Friday, March 13, 2015

Save the Date: Lau Plan Writing Workshop

In the fall of 2015, districts will be required to upload their district’s Lau Plans along with their district’s C-Plans once again. Based on last year’s initial upload when all Lau Plans were reviewed for the first time, the need for clear guidance emerged. In order to support district requests in preparing a Lau Plan for ELL services well in advance of the fall upload, professional development will be provided regarding the writing of this federally mandated document.

Participating district teams will leave this workshop with a clear understanding, based on a DE-approved K-12 Lau Plan for Serving ELLs template, and the recently developed Lau Plan checklist, of the requirements for a successful district Lau Plan that will earn the rating “APPROVED” when submitted in the fall.

Who should attend?
District teams, including District and Building Administrators of ELLs, ESL Teachers, Counselors and Classroom/Content teachers who are Lau Plan Team members

Lau Plan Writing Workshop

Date: May 11, 2015
Time: 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Location: Johnston REC, Room 107 A & B
Activity Number: ES009092111501

ELL PD Opportunities with Renowned Author/National ELL Expert Diane Staehr Fenner & Senior Consultant Teddi Predaris

Course registration is extended until April 3 for two ELL professional development opportunities to be held in Johnston at the Stoney Creek Inn:

Advocating for ELLs: Overview for School and District Administrators
Date: April 22, 2015
Time: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. (Check-in from 8-8:30 a.m.)
Location: Stoney Creek Inn, Johnston, Iowa, Pioneer Room
Activity Number: ES008799991501 


This workshop is focused specifically on the needs of administrators with opportunities to network with other district leaders.

Advocating for ELLs: Overview for Teachers and Teacher Leaders
Dates: April 23-24, 2015
Time: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (Check-in from 8-8:30 a.m.)
Location: Stoney Creek Inn, Johnston, Iowa, Northwoods Conference Room
Activity Number: ES008899991501 


License renewal credit will be awarded the April 23-24 workshop for full participation. Title III funds will be available to cover the cost of substitute teachers, with reimbursement claim forms available at the event.

The workshops will be grounded in Diane Staehr Fenner’s book Advocating for English Learners: A Guide for Educators. A copy will be purchased for each participant.


See revised agendas for more information!

Presenter Bios
Diane Staehr Fenner, Ph.D. is the President of DSF Consulting, LLC, a woman-owned small business that provides expertise to support the achievement of English learners (ELs) based on research, best practice, and standards for P-12 students and educators. She has provided professional development on implementing the Common Core for English learners in several states and districts. 
 
Teddi Predaris is a Senior Consultant at DSF Consulting and leverages over 35 years of experience in the field of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), bilingual education and Two-Way Immersion programs.

Friday, March 6, 2015

Our Mission
To provide services and leadership, in partnership with families, schools and communities, that improve the learning outcomes and well-being of all children and youth.

Our Goals
• Increase learning growth for students
• Decrease the gap in achievement
• Increase annual graduation rates
• Increase gateways to post-secondary success