to navigate and hard to use. As a result, over the past few months IEC staff has been diligently working to create a more user-friendly site to help customers find the information they need when making a purchasing decision.
The IEC is excited to announce the launch of its new and improved website based on customer feedback. The address is the same (www.iec-ia.org) but the site looks completely different.
Some of the improvements include:
The IEC is excited to announce the launch of its new and improved website based on customer feedback. The address is the same (www.iec-ia.org) but the site looks completely different.
Some of the improvements include:
- Top bar navigation that follows your path, page by page
- Detailed category descriptions so you know what type of products are in each category
- Fewer category headings
- A more efficient search box tool to help you find specific products
- At-a-glance list of vendors to make it easier to find your favorite company
- Vendor spotlight feature to provide you with more information on a specific vendor
Earn a Reading Endorsement Through Heartland/Morningside Partnership
Heartland AEA and Morningside College have partnered up to offer a reading endorsement opportunity for area educators. The first class begins July 5, 2012. Two informational sessions have been scheduled for March 13 and March 21 for teachers to find out more about the program. Click here for more information about the sessions. If you have any questions, contact Sue Schirmer at sschirmer@aea11.k12.ia.us or Lori Pearson at lpearson@aea11.k12.ia.us.
Reminder: "Living in the New Normal" PD Provided by Iowa National Guard
We wanted to remind you of the two-day training for educators which will provide information for those working with military children. Heartland AEA will also offer teacher licensure renewal credit for completing this training.
The training will take place on March 21-22, 2012 at the Iowa Gold Star Museum on Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa (located at 7105 NW 70th Avenue, Johnston, IA 50131). Click here for more information about the training. You can register online by clicking here.
For more information, or if you experience issues completing the online registration form, please contact Jeremy Van Wyk, State Youth Coordinator, at jeremy.vanwyk@us.army.mil or by phone at (515) 252-4040.
The dissemination of information from external organizations by Heartland AEA does not imply sponsorship or endorsement of the information. It is being passed on to our stakeholders for its educational value.
The training will take place on March 21-22, 2012 at the Iowa Gold Star Museum on Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa (located at 7105 NW 70th Avenue, Johnston, IA 50131). Click here for more information about the training. You can register online by clicking here.
For more information, or if you experience issues completing the online registration form, please contact Jeremy Van Wyk, State Youth Coordinator, at jeremy.vanwyk@us.army.mil or by phone at (515) 252-4040.
The dissemination of information from external organizations by Heartland AEA does not imply sponsorship or endorsement of the information. It is being passed on to our stakeholders for its educational value.
Friday, February 10, 2012
New Educational Resources and Opportunities via Google
Google has recently launched a new website for Education, a "one-stop" shop of sorts. Check it out at http://www.google.com/edu/index.html. The website has lots of information that is applicable to education.
Google in Education for Primary and Secondary schools provides information on some of the programs for education that Google is involved in, such as the Google Doodle contests, the Google Science Fair and the Google Teacher Academy. Read more about these opportunities in Google’s new booklet available at http://goo.gl/UARHc.
Doodle 4 Google Competition
Google has also announced details for the Doodle 4 Google Competition. The competition invites K-12 students to express the theme--“If I could travel in time, I’d visit...”--as creatively as possible using Google’s logo as their canvas. This year’s winner, along with having his or her doodle featured on the Google homepage for a day, will take home a $30,000 college scholarship and a $50,000 technology grant for their school. And as an added bonus, the winning Doodle will be featured on a special edition of Crayola’s 64 box!
All submissions must be postmarked by March 20, 2012 and received by March 23.
Check out www.google.com/doodle4google for more details about the Doodle 4 Google competition.
Google in Education for Primary and Secondary schools provides information on some of the programs for education that Google is involved in, such as the Google Doodle contests, the Google Science Fair and the Google Teacher Academy. Read more about these opportunities in Google’s new booklet available at http://goo.gl/UARHc.
Doodle 4 Google Competition
Google has also announced details for the Doodle 4 Google Competition. The competition invites K-12 students to express the theme--“If I could travel in time, I’d visit...”--as creatively as possible using Google’s logo as their canvas. This year’s winner, along with having his or her doodle featured on the Google homepage for a day, will take home a $30,000 college scholarship and a $50,000 technology grant for their school. And as an added bonus, the winning Doodle will be featured on a special edition of Crayola’s 64 box!
All submissions must be postmarked by March 20, 2012 and received by March 23.
Check out www.google.com/doodle4google for more details about the Doodle 4 Google competition.
February Educator Connection Newsletter
Click here for the latest issue of the Educator Connection newsletter. It was e-mailed last week to all educators in the Heartland area and is intended to keep our educators better connected to our agency and to the many programs and services we offer to educators, students and families. If you have any comments or suggestions for articles you’d like to see, please e-mail them to the Heartland AEA Communications Department at comms@aea11.k12.ia.us.
Paraeducator Certification and Level II Summer Classes
Heartland AEA is an approved provider of the Paraeducator Generalist Certificate Program. Heartland will continue to offer the Paraeducator Program Online option for paraeducators currently employed in a Heartland area school. Building principals should contact their Heartland Regional Director to get a course set up for their district.
Upon successful completion of the Paraeducator Generalist Certification, paraeducators may receive Level II certification in an area of concentration. Click here for more information of Level II classes being offered this summer through Heartland AEA.
Upon successful completion of the Paraeducator Generalist Certification, paraeducators may receive Level II certification in an area of concentration. Click here for more information of Level II classes being offered this summer through Heartland AEA.
Reminder: ESL Endorsement to Be Offered Through Heartland/Drake Partnership
Heartland and Drake are excited to announce a new partnership to offer an ESL endorsement for area educators. The first of six classes will begin in July 2012 and will finish by the end of summer 2013. A cohort of 25 Heartland area teachers will be the first to have the opportunity to earn this endorsement.
Two informational sessions are scheduled for February 23 and March 5 for teachers to find out more about the program. Click here for more information about the sessions. If you have any questions, contact Sue Schirmer at sschirmer@aea11.k12.ia.us or Stephaney Jones-Vo at sjonesvo@aea11.k12.ia.us.
Two informational sessions are scheduled for February 23 and March 5 for teachers to find out more about the program. Click here for more information about the sessions. If you have any questions, contact Sue Schirmer at sschirmer@aea11.k12.ia.us or Stephaney Jones-Vo at sjonesvo@aea11.k12.ia.us.
Iowa State University to Start New Principal Preparation Cohort
Iowa State University’s Educational Administration Program invites teachers looking for their next leadership challenge to apply for the next Greater Des Moines cohort. Please share this announcement with a potential administrator!
Iowa State University is proud to prepare building leaders for the 21st century. Here are highlights of the PreLEAD program:
For further information, contact Dr. Jan Beatty, Educational Administration Clinical Professor at jan1@iastate.edu or (515) 720-7167.
The dissemination of information from external organizations by Heartland AEA does not imply sponsorship or endorsement of the information. It is being passed on to our stakeholders for its educational value.
Iowa State University is proud to prepare building leaders for the 21st century. Here are highlights of the PreLEAD program:
- M. Ed. and/or PK-12 Principal/Supervisor or Special Education licensure
- 24-month program, 36 credits
- Outstanding faculty: researchers, practitioners and practicing administrators
- Standards-based curriculum grounded in practice and integrating theory and research
- Face-to-face, hybrid and online course delivery
- Face-to-face classes meet on Wednesday evenings and Saturdays fall and spring terms and during the day summer term at DMACC, Ankeny campus
For further information, contact Dr. Jan Beatty, Educational Administration Clinical Professor at jan1@iastate.edu or (515) 720-7167.
The dissemination of information from external organizations by Heartland AEA does not imply sponsorship or endorsement of the information. It is being passed on to our stakeholders for its educational value.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Reminder: Heartland AEA Regional Meeting for NCLB Waiver, Feb. 7
The Department has scheduled a series of meetings across the state to present details about Iowa’s waiver request and give Iowans a chance to weigh in. The format for these meetings is a combination of video, discussion and question and answer.
The Heartland AEA regional meeting will be held Tuesday, February 7, 2012. The meeting will be streamed from the Heartland Regional Education Center at 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston. Satellite sites include Ames High School, Dallas Center-Grimes High School, Newton High School and Knoxville High School.
The Department has scheduled meeting times for the following target audiences:
Superintendents
9:00-10:45 a.m.
Administrators & Board Members
11:00 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Students
1:30-2:45 p.m.
Teachers
4:00-5:45 p.m.
Parents & Other Community Members
6:00-7:45 p.m.
Videos and handouts for the meeting are available at http://educateiowa.gov/.
The Heartland AEA regional meeting will be held Tuesday, February 7, 2012. The meeting will be streamed from the Heartland Regional Education Center at 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston. Satellite sites include Ames High School, Dallas Center-Grimes High School, Newton High School and Knoxville High School.
The Department has scheduled meeting times for the following target audiences:
Superintendents
9:00-10:45 a.m.
Administrators & Board Members
11:00 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Students
1:30-2:45 p.m.
Teachers
4:00-5:45 p.m.
Parents & Other Community Members
6:00-7:45 p.m.
Videos and handouts for the meeting are available at http://educateiowa.gov/.
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