Our Mission To improve the learning outcomes and well-being of all children and youth by providing services and leadership in partnership with families, schools and communities.
Our Goals- Increase learning growth for students
- Decrease the gap in achievement
- Increase annual graduation rates
- Increase gateways to post-secondary success
In the first phase of a project to disseminate and develop science-based information about how materials can be handled to mitigate exposure to staff and visitors, scientists have found that the virus SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19 is not detectable on five common library materials after three days.
The findings are part of the REopening Archives, Libraries, and Museums (REALM) Project designed to generate scientific information to support the handling of core museum, library, and archival materials as these institutions begin to resume operations and reopen to the public. The first phase of the research is focusing on commonly found and frequently handled materials, especially in U.S. public libraries.
The documents below were released on June 25, 2020 on the Return to Learn google site (Special Education). Since there was not any formal Return to Learn webinar describing these materials, links and descriptions of the resources are included below.
FERPA, IEPs, and Virtual Learning - This document is intended to answer common questions regarding obligations to meet FERPA requirements while serving learners with disabilities through virtual learning (i.e., Continuous Learning).
Electronic Signatures: E-Signatures for Informed Consent for Services in Special Education - This support document provides reminders of when consent is needed for IDEA administrative procedures and suggestions for ways to obtain the electronic signature. The information provided here is not to be confused with consent to receive electronic information or privacy requirements for provision of teleservices.
Considerations for Acquiring Technology to Ensure Access of Students Receiving Special Education - This document contains technology acquisition considerations developed to assist administrators in planning for the need and acquisition of instructional and assistive technology, ensuring that all learners have the tools they require to participate and make progress in the Iowa Core Standards. The following are a series of checklists organized by end user or grade level:
Technology Skills Checklist: PK-2 Learners with Disabilities with Family/Caregiver Support
Technology Skills Checklist: Grades 3-12 Learners with Disabilities
Technology Skills Checklist: Grades 3-12 Family/Caregiver Support of Learners with Disabilities
Technology Skills Checklist: Special Educator
Technology Skills Checklist: General Educator
Technology Skills Checklist: Paraprofessional
This first release of documents listed above is focused on equitable access to technology and special education. A second release of documents is scheduled for July 9 and will focus on resources for IEP Teams. A third and final release of documents is planned for late July/early August that will focus on resources that will be helpful for teachers serving students in special education.
