Do You Administer the TELPA Screener Training?

Anyone administering the Tennessee English Language Placement Assessment (TELPA) during the 2016-17 academic year must certify or recertify through training on AEA PD Online.

Paraeducator Generalist II Area of Concentration for ESL Class Starts in November

This class is the required course to receive the Paraeducator Certification Generalist II with the Area of Concentration: English as a Second Language (ESL). Through this course, participants will gain knowledge, skills and strategies to assist and support ESL students.

Dates: Nov. 5, Dec. 10, 2016; Jan. 14, Feb. 11, March 4 & April 8, 2017
Location: Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, IA
Register here
Cost: Take advantage of special pricing at $25 as the cost may increase in January 2017.

Title III funds will provide a stipend of $300 for all paraeducators who work with ELLs and who fulfill the course requirements and are currently employed by a public or non-public K-12 school in Heartland AEA 11. This option is not available for employees of Des Moines Public Schools. A reimbursement claim form will be available the last day of class.

Time is Running Out to Register for Digital Citizenship Day - A FREE Event!

Digital citizenship is a fundamental aspect of being a student, teacher and administrator in PK-12 schools. To that end, Heartland AEA is hosting a Digital Citizenship professional development opportunity on Sept. 13. Sessions will provide teachers and administrators with ideas, information, resources and inspiration to help guide their schools through the many facets of digital citizenship. Ryan Wise, director of the Iowa Department of Education, will provide opening remarks and sessions will focus around Mike Ribble's Nine Elements of Digital Citizenship.

Date: Sept. 13, 2016
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, IA
Register by Sept. 8 here

Keeping School Improvement Practical, Reasonable and Doable for PK - 6 Leadership Teams

Elementary Building Leadership Teams across Heartland AEA are invited to join this workshop to deepen their understanding in Iowa's Big Rocks:

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

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

Keeping School Improvement Practical, Reasonable and Doable for PK - 6 Leadership Teams 

Date: Sept. 29, 2016
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Heartland AEA, Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, Iowa
Registration here

Registration is Open for Visible Learning Institute and Deep Equity Seminar

John Hattie’s work has fundamentally changed what we know about what works in education. Through a partnership with Corwin, Heartland AEA is pleased to bring the Visible Learning Institute to area schools. The Visible Learning Plus program includes a three-part foundational series of seminars in which participants learn about Hattie’s work and the Visible Learning approach.

Visible Learning & Deep Equity Program for Heartland AEA Partners
Dates: Oct. 4, Nov. 1 and Dec. 6, 2016 & March 7, 2017
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Hilton Garden Inn, 8600 Northpark Dr., Johnston, IA 50131
Cost: *See Fee and Credit Options in Registration Link
Register by Sept. 9 at this link

**Secure your spot today! Superintendents are invited to register by SEPT. 9, 2016. After that date, registration will open for Heartland AEA staff and individuals outside of the Agency.**

Visible Learning is an in-depth school change model of professional learning and development. It’s designed for school-based leadership teams to systematically examine effective instructional practices in order to determine the impact on student achievement and learning. By considering the effects of the practices of teachers and leaders, schools will be able to make substantial gains in student achievement.

Participants will explore:

• The key philosophy of Visible Learning and the major factors that influence student learning and achievement
• The importance of effect sizes as a useful way to measure progress
• The key characteristics of assessment capable learners
• The mind frames leaders need to have in order to impact student achievement and instruction
• The role of feedback
• The importance of learning intentions and success criteria

Program Dates and Areas of Focus:

• Oct. 4, 2016 -- Effective instructional practices that impact student achievement and learning.
• Nov. 1, 2016 -- Five phases of the Deep Equity process with Dr. Gary Howard for creating culturally responsive teaching.
• Dec. 6, 2016 --Evidence into Action Part One: Continuation of Visible Learning Institute with an emphasis on leadership actions which have the greatest impact on student outcomes.
• March 7, 2017 -- Evidence into Action Part Two: Continuation of Visible Learning Institute with an emphasis on data analysis and management of change strategies.

Save the Dates! Principles to Actions: Ensuring Mathematical Success for All

In this course, learn more about the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics’ (NCTM) guidance for filling the gap between the adoption of rigorous standards and the enactment of practices, policies, programs and actions required for successful implementation of those standards.

Principles to Actions: Ensuring Mathematical Success for All

Dates: Nov. 29, 2016 (K-5) & Nov. 30, 2016 (6-12)Location: FFA Enrichment Center, 1055 SW Prairie Trail Parkway, Ankeny, IA
Cost: $15
Registration:
K-5 Registration, Nov. 29, 2016
6-12 Registration, Nov. 30, 2016

Click here for more information about the course.

Special Education Procedures Manual is Available on Iowa IDEA Website

The Special Education Statewide Procedures Manual (Aug. 1, 2016), Release Notes (Aug. 1, 2016 version), Parental Rights Summary (July 2015 version), Procedural Safeguards Manuals for Parents (Translations), Educational Evaluation Reports (Translations) and IEP Forms (Translations) are now posted on the Iowa IDEA website. These documents are currently posted on the front page of the IDEA website in addition to their permanent location under the IEP drop down menu > Statewide Special Education Procedures > Manual.

September 2016 School Leader Update

The Iowa Department of Education’s Sept. 2016 School Leader Update is now available.

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

Meet the New Superintendents

We would like to introduce you to some new faces. Below are two of the new superintendents starting this year in Heartland AEA's area. We’ll introduce more new faces in upcoming issues of the Administrator Connection.

Duane (D.T.) Magee 
Norwalk Community School District

Education
Drake Univ. - B.S.E.
Buena Vista University - M.S.E.
Drake University - Ed.S.

Past Work Experience
Five years teaching and coaching in the Jefferson-Scranton CSD; Two years teaching and coaching in the Harlan Community CSD; 10 years of principal experience (HS, MS and elementary) in the Harlan CSD; Three years as HR Director and Assistant Superintendent in the Waukee CSD; Four years as the Executive Director of the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners; Interim Director of the Iowa Department of Education for 10 weeks during the summer of 2013

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district? 
Norwalk CSD is an outstanding school district that is innovative and high achieving. I sought out the opportunity to lead a school district and be closer to the important work of educating students after having wonderful experiences at the state and national levels.

What is your vision for your district?
To create a world class education system focused on maximizing the potential of each student.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, cheering on my favorite sports teams and serving my church.

Trevor Miller 
Superintendent-High School Principal
Exira-EHK

Education
BS Degree from Buena Vista University
Masters Degree in Administration and Superintendent Certificate from Iowa State University

Past Work Experience
6-12 Business/Computer teacher at Pleasantville 11 years; Elementary Principal/SBO for Melcher-Dallas one year; Perry Elementary Principal for 3 years

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
As I was looking at superintendent positions and completing research, I found that the community is very supportive. They have great staff, they’re looking to grow, very student centered, financially sound and a solid school board. This is a great school for my kids to attend!

What is your vision for your district?
To be leaders in 21st Century Learning. To expand our focus of being student centered and having our students being college/career ready. Being creative in providing opportunities for our students. Working with the community to continue to build upon the community and school district's partnership.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
Spend time with my wife and kids, bike ride, run, read when I get a chance and attend sporting events.

School Counselors Stay Connected!

School counselors receive many updates and to help them stay current with important information, we’ve created a blog. Share this with school counselors in your district. For questions, contact Sue Schirmer at sschirmer@heartlandaea.org.