Friday, January 30, 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 


Public Input Sought on Science Standards

The Iowa Department of Education has announced a series of February public forums and a statewide survey following a state panel’s recommendation to get public feedback on the Next Generation Science Standards. These are a set of learning expectations in science for students in kindergarten through high school. The Next Generation Science Standards were developed by 26 states, including Iowa. All states can consider adopting and adapting them to meet their needs.

Public feedback will be used to provide guidance to the Science Standards Review Team, which is expected to submit a final recommendation regarding science standards to the State Board of Education later this year.

The survey, which is open through February 27, can be found at the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VW6SHDY?c=Iowa_Science_Survey

The public forums are scheduled as follows:
Wednesday, Feb. 11, Waukee
4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Waukee Community Schools District Office – Board Room
560 Southeast University Ave.
Waukee, IA

Tuesday, Feb. 24, Ottumwa
4:30 to 6:30 p.m.   
Great Prairie Area Education Agency, Ottumwa Office – Auditorium

2814 North Court Street
Ottumwa, IA

Wednesday, Feb. 25, Dubuque
4:30 to 6:30 p.m.   
Keystone Area Education Agency, Dubuque Office – Room 1 ABC

2310 Chaney Road
Dubuque, IA

Thursday, Feb. 26, Sioux City
4:30 to 6:30 p.m.   
Northwest Area Education Agency, Administrative Office – Room A/Auditorium
1520 Morningside Ave.
Sioux City, IA

The Next Generation Science Standards can be found at http://www.nextgenscience.org/.

For more information, please visit the Iowa Department of Education’s website.

February 2015 Each and Every Child

The February 2015 issue of Each and Every Child, the Iowa Department of Education’s e-newsletter that goes to over 15,000 Iowans who are a part of the special education community is now available. In this issue, read about a literacy push showing very promising results within Green Hills Area Education Agency. It also addresses, albeit indirectly, the importance of having strong leadership in place, even if the leadership is not by title.