Setting Our Direction Blog Created for Communication About the Agency’s Future

A “Setting Direction” blog has been created as a communications tool to provide up-to-date information as well as an opportunity for two-way Q & A around the topic of setting the future direction of our agency. Please visit http://direction.aea11.k12.ia.us/ to see current posts about Paula Vincent’s upcoming office visits, an archive of Paula’s video from this fall’s regional meetings, the outcome of the core values survey and the updated agency beliefs, mission and values.

December 2010 Board of Directors Meeting Agenda

Click here to download the agenda for the December 14, 2010 Heartland Board of Directors meeting.

Reminder: Check the Construction Blog for Johnston REC Project Updates

Johnston REC remodeling project updates can be found at http://construction.aea11.k12.ia.us/. Check out the new photos!

Upcoming December Payroll Timelines

Due to the upcoming agency holiday schedule, staff members paid from a timesheet must have their December 1-15 timesheets completed, approved by their supervisor and submitted to the Payroll Department by the end of the day on December 21 in order to ensure they receive pay at the end of the month.

Agency offices will be closed on December 31 for the New Year’s holiday. As a result, payday will be December 30 rather than the 31st. Please contact Steve Jordan, Payroll Specialist, at ext. 14908 or Michelle Smith, Payroll Specialist, at ext. 14422 if you have any questions.

Update on Special Education Teacher Professional Learning Opportunities

A few weeks ago a list of professional learning opportunities for school special education teachers was listed in The Connection. These sessions will be paid for by ARRA funding and are targeted specifically at instructional practices known to be effective with students with disabilities. Click here for a list of the sessions, now complete with registration numbers. Substitute costs will be reimbursed to districts to allow teachers to attend. If you work with special education teachers, please share this information. These classes are not open to AEA staff at this time.

Keeping Up-to-Date on Copyright Laws

Violation of copyright law is an ongoing and serious issue with Internet usage – especially with music and images. Click here to download Copyright Condensed, which will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about copyright! This document will provide proper guidance around copyright issues. Copyright Condensed is always available on the Heartland website under the Educators tab>Library & Online Catalog. If you ever have any questions about copyright issues, contact Susan Schrader, Resource & Publications Supervisor, at sschrader@aea11.k12.ia.us.