Teaching About the Holocaust and the Iowa Core, Nov. 10

The Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines, in cooperation with the University of Northern Iowa Center for Holocaust and Genocide Education, will co-host a learning opportunity for middle and high school teachers. The workshop, Teaching About the Holocaust and the Iowa Core Curriculum, is offered free of charge and will be held on Thursday, November 10, 2011 from 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Temple B'nai Jeshurun in Des Moines. Register by e-mail to chge@uni.edu. Participants should provide a name, school building, district and grade/subject taught.

For more information, contact Stephen J. Gaies, Director, Center for Holocaust and Genocide Education, at www.chge.uni.edu, gaies@uni.edu or call (319) 277-1909.

The dissemination of information from external organizations by Heartland AEA does not imply sponsorship or endorsement of the information. It is being passed on to our stakeholders for its educational value.

Children’s Museum to Offer Iowa Core-Focused Field Trips

The Iowa Children's Museum in Coralville has updated their schedule to include K-5th grade field trip packages to match the Iowa Core standards. Click here for their “Standards at a Glance” field trip offerings. All of their focused field trip information may be found at http://www.theicm.org/programs/group-visits/focused.

Starting in January, they will be offering CityWorks S.T.E.M. focused field trips which will cater to 1st-5th grade audiences.

The dissemination of information from external organizations by Heartland AEA does not imply sponsorship or endorsement of the information. It is being passed on to our stakeholders for its educational value.

Technology Program Promotes STEM Interest for Girls

Microsoft, along with the Technology Association of Iowa, will be hosting a free technology program, Digi Girlz, specifically for 8th-12th grade girls. During the event, the girls will interact with women in technology, participate in technology tours and demonstrations, network and learn with hands-on experience. Digi Girlz will be held November 17, 2011 at the Hy-Vee Conference Center and is prior to the Iowa Women of Innovation awards dinner that elevates and celebrates today’s extraordinary women in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Click here for more information.

The dissemination of information from external organizations by Heartland AEA does not imply sponsorship or endorsement of the information. It is being passed on to our stakeholders for its educational value.

Letters to Governor Branstad and Senator Harkin Issued by Executive Leaders Group

The Executive Leaders is a new group in Iowa, coordinated through SAI and open to all school superintendents. The purpose of the SAI Executive Leaders is to provide strategic leadership for system improvements that will result in a quality education for Iowa's youth. The group met September 25 and 26 at Drake University and listened to presentations by Bruce Hunter, AASA associate executive director; and Jason Glass, Iowa DE director, on Iowa school reform. The letters (attached below) resulted from participants' discussions and may be used as superintendents participate in the town hall meetings occurring around the state, to help inform legislators, etc.

Letter to Governor Branstad
Letter to Senator Harkin

You Have a “Friend Request!”

Heartland AEA’s Facebook and Twitter accounts are bustling with activity! We use Facebook and Twitter to post information about resources, classes, good news stories and other fantastic reads.

Follow Heartland AEA on Twitter at http://twitter.com/HeartlandAEA

Like Heartland AEA on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/heartlandaea

Also remember to check out Iowa’s Area Education Agencies social media sites. Get quick and current updates on education issues, policies and professional learning opportunities available around the state.

Follow Iowa's Area Education Agencies on Twitter at http://twitter.com/iowa_aea

Like Iowa's Area Education Agencies on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/iowaaea

Urbandale CSD to Host ESL Simulation

Click here for more information on Urbandale CSD’s Life in a Second Language, a unique, interactive experience about the challenges faced by non-English speaking Urbandale residents. The free event will be held next Monday, October 24 at 6:30 p.m. at Webster Elementary. Registration has been extended to be open until filled.

SAI to Host Administrator-Counselor Workshop, Dec. 7

Click here for more information about the Administrator-Counselor Workshop that SAI will host on December 7, 2011. In light of the Governor’s Education Blueprint, this workshop will explore how the principal/counselor team can work together to ensure every learner's success. Dr. Matt Davidson, executive director of the Institute for Ethics and Excellence will lead the workshop.