In an effort to better market their Web site, Professional Development for Iowa School Leaders is issuing a news article every month during the school year. The article for December is here. Feel free to use the article as is or edit to your heart's content. In the coming months after the holidays, it will be issued on the first of the month. Each article will feature new information about their Web site.
Please send this article to whomever in your organization is preparing print or electronic communications aimed at Iowa school leaders.
Also available are some graphics for both print and electronic use-- in both color or black.
Graphics and the article archive is here: http://iowaschoolleadership.org/news/
Monday, December 22, 2008
Getting Your Message Heard With Budget Cuts Looming
As you begin to develop your annual budget, begin “mainstreaming” your communication function into your district’s operation. Click here to read budget advice on communication by Communication Matters for Leading Superintendents, a publication by the National School Public Relations Association.
Unsung Heros Progam and SAMMY Awards
Unsung Heroes Funds Innovative Classroom Project
The ING Unsung Heroes program has helped more than a thousand K-12 educators and their schools fund innovative classroom projects through awards totaling more than $3 million. The awards range from $25,000 to Grand Prize Winner. Eligibility is for full-time educators, teachers, principals, paraprofessionals or classified staff members with effective projects that improve student learning at an accredited K-12 public or private school.
The deadline is April 30, 2009. Click here for the application.
NSPRA Co-Sponsors SAMMY Awards
Co-sponsored by the National School Public Relations Association, the Scholar Athlete Milk Mustache of the Year (SAMMY) award provides scholar athletes with an exciting financial-assistance opportunity for college scholarships. Twenty-five student-athletes will receive a $7,500 scholarship, an all-expense paid trip to Disney's Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Florida and a spot in a special Milk Mustache ad to run in USA TODAY.
The deadline is Friday, March 6, 2009. For more information, click here.
The ING Unsung Heroes program has helped more than a thousand K-12 educators and their schools fund innovative classroom projects through awards totaling more than $3 million. The awards range from $25,000 to Grand Prize Winner. Eligibility is for full-time educators, teachers, principals, paraprofessionals or classified staff members with effective projects that improve student learning at an accredited K-12 public or private school.
The deadline is April 30, 2009. Click here for the application.
NSPRA Co-Sponsors SAMMY Awards
Co-sponsored by the National School Public Relations Association, the Scholar Athlete Milk Mustache of the Year (SAMMY) award provides scholar athletes with an exciting financial-assistance opportunity for college scholarships. Twenty-five student-athletes will receive a $7,500 scholarship, an all-expense paid trip to Disney's Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Florida and a spot in a special Milk Mustache ad to run in USA TODAY.
The deadline is Friday, March 6, 2009. For more information, click here.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Heartland Behavior Classes Offered this Spring
Heartland AEA is adding two behavior classes to the spring calendar. Please pass this information on to teachers who may be interested in learning more about these important topics.
Class: Behavior Strategies
Description: This class will focus on preventative strategies based on effective classroom management, as well as individualized strategies for behavior change.
Dates and Times: April 10th and May 8th (8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. both days) Location: Zion Lutheran Church, Des Moines
Activity Number: IS001199990902
Class: Deescalation Strategies
Description: This is a course designed to most appropriately address potential problematic situations of students whose behaviors exist with a supplemental level of need.
Dates and Times: January 13th (8:30-11:30 a.m.) and February 3rd (12:30-3:30 p.m.) Location: St. Mary of Nazareth Church, Des Moines
Activity Number: CM002099990902
Register through the Professional Development catalog on the Heartland Web site or by clicking here.
Class: Behavior Strategies
Description: This class will focus on preventative strategies based on effective classroom management, as well as individualized strategies for behavior change.
Dates and Times: April 10th and May 8th (8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. both days) Location: Zion Lutheran Church, Des Moines
Activity Number: IS001199990902
Class: Deescalation Strategies
Description: This is a course designed to most appropriately address potential problematic situations of students whose behaviors exist with a supplemental level of need.
Dates and Times: January 13th (8:30-11:30 a.m.) and February 3rd (12:30-3:30 p.m.) Location: St. Mary of Nazareth Church, Des Moines
Activity Number: CM002099990902
Register through the Professional Development catalog on the Heartland Web site or by clicking here.
Amazing Fifth Grader in Dallas, Texas
Earlier this year a 10 year-old fifth grader, Dalton Sherman, amazed thousands of teachers and school staff with a riveting keynote address at a Dallas Independent School District pep rally. Click here to watch his powerful performance.
Friday, December 5, 2008
23rd Annual Iowa Culture and Language Conference
We are pleased to offer your district an exciting opportunity to send a cross-section of K-12 educators (particularly classroom and content teachers) to attend the 23rd Annual Iowa Culture and Language Conference on February 10 and 11, 2009. Title III funds will reimburse districts for conference registration ($115, if registered by December 9, 2008) plus up to two days of sub costs, per participant. Early registration is encouraged; neither late nor on-site registration will be reimbursed.
Click here to register through the Northwest AEA Web site. You must register your own participants.
This national-level conference is a premier opportunity for professional development for professionals who work with English language learners and other diverse learners to increase achievement. Please distribute this information to your staff (fellow administrators, classroom and ESL teachers, counselors, associates, etc.), and consider sending a representative group from your district.
Note: Title III funds will pay for:
• up to 10 participants from large districts (such as Ames, Perry, Urbandale, Waukee and West Des Moines)
• up to 5 participants from smaller districts (such as Coon Rapids, Saydel, Boone, Carlisle, Indianola and private schools such as Sacred Heart, Des Moines Christian, and Saint Patrick’s in Perry)
After attendance is completed, districts should request a District Reimbursement Form by emailing Pat Latham, platham@aea11.k12.ia.us.
Important Message: Please accept our personal invitation to attend the Immigration Forum on February 11, 2009 from 2:00-5:00 p.m., sponsored by Heartland AEA 11 and moderated by Rekha Basu from the Des Moines Register. National and state experts will discuss educational implications and facts related to immigration in Iowa. Attendance is free with reception to follow.
For further questions, please direct them to:
Stephaney Jones-Vo sjonesvo@aea11.k12.ia.us
515-270-0405 ext. 14680
Pat Latham platham@aea11.k12.ia.us
515-270-0405 ext. 14681
Toll-free: 1-800-255-0405 followed by the extension of choice, above
Click here to register through the Northwest AEA Web site. You must register your own participants.
This national-level conference is a premier opportunity for professional development for professionals who work with English language learners and other diverse learners to increase achievement. Please distribute this information to your staff (fellow administrators, classroom and ESL teachers, counselors, associates, etc.), and consider sending a representative group from your district.
Note: Title III funds will pay for:
• up to 10 participants from large districts (such as Ames, Perry, Urbandale, Waukee and West Des Moines)
• up to 5 participants from smaller districts (such as Coon Rapids, Saydel, Boone, Carlisle, Indianola and private schools such as Sacred Heart, Des Moines Christian, and Saint Patrick’s in Perry)
After attendance is completed, districts should request a District Reimbursement Form by emailing Pat Latham, platham@aea11.k12.ia.us.
Important Message: Please accept our personal invitation to attend the Immigration Forum on February 11, 2009 from 2:00-5:00 p.m., sponsored by Heartland AEA 11 and moderated by Rekha Basu from the Des Moines Register. National and state experts will discuss educational implications and facts related to immigration in Iowa. Attendance is free with reception to follow.
For further questions, please direct them to:
Stephaney Jones-Vo sjonesvo@aea11.k12.ia.us
515-270-0405 ext. 14680
Pat Latham platham@aea11.k12.ia.us
515-270-0405 ext. 14681
Toll-free: 1-800-255-0405 followed by the extension of choice, above
Monday, December 1, 2008
Curriculum Network Meeting -- December 5th
The next Curriculum Network meeting will be held on Friday, December 5th from 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church (4300 Beaver Ave., Des Moines). Click here for the agenda.
Iowa English Language Development Assessment Training
The 2009 Statewide Iowa English Language Development Assessment (I-ELDA) Training will be offered on January 7, 2009, in the Northwoods Room at Stoney Creek Inn, 5291 Stoney Creek Court, in Johnston. Continental breakfast with networking will take place starting at 8:30 a.m., and the I-ELDA training will begin at 9:30 a.m. Lunch will be provided.
As last year, Dave Booth of Heartland AEA will be videotaping the training to prepare a DVD for those unable to attend.
Registration is limited to 100 and deadline for registration is December 18, 2008. Click here to register through the Heartland Professional Development catalog. Enter activity number ES0047-9999-0901.
As last year, Dave Booth of Heartland AEA will be videotaping the training to prepare a DVD for those unable to attend.
Registration is limited to 100 and deadline for registration is December 18, 2008. Click here to register through the Heartland Professional Development catalog. Enter activity number ES0047-9999-0901.
Early Bird Registration for the Iowa Culture and Language Conference
Heartland AEA would like to invite you and your staff to attend the Iowa Culture and Language Conference on February 10 and 11, 2009. The ICLC planning committee is excited and proud to bring to Iowa many renowned experts in the ESL field as conference presenters. Click here for information explaining the reimbursement process for participation, registration and substitute pay.
The early bird registration deadline is December 9th.
The early bird registration deadline is December 9th.
First Heartland-sponsored Immigration Forum
Heartland Area Education Agency is pleased to invite you to an Immigration Forum and Reception on February 11, 2009, at the Polk County Convention Complex from 2:00-5:00 p.m. The Immigration Forum, held on the final day of the Iowa Culture and Language Conference, will include a panel of national and local experts who will share facts about refugees and immigrants in Iowa and implications for educators. This rare opportunity to meet representatives knowledgeable on laws and issues related to immigration offers an excellent networking and learning experience for educators and partners in education.
To register, click here and complete the online registration.
We look forward to meeting you at the first Heartland-sponsored Immigration Forum, with reception afterward. Consider bringing a team from your area and complete a registration for each participant.
For more information contact:
Stephaney Jones-Vo, (515) 270-0405 ext. 14680
Gilmara Mitchell, (515) 270-0405 ext. 14679
To register, click here and complete the online registration.
We look forward to meeting you at the first Heartland-sponsored Immigration Forum, with reception afterward. Consider bringing a team from your area and complete a registration for each participant.
For more information contact:
Stephaney Jones-Vo, (515) 270-0405 ext. 14680
Gilmara Mitchell, (515) 270-0405 ext. 14679
Friday, November 21, 2008
December 3rd Iowa Core Curriculum Training
Session 3 of the Leadership for the Iowa Core Curriculum training is quickly approaching. Registered participants received an email reminder of their session's date, time and location. The session will focus on building capacity for alignment and assessment and on a preview of the implementation plan.
The session held in Indianola will be offered only in the morning of December 3rd and will move to the Trinity United Presbyterian Church, 200 S. Howard, Indianola, IA for the December session only. Please contact Linda Biermann Hoobin, Teaching and Learning Consultant for the Iowa Core Curriculum, 515-270-0405 ext. 14327, if you have questions.
The session held in Indianola will be offered only in the morning of December 3rd and will move to the Trinity United Presbyterian Church, 200 S. Howard, Indianola, IA for the December session only. Please contact Linda Biermann Hoobin, Teaching and Learning Consultant for the Iowa Core Curriculum, 515-270-0405 ext. 14327, if you have questions.
Preschool Program Requirements for Early Childhood Special Education
Iowa law requires accredited school districts and nonpublic schools operating preschools and child care programs to either meet Iowa Department of Education (DE) Program Standards or obtain Department of Human Services (DHS) licensure [Iowa Code § 279.49, 280.3A].
The DE has defined the Preschool Program Standards as the following:
1.) Iowa Quality Preschool Program Standards (QPPS);
2.) Head Start Program Performance Standards; or
3.) National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Accreditation.
The Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) and Early Childhood (EC) programs serving children on an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) must meet the DE Preschool Program Standards requirement. Therefore, beginning in 2008–2009, ECSE and EC programs serving children on an IEP are expected to select and implement one of the above mentioned three required Preschool Program Standards.
District administrators with ECSE and EC programs serving children on an IEP that implement QPPS may want to consider the following:
The DE has defined the Preschool Program Standards as the following:
1.) Iowa Quality Preschool Program Standards (QPPS);
2.) Head Start Program Performance Standards; or
3.) National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Accreditation.
The Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) and Early Childhood (EC) programs serving children on an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) must meet the DE Preschool Program Standards requirement. Therefore, beginning in 2008–2009, ECSE and EC programs serving children on an IEP are expected to select and implement one of the above mentioned three required Preschool Program Standards.
District administrators with ECSE and EC programs serving children on an IEP that implement QPPS may want to consider the following:
- Contacting area education agencies (AEA) early childhood leadership for information about early childhood professional development;
- Becoming familiar with the QPPS standards and criteria;
- Completing the QPPS self-assessment with support from the AEA ECSE/EC staff; and
- Developing a QPPS quality improvement plan.
Iowa Evaluator Approval Training Courses
Iowa Evaluator Approval Training Program Level II: Evaluation of Teachers courses are being offered this spring. Courses are being offered on the following dates:
- February 14, 21, 28, March 7, 28, 2009 from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the West Des Moines Learning Resource Center (snow make-up date is April 4, 2009).
- January 8, 20, February 12, March 10 & April 28, 2009 from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at the Woodside AEA Office in Ankeny except for February 12 which will be held at Johnston AEA Office (snow make-up date is May 4, 2009).
- January 12, 19, 26, February 2, 9, 16, 23, March 2, 30 & April 6, 2009 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at the Johnston AEA Office (Room 8).
Student Poetry and Art Opportunity
Every year, River of Words® (ROW) conducts an international environmental poetry and art competition in affiliation with The Library of Congress Center for the Book for youth ages 5 to 19 in grades K-12. This free contest is designed to help youth explore the natural and cultural history of the place they live and to express what they discover through poetry and art.
Iowa entries not chosen as finalists or grand prize winners in the international contest are returned to IOWATER, where they are judged in a statewide IOWA River of Words® Environmental Poetry and Art competition. The IOWATER Volunteer Water Monitoring Program of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources coordinates the IOWA River of Words® Environmental Poetry and Art competition.
Over 350 students from Iowa entered the 2008 contest either through their schools, community art centers, local libraries or on their own. Because of the large number of quality Iowa entries, the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art generously offered to host a juried River of Words® IOWA Environmental Poetry and Art Exhibit. Fifty-one works of poetry and art were selected to be included in the exhibit, held August 30 through September 21, 2008.
If your students would be interested in entering the contest for 2009, entries must be sent to:
River of Words, PO Box 4000-J
Berkeley, CA 94704 USA
Phone: 510-548-POEM (7636)
Fax: 510-548-2095
ROW returns Iowa's entries to IOWATER in April for state competition and Iowa’s state winners are chosen in May.
For more information and entry forms click here or contact Pat Lohmann, IOWA River of Words Coordinator, at (319) 335-1593 or Pat.Lohmann@dnr.iowa.gov.
The deadline for entries is February 15, 2009.
Iowa entries not chosen as finalists or grand prize winners in the international contest are returned to IOWATER, where they are judged in a statewide IOWA River of Words® Environmental Poetry and Art competition. The IOWATER Volunteer Water Monitoring Program of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources coordinates the IOWA River of Words® Environmental Poetry and Art competition.
Over 350 students from Iowa entered the 2008 contest either through their schools, community art centers, local libraries or on their own. Because of the large number of quality Iowa entries, the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art generously offered to host a juried River of Words® IOWA Environmental Poetry and Art Exhibit. Fifty-one works of poetry and art were selected to be included in the exhibit, held August 30 through September 21, 2008.
If your students would be interested in entering the contest for 2009, entries must be sent to:
River of Words, PO Box 4000-J
Berkeley, CA 94704 USA
Phone: 510-548-POEM (7636)
Fax: 510-548-2095
ROW returns Iowa's entries to IOWATER in April for state competition and Iowa’s state winners are chosen in May.
For more information and entry forms click here or contact Pat Lohmann, IOWA River of Words Coordinator, at (319) 335-1593 or Pat.Lohmann@dnr.iowa.gov.
The deadline for entries is February 15, 2009.
Disney's ePals 2008 Election Central
At Disney's ePals 2008 Election Central site, students can enter a competition to tell President-elect Barack Obama about the issues that are important to them. For additional contest details, click here. Entries must be submitted by Jan. 10, 2009. Winners will be posted on Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2009. This is an exciting opportunity for students to get their voices heard so please share this information with teachers and parents.
Educator Opportunity -- Online Entrepreneurship Curriculum
Up to 100 Iowa secondary educators (Grades 9-12) are invited to pilot the YouthBizCentral online entrepreneurship curriculum, which was developed through support from the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust of Muscatine, IA.
Secondary educators participating in the pilot MUST be willing to implement the 8-unit curriculum and provide feedback regarding the curriculum. Each participating educator will receive a $250 stipend upon completion of the pilot project.
Curriculum features:
• Online/Easily Accessible
• 8 Fully Customizable Core Units
• Lesson Plans
• PowerPoint Presentations
• Activities & Web Resources
• Entrepreneurial Profiles
• Student Business Planning Template
• Equips Youth with the Skills to Succeed in Business and Entrepreneurship!
Apply Online at http://www.jacobsoninstitute.org/youthbiz_app.cfm
Teachers will be selected on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Secondary educators participating in the pilot MUST be willing to implement the 8-unit curriculum and provide feedback regarding the curriculum. Each participating educator will receive a $250 stipend upon completion of the pilot project.
Curriculum features:
• Online/Easily Accessible
• 8 Fully Customizable Core Units
• Lesson Plans
• PowerPoint Presentations
• Activities & Web Resources
• Entrepreneurial Profiles
• Student Business Planning Template
• Equips Youth with the Skills to Succeed in Business and Entrepreneurship!
Apply Online at http://www.jacobsoninstitute.org/youthbiz_app.cfm
Teachers will be selected on a first-come, first-serve basis.
ASCD Podcast -- The Whole Child
Click here to view ASCD's latest podcast series, The Whole Child. The podcast features educators and policymakers from around the globe who share their insights about sound education policies and practices that ensure that all children are healthy, safe, engaged, supported and challenged.
Iowa Culture and Language Conference
Heartland AEA would like to invite you and your staff to attend the Iowa Culture and Language Conference on February 10 and 11, 2009. The ICLC planning committee is excited and proud to bring to Iowa many renowned experts in the ESL field as conference presenters. Click here for information explaining the reimbursement process for participation, registration and substitute pay.
First Heartland-sponsored Immigration Forum
Heartland Area Education Agency is pleased to invite you to an Immigration Forum and Reception on February 11, 2009, at the Polk County Convention Complex from 2:00-5:00 p.m. The Immigration Forum, held on the final day of the Iowa Culture and Language Conference, will include a panel of national and local experts who will share facts about refugees and immigrants in Iowa and implications for educators. This rare opportunity to meet representatives knowledgeable on laws and issues related to immigration offers an excellent networking and learning experience for educators and partners in education.
To register, please go to www.nwaea.k2.ia.us/en/upcoming_events/ and complete the online registration.
We look forward to meeting you at the first Heartland-sponsored Immigration Forum, with reception afterward. Consider bringing a team from your area and complete a registration for each participant.
For more information contact:
Stephaney Jones-Vo, (515) 270-0405 ext. 14680
Gilmara Mitchell, (515) 270-0405 ext. 14679
To register, please go to www.nwaea.k2.ia.us/en/upcoming_events/ and complete the online registration.
We look forward to meeting you at the first Heartland-sponsored Immigration Forum, with reception afterward. Consider bringing a team from your area and complete a registration for each participant.
For more information contact:
Stephaney Jones-Vo, (515) 270-0405 ext. 14680
Gilmara Mitchell, (515) 270-0405 ext. 14679
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Iowa Culture and Language Conference
Heartland AEA would like to invite you and your staff to attend the Iowa Culture and Language Conference on February 10 and 11, 2009. The ICLC planning committee is excited and proud to bring to Iowa many renowned experts in the ESL field as conference presenters. Click here for information explaining the reimbursement process for participation, registration and substitute pay.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Scholarship Opportunity for Iowa High School Juniors
Application brochures are available for the 12th annual Herbert Hoover Uncommon Student Award, a scholarship program for Iowa high school juniors that does not evaluate against grades, test scores or essays.
Applicants propose a project they want to accomplish then approximately 15 juniors are chosen in April to complete their projects. In the fall of their senior year they present their projects at the Hoover Presidential Library-Museum in West Branch, near Iowa City. Each student receives a $1,000 stipend and three are chosen to win $5,000 scholarships for a two or four year school anywhere in the nation.
For more information, visit www.hooverassociation.org, or contact Patricia Hand at 800-828-0475. The deadline is March 31, 2009.
Applicants propose a project they want to accomplish then approximately 15 juniors are chosen in April to complete their projects. In the fall of their senior year they present their projects at the Hoover Presidential Library-Museum in West Branch, near Iowa City. Each student receives a $1,000 stipend and three are chosen to win $5,000 scholarships for a two or four year school anywhere in the nation.
For more information, visit www.hooverassociation.org, or contact Patricia Hand at 800-828-0475. The deadline is March 31, 2009.
First Heartland-sponsored Immigration Forum
Heartland Area Education Agency is pleased to invite you to an Immigration Forum and Reception on February 11, 2009, at the Polk County Convention Complex from 2:00-5:00 p.m. The Immigration Forum, held on the final day of the Iowa Culture and Language Conference, will include a panel of national and local experts who will share facts about refugees and immigrants in Iowa and implications for educators. This rare opportunity to meet representatives knowledgeable on laws and issues related to immigration offers an excellent networking and learning experience for educators and partners in education.
To register, please go to www.nwaea.k2.ia.us/en/upcoming_events/ and complete the online registration.
We look forward to meeting you at the first Heartland-sponsored Immigration Forum, with reception afterward. Consider bringing a team from your area and complete a registration for each participant.
For more information contact:
Stephaney Jones-Vo, (515) 270-0405 ext. 14680
Gilmara Mitchell, (515) 270-0405 ext. 14679
To register, please go to www.nwaea.k2.ia.us/en/upcoming_events/ and complete the online registration.
We look forward to meeting you at the first Heartland-sponsored Immigration Forum, with reception afterward. Consider bringing a team from your area and complete a registration for each participant.
For more information contact:
Stephaney Jones-Vo, (515) 270-0405 ext. 14680
Gilmara Mitchell, (515) 270-0405 ext. 14679
Friday, November 7, 2008
Handouts -- Office for Civil Rights Section 504 ICN Presentation
Click here for the handouts of the Office for Civil Rights Section 504 ICN presentation to be held Wednesday, November 12th at 1:00 p.m.
Steven named Iowa Counselor of the Year
Julianne Steven, school counselor at Northeast Elementary in Ankeny, was named the Iowa School Counselor of the Year. She was recognized on November 3rd at the Iowa School Counselors Association Conference in Des Moines.
Martin Bros. Distributing Co. Inc. -- AEA Nutritional Support
The Area Education Agencies are pleased to announce that Martin Bros. Distributing Co. Inc. will be the nutritional support service for schools throughout the State of Iowa. In accordance with Chapter 273.2 sub.7 of the Iowa Code, they will also provide nutritional information on school foodservice products.
This agreement will begin December 1, 2008 for a one year period.
To contact Martin Bros. Distributing Co. Inc., call Chris Timmons at 800-847-2404 ext. 3333.
This agreement will begin December 1, 2008 for a one year period.
To contact Martin Bros. Distributing Co. Inc., call Chris Timmons at 800-847-2404 ext. 3333.
Co-Teaching Professional Development
Dr. Marilyn Friend, an expert in the field of co-teaching, is coming to Iowa this winter. If your district is attending, or you would like to attend, please contact your Partnership Director/Supervisor for approval for travel. Click here for more information, including registration information.
Workshops -- African American Museum of Iowa
On November 4, 2008 our national history changed forever and President-elect Obama credits Iowa with giving his campaign its jump-start. How can you incorporate this into your classroom? The African American Museum of Iowa has added three new presidential workshops to their repertoire to help you.
· Our 44th President, Barack Obama * Get all the information on Mr. Obama, from what he studied in school, to his family story, to how he changed our nation's history. Students will be able to create a presidential rookie card with all of Obama's important stats.
· African American Firsts in Iowa * Barack Obama was the first African American to win the Iowa caucuses and to win a presidential nomination for a major political party in the U.S., not to mention the first African American to be elected President. Iowa boasts oodles of African American firsts, and students will create a readers' theatre production about them. If your students think they can't make a difference in their lifetimes, after learning about our Iowan innovators they'll learn to say, "Yes we can!"
· Obama Vs. Kennedy * There are many parallels between the events of 2008 and the events of 1968. There was an unpopular war overseas and social division at home, a President with a very low approval rating, a controversial election, and controversy surrounding the Olympics (just to name a few). Find out how history has repeated itself 40 years later, but also how different things are today. This workshop can be done as a math activity with Venn diagrams, or as a creative writing activity, and is best suited for middle- and high-school students.
For more details, pricing information or to schedule your own workshop (in your school or at the Cedar Rapids-based Museum), contact Education Director, Erin Thomas, at 319-551-9037. Any program can be tailored to serve you and your students. Be sure to check out the African American Museum of Iowa website: www.blackiowa.org.
· Our 44th President, Barack Obama * Get all the information on Mr. Obama, from what he studied in school, to his family story, to how he changed our nation's history. Students will be able to create a presidential rookie card with all of Obama's important stats.
· African American Firsts in Iowa * Barack Obama was the first African American to win the Iowa caucuses and to win a presidential nomination for a major political party in the U.S., not to mention the first African American to be elected President. Iowa boasts oodles of African American firsts, and students will create a readers' theatre production about them. If your students think they can't make a difference in their lifetimes, after learning about our Iowan innovators they'll learn to say, "Yes we can!"
· Obama Vs. Kennedy * There are many parallels between the events of 2008 and the events of 1968. There was an unpopular war overseas and social division at home, a President with a very low approval rating, a controversial election, and controversy surrounding the Olympics (just to name a few). Find out how history has repeated itself 40 years later, but also how different things are today. This workshop can be done as a math activity with Venn diagrams, or as a creative writing activity, and is best suited for middle- and high-school students.
For more details, pricing information or to schedule your own workshop (in your school or at the Cedar Rapids-based Museum), contact Education Director, Erin Thomas, at 319-551-9037. Any program can be tailored to serve you and your students. Be sure to check out the African American Museum of Iowa website: www.blackiowa.org.
Friday, October 31, 2008
New Location -- November Curriculum Network Meeting
The November Curriculum Network meeting will be held at a new location on November 7th. The meeting starts at 8:30 a.m. at the Johnston Heartland Office (6500 Corporate Drive) in Rooms 3 & 4 and the ICN Room. Click here for the agenda.
Available at the Professional Library -- NSPRA 2008 Conference Audio CDs
Heartland purchased recordings of some of the sessions from this year's National School Public Relations conference. They are available for checkout from the professional library.
A new look at school finance elections (255927)
Presenter: Gay Campbell.
How to eat an elephant, making your district budget digestible (255919)
Presenter: Jay Remy.
Public education, a brand worth marketing (255921)
Presenters: Rudolph Crew, Cathleen Healy, and Alberto Carvalho.
I'm here to H.E.L.P (255918)
Keynote speech by Riney Jordan.
Making lemonade out of lemons, turning a referendum loss into a successful two-year campaign (255917)
Presenter: Susan Brott.
The top 5 in 5, the key trends that will occupy you and your district in the next 5 years (255923)
Presenter: Brian Woodland.
Using your online resources to tip your bond election (255922)
Presenter: Jim Cummings.
Why should the boss listen to you? The seven disciplines of the trusted strategic advisor (255920)
Presenter: Jim Lukaszewski.
A new look at school finance elections (255927)
Presenter: Gay Campbell.
How to eat an elephant, making your district budget digestible (255919)
Presenter: Jay Remy.
Public education, a brand worth marketing (255921)
Presenters: Rudolph Crew, Cathleen Healy, and Alberto Carvalho.
I'm here to H.E.L.P (255918)
Keynote speech by Riney Jordan.
Making lemonade out of lemons, turning a referendum loss into a successful two-year campaign (255917)
Presenter: Susan Brott.
The top 5 in 5, the key trends that will occupy you and your district in the next 5 years (255923)
Presenter: Brian Woodland.
Using your online resources to tip your bond election (255922)
Presenter: Jim Cummings.
Why should the boss listen to you? The seven disciplines of the trusted strategic advisor (255920)
Presenter: Jim Lukaszewski.
Free Audio Download -- Tribal Leadership: Leveraging Natural Groups to Build a Thriving Organization
A free audio download is available of Tribal Leadership: Leveraging Natural Groups to Build a Thriving Organization by Dave Logan. This download includes an audio foreword featuring Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos.com talking with the author about organizational culture and core values. The book draws upon research from a 10-year study of more than 24,000 people in two dozen organizations. It argues that tribes have the greatest influence in determining the culture of an organization and how much and what quality work gets done. The authors identify the five stages of employee tribal development—Life sucks, My life sucks, I'm great and you're not, We're great and Life is great—and offer advice on how to manage these groups.
Go to http://www.zappos.com/tribal.zhtml. It requires a brief registration process. You can download the entire book or separate files for each chapter.
Go to http://www.zappos.com/tribal.zhtml. It requires a brief registration process. You can download the entire book or separate files for each chapter.
Friday, October 24, 2008
5th Annual High School Summit Approaching--Brochure Attached
The brochure for the 5th Annual High School Summit, to be held on December 8 & 9, is available by clicking here. More detailed information about the keynote speakers and breakout sessions will be available on the SAI Web site by November 5.
New Copyright-Cleared Online Music Resource: Soundzabound
Heartland has purchased a license to the Soundzabound library of MP3 music clips. Using Soundzabound provides "protection" for a district against music copyright violations. It works with Macs or PCs. Teachers and students are encouraged to use it when creating a podcast, PowerPoint, video, movie, web page, digital storytelling, etc. You can also loop the 15 second, 30 second and 60+ second clips together for background music in the classroom or for half-time entertainment, public events, cable broadcasts, video yearbooks, student productions, performances, lunchroom, after school programs, teaching, tests, etc.
This is not your typical sound effects or "Muzac" music. You'll find classical, hard rock, soft rock, indie, percussion, swing, reggae, punk, country, blues, soul, sports, techno, psychedelic, new age, hip-hop, urban, game show, animation music, sound effects, decades of music tracks and lots more. More multicultural music will be added this year.
Log-in with the username/password used for the other online databases at http://www.soundzabound.com or by using the Com Cat catalog at http://comcat-agent.auto-graphics.com. An e-mail was sent to teacher librarians with ideas on how Soundzabound can be used in the classroom and the legal and ethical uses of copyrighted music.
This is not your typical sound effects or "Muzac" music. You'll find classical, hard rock, soft rock, indie, percussion, swing, reggae, punk, country, blues, soul, sports, techno, psychedelic, new age, hip-hop, urban, game show, animation music, sound effects, decades of music tracks and lots more. More multicultural music will be added this year.
Log-in with the username/password used for the other online databases at http://www.soundzabound.com or by using the Com Cat catalog at http://comcat-agent.auto-graphics.com. An e-mail was sent to teacher librarians with ideas on how Soundzabound can be used in the classroom and the legal and ethical uses of copyrighted music.
School Counselor Competencies
This past spring, the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) developed a document outlining School Counselor Competencies. This document may be helpful as districts implement and review their K-12 school counseling programs as they hire/evaluate school counselors. The School Counselor Competencies can be found on the Heartland Web site at http://www.aea11.k12.ia.us/prodev/counseling or by clicking here.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Reminder: Free Block Scheduling Seminar in Ames
Reminder: A free seminar about block scheduling will be held at the Ames AEA office on October 28. Please note that the seminar will go until 4:00 p.m., not 3:00 p.m. as previously noted.
Who: Schools are welcome to bring teachers, counselors and administrators to this free seminar
When: Tuesday, October 28, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where: AEA Office, 511 South 16th Street, Ames, Iowa 50010
Click here for more information and for the seminar agenda.
Who: Schools are welcome to bring teachers, counselors and administrators to this free seminar
When: Tuesday, October 28, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where: AEA Office, 511 South 16th Street, Ames, Iowa 50010
Click here for more information and for the seminar agenda.
New Iowa Core Curriculum Web Page
Heartland has recently launched a new Web page in support of the Iowa Core Curriculum. From this page, users can currently access links to the following:
• A list of Heartland’s Iowa Core Curriculum Network Team members including contact information
• A downloadable version of the Iowa Core Curriculum flier
• The Department of Education’s Web site, which contains links to important Iowa Core Curriculum, documents and resources such as the Essential Content and Skills document, FAQs, etc.
• A podcast of the September 9, 2008 Iowa Core Curriculum overview presentation to Heartland AEA's Administrative Association
• An electronic version of the homework assignment from training module one
To access Heartland’s Iowa Core Curriculum Web page, go to: www.aea11.k12.ia.us. Scroll to the far right column and under “Featured Content” click on the provided link.
Please keep in mind, this is a work in progress. The page will continue to develop as we roll out additional training modules and resources. Please check back often for updates.
• A list of Heartland’s Iowa Core Curriculum Network Team members including contact information
• A downloadable version of the Iowa Core Curriculum flier
• The Department of Education’s Web site, which contains links to important Iowa Core Curriculum, documents and resources such as the Essential Content and Skills document, FAQs, etc.
• A podcast of the September 9, 2008 Iowa Core Curriculum overview presentation to Heartland AEA's Administrative Association
• An electronic version of the homework assignment from training module one
To access Heartland’s Iowa Core Curriculum Web page, go to: www.aea11.k12.ia.us. Scroll to the far right column and under “Featured Content” click on the provided link.
Please keep in mind, this is a work in progress. The page will continue to develop as we roll out additional training modules and resources. Please check back often for updates.
Update on 2008-09 Heartland Directory
The 2008-09 Heartland directory will be sent to your school in the next two weeks. Each school and administration office will receive two copies. Additional copies may be requested and will be distributed as supplies last. Superintendents will also receive a copy of the directory at their next AEA Administrators meeting in November.
This year the Heartland directory has only an alphabetical listing of our employees with their current phone numbers because the phone extensions for employees in five of our offices will be changing in the coming weeks and months. To produce a full product would have been futile since over half of the numbers would have been incorrect within weeks.
By January 2009, Heartland will have converted the agency’s phone system to one VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) system which will allow all employees in Heartland offices to be on the same phone network and will give each employee a five-digit extension. Having one system will make our phones more efficient.
We will be sending an updated (staff only) insert in January with the updated phone extensions and work group placement for all employees. In the meantime, as we change over, please consult the online staff directory at http://staffdirectory.aea11.k12.ia.us/ to find the most up-to-date phone numbers.
For financial and environmental reasons, this will be the last year that Heartland sends out a directory in print form.
This year the Heartland directory has only an alphabetical listing of our employees with their current phone numbers because the phone extensions for employees in five of our offices will be changing in the coming weeks and months. To produce a full product would have been futile since over half of the numbers would have been incorrect within weeks.
By January 2009, Heartland will have converted the agency’s phone system to one VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) system which will allow all employees in Heartland offices to be on the same phone network and will give each employee a five-digit extension. Having one system will make our phones more efficient.
We will be sending an updated (staff only) insert in January with the updated phone extensions and work group placement for all employees. In the meantime, as we change over, please consult the online staff directory at http://staffdirectory.aea11.k12.ia.us/ to find the most up-to-date phone numbers.
For financial and environmental reasons, this will be the last year that Heartland sends out a directory in print form.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Information from DHS on Project Recovery Iowa
Project Recovery Iowa
September 16, 2008
Attention: School District Administrators
Re: Information about Project Recovery Iowa
Project Recovery Iowa is working to provide emergency crisis counseling to Iowans who have been impacted by the spring and summer disasters. It is a collaborative program administered by the Iowa Department of Human Services, designed to empower those affected by disaster through educating them about disaster reactions, teaching them coping skills, assessing their individual needs and linking them to appropriate community resources.
Anyone can access support through the Iowa Concern Hotline at 1-800-447-1985. The Hotline can provide a listening ear and/or a referral to mental health services in their area. They can also assist people who have questions about legal or financial issues. Twenty-nine counties will have outreach workers who can visit with individuals face-to-face. Iowa Concern Hotline can be the point of access to connect you to this support.
Because many of our children have been affected by the disasters, either as a victim or through exposure to media, we want to make sure that the adults caring for them (parents, teachers, and caregivers) have the supports they need so they are able to appropriately care for the children. Adults experiencing stress may benefit from someone to talk to or someone to answer their questions about their children’s feelings and behaviors.
We would appreciate your support in getting our message out. We are asking that you provide the attached handout (Click here for handout) to all of the schools in your district with directions to copy and send these notes home. If schools in your districts have already sent home information on Project Recovery Iowa, it is not necessary to send these flyers out. We appreciate the opportunity to work together with schools to support your families and staff.
If you have questions about this flyer, you can contact me at email address or phone number below. If you have questions about what services and/supports are available in your area, please call the Iowa Concern Hotline to be directed to the correct agency.
Thank you for your help,
Kerry Moore Kroneman
Children's Program Manager Project Recovery
Iowa Division of Mental Health and Disability Services
Iowa Department of Human Services
kmoorekron@aol.com
515-720-3801
September 16, 2008
Attention: School District Administrators
Re: Information about Project Recovery Iowa
Project Recovery Iowa is working to provide emergency crisis counseling to Iowans who have been impacted by the spring and summer disasters. It is a collaborative program administered by the Iowa Department of Human Services, designed to empower those affected by disaster through educating them about disaster reactions, teaching them coping skills, assessing their individual needs and linking them to appropriate community resources.
Anyone can access support through the Iowa Concern Hotline at 1-800-447-1985. The Hotline can provide a listening ear and/or a referral to mental health services in their area. They can also assist people who have questions about legal or financial issues. Twenty-nine counties will have outreach workers who can visit with individuals face-to-face. Iowa Concern Hotline can be the point of access to connect you to this support.
Because many of our children have been affected by the disasters, either as a victim or through exposure to media, we want to make sure that the adults caring for them (parents, teachers, and caregivers) have the supports they need so they are able to appropriately care for the children. Adults experiencing stress may benefit from someone to talk to or someone to answer their questions about their children’s feelings and behaviors.
We would appreciate your support in getting our message out. We are asking that you provide the attached handout (Click here for handout) to all of the schools in your district with directions to copy and send these notes home. If schools in your districts have already sent home information on Project Recovery Iowa, it is not necessary to send these flyers out. We appreciate the opportunity to work together with schools to support your families and staff.
If you have questions about this flyer, you can contact me at email address or phone number below. If you have questions about what services and/supports are available in your area, please call the Iowa Concern Hotline to be directed to the correct agency.
Thank you for your help,
Kerry Moore Kroneman
Children's Program Manager Project Recovery
Iowa Division of Mental Health and Disability Services
Iowa Department of Human Services
kmoorekron@aol.com
515-720-3801
Middle School Math Teachers Collaborative Learning Opportunity
There will be an exciting opportunity for central Iowa middle school math teachers held on the Iowa State University campus beginning October 21, 2008. Multiple meetings will engage teachers in working together to learn, discover and communicate mathematical ideas while becoming acquainted with an effective problem solving approach.
The Central Iowa Middle School Math Teachers Circle is being sponsored by the American Institute of Mathematics, Mathematical Sciences Research Institute and the National Science Foundation in conjunction with Iowa State University. Details and information about possible stipends can be found at http://www.aea11.k12.ia.us/math.
The Central Iowa Middle School Math Teachers Circle is being sponsored by the American Institute of Mathematics, Mathematical Sciences Research Institute and the National Science Foundation in conjunction with Iowa State University. Details and information about possible stipends can be found at http://www.aea11.k12.ia.us/math.
Free Seminar at Ames AEA Office on Block Scheduling
Have you ever wondered how other school districts do block scheduling? Are you preparing for implementing a block schedule and have questions about how? Then this free seminar is for you!
Who: Schools are welcome to bring teachers, counselors and administrators to this free seminar
When: Tuesday, October 28th, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: AEA Office 511 South 16th Street Ames, Iowa 50010
Click here for more information and for the seminar agenda.
Who: Schools are welcome to bring teachers, counselors and administrators to this free seminar
When: Tuesday, October 28th, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: AEA Office 511 South 16th Street Ames, Iowa 50010
Click here for more information and for the seminar agenda.
Level 1 Spanish Learning Opportunity
Level 1 Spanish
Target Audience: Teachers, administrators, school personnel, support staff, etc.
(Previously titled "Beginning Spanish") If you can't remember Spanish from high school or college, or if you have never taken Spanish, now is the time! This course will introduce you to the basics of Spanish pronunciation and basic conversation to help you communicate better with students, parents and community members who speak Spanish. Participants will receive the textbook "Curso Primero: Workbook for a First Course in Spanish, 2nd Edition" along with the corresponding answer book.
Activity Number: FL000992110901 Click here for the Professional Development catalog
Dates: October 22 & 29, November 5, 12 & 19, 2008 (100% attendance is required for credit.)
Times: 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Location: Johnston AEA Office, 6500 Corporate Dr., Johnston
Instructor: Marcia McPherren
Online Professional Development: Where You Are!
While we typically think of on-line offerings as those “Mandatory Reporter things,” there is a whole world out there of on-line offerings for professional development. Heartland is thrilled to offer several on-line professional development opportunities for educators. Along with the PD360 program, we have catalog courses available in Internet Safety, Discovery Education Streaming, Spanish for Educators, Meso-America, Understanding China and a host of other opportunities. Visit our Professional Development Catalog at https://prodev.aea11.k12.ia.us/4DCGI/YYYYYYYYYYYYYYSRCH to view the many offerings at Heartland.
Security Tips for Schools Hosting Polling Sites for Upcoming Election
SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell announced today that the California Department of Education has partnered with the Murrieta Valley Unified School District in Riverside County and the Office of Homeland Security to develop security tips for school sites that will be used as polling places in the November election.
"When school sites serve as polling places, it is a wonderful opportunity for students to see our democracy in action," said O'Connell. "However, this may cause concern for students over increased traffic and strangers on campus. School administrators can implement these tips to help maintain order on campus and help students feel secure, which is vital to their academic success."
Security Tips for Schools Used as Polling Sites
- Prior to the election, brief school staff on security challenges that may arise from an increase in visitors from the community.
- Familiarize law enforcement, medical responders, and fire and rescue personnel with your campus to identify potential evacuation points, and alert them that your school will be used as a polling place.
- Restrict public access to only the area of the school where the polling place is located. Post adequate signage to direct voters to the polling place. Ideally the location would have its own entrances and exits.
- Ensure that polling place workers have proper identification and that school staff and students are easily identifiable. For example, staff and students may wear school shirts on Election Day.
- Ensure that school staff and polling place staff are aware of polling place entrances and exits.
- Ensure that communication equipment allows transmission between school administrators and polling place workers. (Note: most poll workers/inspectors have cell phones.)
- Review school protocols for lockdown and evacuation with your staff and polling place workers.
- Restrooms available to voters and polling place staff should be closed to all students. Notify staff and students of the closure, and post signs on closed restrooms directing them to other facilities.
- Review unusual occurrence protocols such as bomb threats, chemical releases, and intruder on campus.
- Have staff conduct inspections of school grounds for suspicious items or activity prior to the beginning of school and throughout the day. Suspicious activities may include:
- People at the poll location (or in the area) who do not appear to be conducting legitimate business (i.e., loitering).
- People monitoring areas, buildings, or entrances.
- Unauthorized people in areas not open to the public.
- People requesting information with no apparent need for information.
- People wearing clothing not consistent with the weather conditions (bulky, heavy coat if the weather is warm and pleasant).
- Individual attempting to access utility locations (water, electrical, telecommunications, and information systems).
- Provide additional security staff, or use parent volunteers, to conduct regular patrols/checks of building perimeter and grounds.
- Keep hallways clear of lunches, backpacks, clothing, and other items.
- Be aware of unusual vehicles parked for prolonged periods near the school. Be particularly aware of chemical odors coming from a vehicle. Consider having dashboard "permits" for poll workers' vehicles.
- Be aware of vehicles left at the polling location containing unusual/suspicious parcels or material.
- Be aware of substances leaking or spilling from vehicles.
- Wherever possible, employ barriers to prevent parking within 100 feet of the polling station.
The preceding tips were based upon the experiences, insights, and collaborations of members from the three agencies, and from publicly available resources such as the National School Safety and Security Services at Election Day School Safety and School Security. These tips are intended to serve as a guide and are not a substitute for sound judgment regarding the specific threats and challenges at any particular school site.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Required Action: Save the Date for Principals Early Childhood Network Meeting
Please save the date for the Principals Early Childhood Network meeting to be held on October 24 from 9:00-11:30 a.m. at the Johnston Lions Club, 6401 Merle Hay Road in Johnston. The meeting will focus on the activities involved in meeting the Iowa Quality Preschool Program Standards.
2008-2009 Alternate Assessment
The alternate assessment has changed very little from last year, and the process will be the same. To help teachers who are unfamiliar with the rating scale procedure, the Department of Education has put together a PowerPoint presentation on the steps in the process.
This PowerPoint can be found on the DE Web site at http://www.iowa.gov/educate/content/view/461/926/1/5/, and Pam Childers will also be conducting a two-hour workshop entitled “Alternate Assessment 2008: Steps in the Process” in multiple regions this year for teachers who would like a face-to-face tutorial. Those classes can be found in the Professional Development catalog at https://prodev.aea11.k12.ia.us/4DCGI/YYYYYYYYYYYYYYSRCH, and they are listed here for your convenience.
October 13, 2008, Adel, Adel AEA Office
October 13, 2008, Guthrie Center, Guthrie Center Public Library
October 29, 2008, Des Moines, Zion Lutheran Church
October 31, 2008, Indianola, Indianola AEA Office
November 6, 2008, Ames, Ames AEA Office
November 21, 2008, Des Moines, Zion Lutheran Church
November 21, 2008, Newton, Newton AEA Office
Each district will be receiving a set of five DVDs released by the Department of Education regarding the alternate assessment. The DVDs will go to the special education contact for each district. It is important that these be shared with special education teachers in order to provide teachers with the information they need to be able to complete the assessment process this year. A limited number of extra copies are available. If you have any questions, contact Pam Childers at (515) 270-9030 or (800) 362-2720 ext. 14457 or at pchilders@aea11.k12.ia.us.
This PowerPoint can be found on the DE Web site at http://www.iowa.gov/educate/content/view/461/926/1/5/, and Pam Childers will also be conducting a two-hour workshop entitled “Alternate Assessment 2008: Steps in the Process” in multiple regions this year for teachers who would like a face-to-face tutorial. Those classes can be found in the Professional Development catalog at https://prodev.aea11.k12.ia.us/4DCGI/YYYYYYYYYYYYYYSRCH, and they are listed here for your convenience.
October 13, 2008, Adel, Adel AEA Office
October 13, 2008, Guthrie Center, Guthrie Center Public Library
October 29, 2008, Des Moines, Zion Lutheran Church
October 31, 2008, Indianola, Indianola AEA Office
November 6, 2008, Ames, Ames AEA Office
November 21, 2008, Des Moines, Zion Lutheran Church
November 21, 2008, Newton, Newton AEA Office
Each district will be receiving a set of five DVDs released by the Department of Education regarding the alternate assessment. The DVDs will go to the special education contact for each district. It is important that these be shared with special education teachers in order to provide teachers with the information they need to be able to complete the assessment process this year. A limited number of extra copies are available. If you have any questions, contact Pam Childers at (515) 270-9030 or (800) 362-2720 ext. 14457 or at pchilders@aea11.k12.ia.us.
Microsoft Settlement Update
The deadline for submitting the Microsoft Settlement letter of intent has been extended to October 7, 2008. The letter of intent will help the Department of Education, the AEAs and the Claims Administrators plan. The letter of intent is voluntary. Directions for submitting the letter of intent are available at http://www.edinfo.state.ia.us.
Log in with the same ID and password the district uses to file DE reports. When logged in, click the “MS settlement” button. Fill out the requested information for each building in the LEA that will be participating in this program. Click the submit button for each building(s) letter of intent. You are finished once all the building(s) letters of intent are submitted. Currently, the application dates for the Microsoft vouchers are November 20, 2008 to December 20, 2008. Districts will be notified of the procedures later. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact John O’Connell at john.oconnell@iowa.gov.
Log in with the same ID and password the district uses to file DE reports. When logged in, click the “MS settlement” button. Fill out the requested information for each building in the LEA that will be participating in this program. Click the submit button for each building(s) letter of intent. You are finished once all the building(s) letters of intent are submitted. Currently, the application dates for the Microsoft vouchers are November 20, 2008 to December 20, 2008. Districts will be notified of the procedures later. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact John O’Connell at john.oconnell@iowa.gov.
Did You Know? Heartland’s Web site is ADA Compliant
Heartland’s Web presence is provided to support all learners. To reach this goal, the agency makes every effort to ensure that our site is ADA compliant. Most sections of Heartland's Web site comply with ADA standards, and we are constantly working to transition our non-compliant areas. Heartland strives to provide services through multiple channels to diverse populations and having an ADA compliant Web site is just one way that Heartland continues to extend your reach.
Friday, September 26, 2008
New Requirements for School Libraries
This information will be of special interest to those districts going through the accreditation process this year. There is a new requirement for school library programs on the On-Site Document Review Checklist for Public School Districts. (These requirements do not apply to accredited non-public schools).
POLICIES
Chapter 12 General Accreditation Policies to address selection and reconsideration of school library materials; confidentiality of student library records; and legal and ethical use of information resources, including plagiarism and intellectual property rights 281—IAC 12.3(12)(c)
Guidance
IASB Sample Policies: 506.1 (last updated, 10/10/02), 605.1, 605.3, 605.7 (all last updated, 8/31/07)
Discussion
Most districts have these four policies in place, as they have been part of the American Association for School Librarians guidelines for years. The concern may be on the age of the policies and their relevance in this Internet age. Carol Greta and Mary Gannon will explain these policy requirements at an ICN session Monday, November 17 from 3:30-5:00 p.m. Registration is at http://www.iptv.org/iowa_database/event-detail.cfm?ID=9091. A statewide group is working with IASB to update sample policies. Sample policies will be at http://www.iasl-ia.org/resources.php.
LIBRARY PROGRAM
Library program 281—IAC 12.3(12): a. The district employs a qualified teacher librarian. Evidence: Provide the name and folder number for the person(s) employed as teacher librarian or a copy of his/her license. This includes information for individuals whose services are contracted through another district or AEA. b. Program is regularly reviewed and revised and designed to provide:
• methods to improve library collections to meet student and staff needs
• connections with parents and the community
• support for the district’s school improvement plan
• access to or support for professional development for the teacher librarian
• current technology and electronic resources
• current and diverse collection of fiction and nonfiction materials in a variety of formats
• a plan for annually updating and replacing library materials, supports, and equipment
Guidance
A reference document entitled “Iowa School Library Program Guidelines: Libraries, Literacy, and Learning for the 21st Century” is available for download from the Iowa Department of Education Web site at http://www.iowa.gov/educate/content/view/959/1594/.
Discussion
School Library Program Guidelines can be used to audit the status of a district's program. Find these guidelines at http://www.iowa.gov/educate/content/view/959/493/. These guidelines help determine whether the school library program is at Level 1 (meeting the requirement), Level 2 (making progress) or Level 3 (best practice). Many teacher librarians use this as a planning tool with the principal and curriculum coordinator as it solicits evidence that guidelines are/are not being met, actions and goals. It can also be used as an organizational tool when preparing for a school improvement site visit.
POLICIES
Chapter 12 General Accreditation Policies to address selection and reconsideration of school library materials; confidentiality of student library records; and legal and ethical use of information resources, including plagiarism and intellectual property rights 281—IAC 12.3(12)(c)
Guidance
IASB Sample Policies: 506.1 (last updated, 10/10/02), 605.1, 605.3, 605.7 (all last updated, 8/31/07)
Discussion
Most districts have these four policies in place, as they have been part of the American Association for School Librarians guidelines for years. The concern may be on the age of the policies and their relevance in this Internet age. Carol Greta and Mary Gannon will explain these policy requirements at an ICN session Monday, November 17 from 3:30-5:00 p.m. Registration is at http://www.iptv.org/iowa_database/event-detail.cfm?ID=9091. A statewide group is working with IASB to update sample policies. Sample policies will be at http://www.iasl-ia.org/resources.php.
LIBRARY PROGRAM
Library program 281—IAC 12.3(12): a. The district employs a qualified teacher librarian. Evidence: Provide the name and folder number for the person(s) employed as teacher librarian or a copy of his/her license. This includes information for individuals whose services are contracted through another district or AEA. b. Program is regularly reviewed and revised and designed to provide:
• methods to improve library collections to meet student and staff needs
• connections with parents and the community
• support for the district’s school improvement plan
• access to or support for professional development for the teacher librarian
• current technology and electronic resources
• current and diverse collection of fiction and nonfiction materials in a variety of formats
• a plan for annually updating and replacing library materials, supports, and equipment
Guidance
A reference document entitled “Iowa School Library Program Guidelines: Libraries, Literacy, and Learning for the 21st Century” is available for download from the Iowa Department of Education Web site at http://www.iowa.gov/educate/content/view/959/1594/.
Discussion
School Library Program Guidelines can be used to audit the status of a district's program. Find these guidelines at http://www.iowa.gov/educate/content/view/959/493/. These guidelines help determine whether the school library program is at Level 1 (meeting the requirement), Level 2 (making progress) or Level 3 (best practice). Many teacher librarians use this as a planning tool with the principal and curriculum coordinator as it solicits evidence that guidelines are/are not being met, actions and goals. It can also be used as an organizational tool when preparing for a school improvement site visit.
New Heartland Instructional Resources Web page
We have recently added a Web page for new and veteran teachers that contains a 10-minute overview video of Heartland resources plus links to resources for teachers. The URL for the site is http://www.aea11.k12.ia.us/mentoring/newteacher/index.html. This page provides teachers with resource support so they have meaningful, direct connections to their curriculum.
The page includes links and full-text PDFs to instructional materials and Heartland's online catalogs, online databases and resources, support materials and instructions for ordering materials, subscribing to an online newsletter for teachers and a link to the World of Media, which is a monthly newsletter with instructional materials, resources and technology to support teaching and learning.
Please take some time to check out this valuable resource and share it with your teachers, especially your mentoring program facilitators. This is an important resource for facilitators to add to your school's mentoring program. If you have any questions, please contact Michelle Richardson, Instructional Materials Consultant, at (515) 270-0405, ext. 14522 or 800-362-2720 or at mrichardson@aea11.k12.ia.us.
The page includes links and full-text PDFs to instructional materials and Heartland's online catalogs, online databases and resources, support materials and instructions for ordering materials, subscribing to an online newsletter for teachers and a link to the World of Media, which is a monthly newsletter with instructional materials, resources and technology to support teaching and learning.
Please take some time to check out this valuable resource and share it with your teachers, especially your mentoring program facilitators. This is an important resource for facilitators to add to your school's mentoring program. If you have any questions, please contact Michelle Richardson, Instructional Materials Consultant, at (515) 270-0405, ext. 14522 or 800-362-2720 or at mrichardson@aea11.k12.ia.us.
Early Childhood Professional Development Opportunities
Heartland is offering a variety of professional development events and support for programs and schools that want to learn about the Quality Preschool Program Standards and related early childhood topics. The document linked to below provides a summary of the opportunities available. Heartland partnership directors and early childhood staff members can provide additional information if you have questions. Click here for the list of events.
ELL Webcast Opportunity
Title III is happy to present an opportunity for you and your staff to attend a Webcast, free of charge.
Falling Through the Cracks: Meeting the Needs of Adolescent English Language Learners
October 28, 2008
2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Conference Rooms 3 & 4
6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston
Maximum Participants: 30
To register for the Webcast, go to the Heartland Professional Development Web site at https://prodev.aea11.k12.ia.us/4DCGI/ES005392110901.
When it comes to dropping out of school, English language learners (ELLs) are a particularly vulnerable population. Deborah J. Short and Kate Menken, two leading experts in the field of English language teaching, highlight the key policy, academic and practical issues related to the high dropout rate for adolescent ELLs and recommend effective approaches and policies for addressing the problem. New York Times editor Joseph Berger will moderate this live interactive Webcast.
Target Audience:
• K-12 school language and content teachers
• K-12 district and site-based coordinators and administrators working with ELLs
• State education policy makers and other stakeholders
• Counselors working with At-Risk youth
Please consider sending a representative from your school to enjoy and learn from this informative free Webcast.
Falling Through the Cracks: Meeting the Needs of Adolescent English Language Learners
October 28, 2008
2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Conference Rooms 3 & 4
6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston
Maximum Participants: 30
To register for the Webcast, go to the Heartland Professional Development Web site at https://prodev.aea11.k12.ia.us/4DCGI/ES005392110901.
When it comes to dropping out of school, English language learners (ELLs) are a particularly vulnerable population. Deborah J. Short and Kate Menken, two leading experts in the field of English language teaching, highlight the key policy, academic and practical issues related to the high dropout rate for adolescent ELLs and recommend effective approaches and policies for addressing the problem. New York Times editor Joseph Berger will moderate this live interactive Webcast.
Target Audience:
• K-12 school language and content teachers
• K-12 district and site-based coordinators and administrators working with ELLs
• State education policy makers and other stakeholders
• Counselors working with At-Risk youth
Please consider sending a representative from your school to enjoy and learn from this informative free Webcast.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Guidance Available on House File 2679 -- Educator Quality
House File 2679 made some changes to the existing Student Achievement and Teacher Quality program. The Iowa Department of Education now has guidance available regarding these changes and how they may affect schools. Click here for a memo from the DE providing guidance and answering questions local school districts may have.
Registration Available for Iowa Core Curriculum Leadership Training Series
Partnership Directors have distributed to their public and nonpublic schools the registration information for the Iowa Core Curriculum Leadership Training Series. Registration is available via Heartland’s online registration system https://prodev.aea11.k12.ia.us/4DCGI/YYYYYYYYYYYYYYSRCH. Contact the Partnership Director in your region if you have questions or are in need of further information. Sessions begin in October and conclude in April 2009.
Details of the 2009 United Nations National High School Essay Contest
High School Principals:
Below are details for the 2009 United Nations National High School Essay Contest. You will find the general Web site link, the submission link, the rules and the judging criteria for the contest. Please pass this information on to your teachers and students.
Please find the 2009 judging criteria here.
Please find the 2009 official contest rules here.
Here is the general link to the U.N.’s 2009 National Essay Contest:
http://unausanationalhighschoolessaycontest.com/
Here is the link to submit all entries:
http://unausanationalhighschoolessaycontest.com/submit.php
Jessica Hall Graduate Student Intern
Iowa United Nations Association
Iowa City, IA 52245
(319) 337-7290
Friday, September 12, 2008
Using the SIOP Model to Implement Effective Instruction
Target Audience: Teachers of English Language Learners/K-12
Activity Number: ES005269570901
Dates: October 3 & 4, 2008 (100% attendance is required for credit.)
Times: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: WDM Administration (LRC)
Address: 3550 George Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines
Participants will be given a two-day overview of the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) Model, a research-validated lesson planning and delivery system that promotes the development of English language learners' (ELLs) content and academic language knowledge simultaneously. The facilitators will lead the participants through a series of small and whole group activities, demonstrations and interactive discussions in order to present information and give the participants an opportunity to apply and practice new knowledge. Read more...
Activity Number: ES005269570901
Dates: October 3 & 4, 2008 (100% attendance is required for credit.)
Times: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: WDM Administration (LRC)
Address: 3550 George Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines
Participants will be given a two-day overview of the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) Model, a research-validated lesson planning and delivery system that promotes the development of English language learners' (ELLs) content and academic language knowledge simultaneously. The facilitators will lead the participants through a series of small and whole group activities, demonstrations and interactive discussions in order to present information and give the participants an opportunity to apply and practice new knowledge. Read more...
U of I Seeking Teacher Librarian Grant Program Candidates
Dear Administrator:
The University of Iowa School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) is now recruiting the second cohort of 20 students into its Teacher Librarian Grant Program. Students will earn a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science and receive training in the skills necessary to effectively operate today’s school library programs. This cohort will begin classes in the summer of 2009.
A federal grant will provide a $15,000 stipend over the two-year period of enrollment to pay tuition and fees. Most course work will be delivered through distance education systems. Students will be required to attend an on-campus class component in the summer and one each semester they are in the program. Students will be responsible for costs in excess of the stipend provided for tuition, books, travel, supplies and other expenses.
Please encourage teachers whom you think would be good candidates and good teacher librarians to apply for this program. Those interested in applying should visit the IMLS Teacher Librarian link on the School of Library and Information Science Web site at http://slis.uiowa.edu. Applications are due February 1, 2009. Contact information for Jim Elmborg, the Director of the SLIS program, is available on the Web site.
Mary Jo Langhorne
Adjunct Instructor/Teacher
Librarian Grant Assistant
School of Library and Information Science
The University of Iowa
The University of Iowa School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) is now recruiting the second cohort of 20 students into its Teacher Librarian Grant Program. Students will earn a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science and receive training in the skills necessary to effectively operate today’s school library programs. This cohort will begin classes in the summer of 2009.
A federal grant will provide a $15,000 stipend over the two-year period of enrollment to pay tuition and fees. Most course work will be delivered through distance education systems. Students will be required to attend an on-campus class component in the summer and one each semester they are in the program. Students will be responsible for costs in excess of the stipend provided for tuition, books, travel, supplies and other expenses.
Please encourage teachers whom you think would be good candidates and good teacher librarians to apply for this program. Those interested in applying should visit the IMLS Teacher Librarian link on the School of Library and Information Science Web site at http://slis.uiowa.edu. Applications are due February 1, 2009. Contact information for Jim Elmborg, the Director of the SLIS program, is available on the Web site.
Mary Jo Langhorne
Adjunct Instructor/Teacher
Librarian Grant Assistant
School of Library and Information Science
The University of Iowa
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