Addressing Student Mental Health in a Multi-Tiered System of Supports

School administrators, at-risk coordinators, guidance counselors and general education teachers are encouraged to join us either June 20 or 21 to learn about using MTSS in supporting student mental health needs. Register soon for either one of the trainings below.

Date: June 20, 2014
Time: 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Location: Johnston REC
Activity Number: DL014492111502

Date: July 21, 2014
Time: 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Location: Johnston REC
Activity Number: DL014492111503

PBL+SBL=Success Class Offered this Summer

The underlying principal for this upcoming course; Project Based Learning (PBL) plus Standards Based Learning/Grading (SBL) equals success!

Many educators are trying to shift the students' focus from 'grades' to the actual process of 'learning.' The authentic inquiry process and natural differentiation found in well designed PBLs will assist all content area teachers to implement and demonstrate the Characteristics of Effective Instruction (START).

All participants ranging from, “I have no idea what this is” to “I have the foundation knowledge and want to build on it” will benefit from this course as it is a participant-centered. The end task (through formative assessments, learning activities, small group discussions and peer/facilitator feedback opportunities) is to create a well designed PBL that will be ready to implement in the fall.

Dates: July 28 & 29 (+ online), 2014
Time: 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Location: Johnston REC
Activity Number: IS019392111501

Our Kids Summer Institute 2014 Milestone

For the past ten years, the Our Kids has provided a high-quality professional development opportunity for teachers and administrators who work with English learners. Historically, premier presenters from the U.S and Canada have shared their expertise, networking opportunities and multicultural experiences have been provided and various conference strands have met a range of needs and interests among participants.

In addition, Our Kids prides itself on highlighting cultures of students and families in Iowa by incorporating culturally and linguistically diverse voices in panels, cultural performances, planning, etc.

Speakers at this year’s event will include:

Edward Steinman - Civil Rights attorney in the landmark Lau v. Nichols judgment (1974) that precipitated a federal requirement for ESL programming in K-12 schools

Consuelo Kickbush - Inspiring author, role model and founder, EDUCATIONAL Achievement Services, Inc.

Diane August - Managing researcher at American Institute of Research (AIR), author, ELL expert and national leader

Jeanette Gordon - Education specialist of differentiated instruction and ELL methods, Illinois Resource Center (IRC)

In addition, there will be a variety of “spotlight sessions” of interest that participants can select to attend.

Dates: June 24 & 25, 2014
Location: Waukee High School
Activity Number: ES007668221501*

 *It is important to note that if your school had to write a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) you must attend with a team from your district. Heartland AEA will provide a $200 stipend for area school staff members who attend both days. Districts are encouraged to send teams of classroom teachers, administrators and ESL teachers.

Help Us Improve Our Communication Efforts!

The Heartland AEA Communications Dept. strives to continuously improve our agency communications vehicles. To assist us in our efforts, we would appreciate your feedback about our communications vehicles -- the Administrator Connection and our agency website -- on this very short survey. Thank you for your input!

Heartland AEA 2014 Summer Van Delivery

Heartland AEA vans will deliver twice a week to each district administration building. If you have summer school, professional development programs or intercessions and you would like regularly scheduled deliveries to additional buildings, please email Colleen Miller at colleen_miller@heartlandaea.org.

Schedule-to-date:

• Twice-a-week delivery to each district administration building runs June 16 to August 7.
• Twice-a-week delivery will automatically continue to each building that has an extended year calendar.
• Regular fall van delivery resumes August 11.

Printing:

• Heartland AEA will contact the district to arrange for special delivery of large printing orders during the summer.

Impacting Lives Blog Showcases AEA Services

View the latest Impacting Lives update at http://aeas4iowa.wordpress.com/ for stories about the many ways Iowa's AEAs are making a difference. 

• Adapted Cars Encourage Exploration and Curiosity in Kids With Disabilities
• Transformed Teaching through AEA Collaboration 
• Summer: Romping, reveling and…reading
• Building Confidence by Strengthening Voices 
• Scuba Diving Experience Launches DSM Students’ Blog

End-of-Year Data Clean up Guide for Teaching Strategies GOLD

Access the Department’s document that assists administrators with the end-of-year data clean up for Teaching Strategies GOLD. This is the assessment all preschool teachers use with their children.