Summer 2014 Early Literacy Implementation Trainings and Registration

Registration is open for those districts that have chosen to meet Early Literacy Implementation (Iowa Code section 279.68) requirements using Iowa TIER and FAST. Training dates and locations have been established and registration links are available on the Department of Education ELI site. For additional guidance and information related to Iowa Code section 279.68, please see the those sections also available at the above link. Training registration is scheduled to close on May 2.

Changes in AYP Alternate Assessments

Beginning this fall, Iowa’s Adequate Yearly Progress alternate assessments for students with significant cognitive disabilities will be the Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) English/language arts and math for grades 3-8, 10 & 11 and the Iowa Alternate Assessment Science (IAAS) for grades 5, 8, and 11.

The DLM assessment is supported by the Center for Educational Testing and Evaluation, University of Kansas, and is a computer delivered, computer adapted assessment. DLM integrates student assistive technology and is a year long instructionally embedded assessment that includes a year-end summative assessment.

The IAAS (Iowa’s current science alternate assessment) will have no changes in assessment administration. Teacher training is required to administer both the DLM and IAAS assessments. District staff who manage and have oversight of the alternate assessment also will require training. The Significant Disabilities State Leadership Team is developing a fall statewide training plan.

The Iowa Department of Education will host a series of informational webinars in May that outline training content and requirements, roles and responsibilities of districts, including tech support, and DLM/Department supports. For more information, contact the Department’s Emily Thatcher at emily.thatcher@iowa.gov or (515) 281-3500.

Character Counts Iowa Looking for 2014 Award Nominees

Each year, the Iowa Character Awards are presented to Iowans who consistently demonstrate good character. Since 2005, more than 100 individuals and organizations from across the state have received an Iowa Character Award. Students, teachers, administrators can all be nominated. Click here for more information and the online nomination form. 

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.

Introduction to Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) Workshop on June 26

Heartland AEA will be hosting an introductory workshop on professional learning communities on June 26. This workshop is hosted by Solution Tree and is an introduction to Professional Learning Communities. Developed by Richard DuFour, Robert Eaker and Rebecca DuFour, the Professional Learning Communities at Work process is increasingly recognized as the most powerful strategy for sustained, substantive school improvement. Click here for more information.

April 2014 AEA PD Online and AEA K-12 Online Blog Updates

The April blog updates for AEA PD Online and AEA K-12 Online are now available. For real time updates, follow AEA PD Online on Twitter @aeapdonline or on your mobile device by accessing the app at myapp.is/aeapdonline.

AEA PD Online

• Security Concerns
• Preparations for the 2014 Back-to-School Trainings
• Upcoming Courses: May 1-June 15, 2015
• External Partners

AEA K-12 Online

• Atomic Learning Launches Mobile Learning and Common Core Resources for Educators
• Iowa Teachers Uses Core Skills Mastery (CSM) with Students

Upcoming Track & Field Days for Students with Special Needs

Spring is trying to come around, and we sure hope it does soon for our upcoming Heartland AEA Track & Field days! Our field days (one in Carroll and one in Indianola) give K-12 students with special needs a chance to enjoy modified spring sports and activities in a least restrictive environment.

Below is more information about our field days. Please note that the Indianola location has been changed to the Indianola Middle School (usually it is at Simpson College).

Carroll-Heartland Track and Field Day
Date: May 7, 2014
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (arrive at 9:45 a.m.)
Location: Carroll High School Track Field

Simpson-Heartland Invitational Track and Field Day
Date: May 8, 2014
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (arrive at 9:45 a.m.)
Location: Indianola Middle School (403 South 15th Street)
*All parking will be on 15th St., on the south side of the school

Click here for more information about our annual modified physical education events.

For more information about our upcoming track days or adapted physical education services at Heartland AEA, contact Robin Olberding at rolberding@heartlandaea.org.

Thanks for your input!

We sincerely thank the 1,696 individuals who took the time to complete the annual AEA Customer Satisfaction survey in Heartland AEA’s service area. The data collected from the survey will be used to evaluating our services. Please be sure to extend our sincere gratitude to your school staff who contributed their thoughts and input!