Save the Date: Our Kids Summer Institute, June 24-25

The annual Our Kids Summer Institute scheduled this year for June 24 and 25 will provide participants with the opportunity to network with other educational professionals and to discover new strategies for working with English Language Learners throughout Iowa. It is important to note that if your school had to write a CAP (Corrective Action Plan) you must attend with a team from your district. Heartland will provide a $200 stipend for Heartland school staff members who attend both days. Districts are encouraged to send teams of classroom teachers, administrators and ESL teachers. Click here for more information.

I-ELDA Testing in Districts

If you have not ordered your I-ELDA materials, now is the time. The deadline for returning the materials for scoring to Iowa Testing Programs is May 1, 2014. Click here for more information on I-ELDA Testing.

Stipend Opportunity for Mathematics Teacher-Teams of ELLs and Other Diverse Students

The course, Empowering Middle and High School ELLs in the Mathematics Core, will be held on April 12 and 26 and License Renewal and EDEX graduate credit are being offered.

The participants will examine strategies and techniques to assist English Language Learners develop both language skills and content knowledge in the mathematics classroom. Teachers will practice and take away useful strategies rooted in the firm understanding of the language acquisition process. Teachers will examine the principles of differentiation as they apply specifically to ELLs. Teachers will also examine how language-rich instruction and hands-on experiences empower ELLs with the skills to be successful in mathematics.

Title III funds will provide a stipend of $200 for all grade 5-12 educators who fulfill the course requirements and are currently employed within the Heartland AEA ELL consortium. Des Moines Public Schools educators are also eligible to receive the stipend through Vinh Nguyen, DMPS ELL Coordinator.

Click here to register. Please pass this information on to eligible teachers.