Updated Statewide AEA Special Education Procedures Manual Now Available

Information related to creating, reviewing and revising a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) or Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) that was included in the July 1, 2017, Area Education Agency Special Education Procedures and Release Notes reflected the best understanding at that time of how the Web IEP system would work for FBAs and BIPs during 2017-18 school year. Due to changes in programming, that information is now incorrect. Please use this corrected document as a guide for creating, reviewing and revising FBAs and BIPs.

The Special Education Statewide Procedures Manual and Release Notes are posted on the Iowa IDEA website as well as on the Heartland AEA website under Special Education Services > Guidance Documents. They 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.

If you have any questions regarding the content, contact your Heartland AEA Regional Director.

Good News! A Second Section of 504 Training has Opened for School Staff Who Are Involved in Evaluation and Eligibility Determination for Students

Due to heavy enrollment, a second section of Level 1 Section 504 Training for Public School Staff is being offered Oct. 30 from 9 a.m. to Noon at the Heartland AEA Regional Education Center in Johnston. No additional sections will be offered until fall of 2018. This class is designed for administrators, counselors, and school nurses involved in evaluation and eligibility determination for students.

Topics to be covered include:

• Changes to the interpretation of Section 504 since the ADAA 2008
• How to review and update your district-wide Section 504 Plan
• The interaction of a Section 504 plan and an Individual Health Plan
• Review of obligations under the Child Find and grievance procedures
• Evaluation requirements
• Eligibility determination and eligible but not in need of a plan
• Section 504 vs. IDEA 2004, understanding the distinction
• Resources available to assist districts

Level 1 Section 504 Training for Public School Staff
Oct. 30, 2017
9:00 a.m. - Noon
Heartland AEA, Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston

Registration Information
Register at this link

The class is free for school districts residing within the service area of Heartland AEA. Class size is limited to 70 persons and first priority is given to districts within the service area of Heartland AEA.

Nominate a STEM Teacher Who Goes Above and Beyond to Engage Students In and Out of the Classroom

Nominations are now open for the 2018 I.O.W.A. STEM Teacher Award sponsored by Kemin Industries. The award, offered by the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council, celebrates teachers whose leadership and dedication to STEM in Iowa increases students’ interest and awareness in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. One teacher from each of the six STEM regions will receive a $1,500 award along with an additional $1,500 to be used in their classroom. Deadline for nominations is Oct. 6, and recipients will be announced in Jan. 2018. The nomination process is simple and open to everyone, including fellow teachers, school administrators, students and parents. Visit www.stemaward.fluidreview.com to submit a nomination and learn more.