It's Time to Update District Coordinators for the ELPA21 Assessment

In order to receive communications regarding the ELPA21 Assessment, now is the time to make sure your district coordinator has access to the Iowa ELPA21 application of the Iowa Education Portal. District coordinators for public districts should request the role of “ELPA21_Dist_Coord” for the Iowa ELPA21 application. New for this year, coordinators for non-public schools should request the role of “ELPA21_NP_Coord”. Having the correct district coordinator specified is important to be sure you receive up-to-date communication needed to prepare for training and administration of the 2017-18 ELPA21 assessment. For assistance, contact the Portal Helpdesk at (515) 725- 2040 or ed.portal@iowa.gov. This message was also included in the Nov. 2017 issue of the School Leader Update.

Registration is Open for 2018 Iowa Go Alliance Online Academy Courses

Are you looking for ways to increase the knowledge and skills of your staff and yourself regarding college and career readiness? Iowa Go Alliance Academy and AEA Learning Online have set up a number of online courses to help enhance your knowledge and save you time and money!

Building a College-Going Culture for All StudentsHow to remove barriers to higher education, especially for low-income, first-generation and minority students.
January 22-March 16, 2018
March 2-April 20, 2018
June 11-July 27, 2018


College, Career and Academic Planning
(Prerequisite: Building a College-Going Culture for All Students)
How to engage students in early college and career awareness, and support students in postsecondary and career planning.
January 22-March 16, 2018
March 2-April 20, 2018
June 11-July 27, 2018

Financial Aid and College Applications
(Prerequisite: Building a College-Going Culture for All Students)
How to support students and families navigating the complexities of filing the FAFSA and other financial aid and college applications.
January 22-March 16, 2018
March 2-April 20, 2018
June 11-July 27, 2018

Maximizing Counselor Impact: Module for Administrators
How school leaders can engage effectively with school counselors. Developed in collaboration with the National Association of Secondary School Principals.
January 22-March 16, 2018
March 2-April 20, 2018
June 11-July 27, 2018

Iowa Go Alliance Academy is a college and career counseling training program provided by Iowa College Aid in partnership with Southern Regional Education Board and AEA Learning Online. See best practices in action and gain knowledge and resources that can be incorporated in your work with students immediately. Courses are offered for license renewal or graduate credit through Drake University, Morningside University and Viterbo University. Space is limited, so register today. For more information about Iowa Go Alliance Academy and course availability, contact Ashley McKenna at ashley.mckenna@iowa.gov.

Changes Required by ESSA to Graduation Requirements for Children with Disabilities - Rulemaking Open for Comment Until Jan. 8

The Iowa Department of Education will be phasing in a required change in practice over time regarding graduation requirements for children with disabilities. This change is required by an amendment made to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act by the Every Student Succeeds Act. That federal amendment changes the definition of a “regular high school diploma.” Interested individuals may make written comments on the proposed amendment on or before Jan. 8, 2018, at 4:30 p.m. Refer to this letter from the DE for more information.