This message was sent via e-mail to all staff last week and it is being repeated here with additional information added toward the end.
Hopefully by now you have explored the professional development opportunities available on the new AEA PD Online site. If not, please take some time to visit the site, browse the courses and learn more about the system, designed to bring educators convenient and engaging online courses.
A portion of the content available through AEA PD Online is individual training modules on a variety of topics. These training modules are completed independently by the participant, and there is usually some type of certificate indicating completion of the module.
Due to the cost of upkeep and development of the new AEA PD Online system, AEAs are no longer able to provide these training modules at no cost. As of July 1, 2011, a $25 fee has begun being charged to complete the Mandatory Reporter training. Mandatory Reporter training is the only training module with a fee for participants at this time.
At this point, Heartland employees are not able to claim this charge for reimbursement. Also, be aware that this training is not available free of charge for school personnel; all educators must now pay $25 to complete the training once every five years.
As of last year, the online trainings were moved into the statewide AEA system, meaning Heartland AEA is no longer solely overseeing the trainings. One byproduct of this is that decisions regarding the funding of the system to support the trainings are now made collectively by all the AEAs. The fee for the Mandatory Reporter training was a decision made by the AEA Chief Administrators on April 28 of this year. Rather than being subsidized by statewide funding, online professional development must now be self-supported.
If you have additional questions or comments, please feel free to contact Evan Abbey, Project Manager for Online Learning, at eabbey@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14511.
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