Monday, May 9, 2011
May 2011 Board of Directors Meeting Agenda
Click here to download the agenda for the May 10, 2011 Heartland Board of Directors meeting.
Setting the Agency’s Direction Update
Updates about the Agency’s future can be found on the Setting Direction blog at http://direction.aea11.k12.ia.us.
AEA Legislative Update
Click here to download the weekly legislative report from AEA Government Relations Specialist Wayne Haddy.
2011-2012 Employee Work Calendars Available
The 2011-2012 calendar has been added to the Employee Dashboard for all staff who need to complete a working days calendar. The link to this function is found in the Calendar Online Forms folder under the LeaveOnline tab.
The calendar presented will be the default calendar based on the individual staff member’s pay assignment. This will look very similar to the online Calendar View function. However, functionality is built into the interface to allow the personalization of the calendar to reflect the staff member’s schedule. This is done by simply clicking on the day in question. Each time a day is clicked it will change to one of the following:
Blue X – represents a non working day
Green / – represents a half working day
White Space – represents a full working day
Unpaid holidays are represented by a yellow H, and paid holidays are represented by a yellow H followed by an asterisk (*). Sundays and holidays cannot be changed.
At the top of the screen two numbers will be presented. The number on the left is the number of working days based on the days selected as such. In other words, the total of the white spaces (full days) and green slashes (half days). The second number is the number of days expected to work based on the pay assignment. These two numbers must match when the calendar is submitted.
A help doc named “Calendar Online Entry Documentation” is available on the Help tab. This doc describes in detail all functions of the interface.
When the calendar is submitted, it will be routed to the staff member’s supervisor just like a leave request. And, just like a leave request, the supervisor will review and can approve or reject your calendar. Applicable e-mails are sent to the staff member and his or her need-to-know person.
Once approved, the 2011-2012 calendar can be viewed by the staff member, the supervisor and the need-to-know person. Also, all subsequent changes to the 2011-2012 calendar must be submitted via the Calendar Exchange Online request system after July 1, 2011.
Working days calendars are due before you leave for the summer or June 10, whichever comes first.
If you have any questions, please contact Chrissy Bradley in Human Resources at cbradley@aea11.k12.ia.us.
The calendar presented will be the default calendar based on the individual staff member’s pay assignment. This will look very similar to the online Calendar View function. However, functionality is built into the interface to allow the personalization of the calendar to reflect the staff member’s schedule. This is done by simply clicking on the day in question. Each time a day is clicked it will change to one of the following:
Blue X – represents a non working day
Green / – represents a half working day
White Space – represents a full working day
Unpaid holidays are represented by a yellow H, and paid holidays are represented by a yellow H followed by an asterisk (*). Sundays and holidays cannot be changed.
At the top of the screen two numbers will be presented. The number on the left is the number of working days based on the days selected as such. In other words, the total of the white spaces (full days) and green slashes (half days). The second number is the number of days expected to work based on the pay assignment. These two numbers must match when the calendar is submitted.
A help doc named “Calendar Online Entry Documentation” is available on the Help tab. This doc describes in detail all functions of the interface.
When the calendar is submitted, it will be routed to the staff member’s supervisor just like a leave request. And, just like a leave request, the supervisor will review and can approve or reject your calendar. Applicable e-mails are sent to the staff member and his or her need-to-know person.
Once approved, the 2011-2012 calendar can be viewed by the staff member, the supervisor and the need-to-know person. Also, all subsequent changes to the 2011-2012 calendar must be submitted via the Calendar Exchange Online request system after July 1, 2011.
Working days calendars are due before you leave for the summer or June 10, whichever comes first.
If you have any questions, please contact Chrissy Bradley in Human Resources at cbradley@aea11.k12.ia.us.
Staff Who Fill Out Timesheets: Authorization for Overtime Form No Longer Needed
There is a current expectation that overtime work must be pre-authorized using the “Authorization for Overtime” form. It has been found that the use of this form is inconsistent with current policy. Agency leadership recently made a decision to eliminate this form in order to more accurately reflect current practice and to continue an environment of trust and accountability.
Therefore, effective immediately, employees are no longer required to complete the “Authorization for Overtime” form. Prior authorization of overtime work is still required. Authorization may now be obtained from your supervisor via a more informal approval process such as e-mail, phone or other communication. Work with your supervisor to determine his or her preferred communication method for obtaining prior approval to work overtime. It is important that employees follow the communication expectations of their supervisors. Not all supervisors will use the same communication routines, as different work and circumstances may require different routines for prior approval.
Your timesheet will be the only documentation that you need to submit to Payroll; please do not turn in your informal communication about prior overtime approval.
Remember:
• It is employees’ responsibility to get timesheets to their supervisors on time.
• Tip… Place a recurring appointment on your calendar to remind you when your timesheet is due.
Therefore, effective immediately, employees are no longer required to complete the “Authorization for Overtime” form. Prior authorization of overtime work is still required. Authorization may now be obtained from your supervisor via a more informal approval process such as e-mail, phone or other communication. Work with your supervisor to determine his or her preferred communication method for obtaining prior approval to work overtime. It is important that employees follow the communication expectations of their supervisors. Not all supervisors will use the same communication routines, as different work and circumstances may require different routines for prior approval.
Your timesheet will be the only documentation that you need to submit to Payroll; please do not turn in your informal communication about prior overtime approval.
Remember:
• It is employees’ responsibility to get timesheets to their supervisors on time.
• Tip… Place a recurring appointment on your calendar to remind you when your timesheet is due.
IASB Section 504 Manual Recently Updated
This manual has been recently updated and is available online with the convenience of exhibits. It can be found at http://www.ia-sb.org/PolicyLegal.aspx?id=10532. This manual is intended to provide general information about Section 504, and IASB is available to assist member school boards and their administrators, board secretaries, employees and attorneys in understanding it. If you have questions, contact Mary Gannon at IASB at mgannon@ia-sb.org or (800) 795-4272 ext. 229.
Changes to Earning Graduate Credit Through Drake University
Due to recently updated federal guidelines, some requirements for Drake credit will change effective July 1, 2011. Heartland AEA will continue to offer license renewal credit (LR) as before and Drake graduate credit for courses meeting the guidelines.
However, if a participant seeks to use the graduate credit towards a master’s degree program, they must earn EDMA credit (new opportunity). As always, educators are encouraged to check with their university to determine what (if any) courses can be applied to a master’s program. Click here to download a grid that highlights the guidelines.
Also effective July 1, 2011, Drake will no longer offer graduate credit for conferences, workshops or clinics. License renewal credits may still be earned if the conference, workshop or clinic meets the requirements.
If you have questions about these changes and new guidelines, please contact Sue Schirmer at sschirmer@aea11.k12.ia.us.
However, if a participant seeks to use the graduate credit towards a master’s degree program, they must earn EDMA credit (new opportunity). As always, educators are encouraged to check with their university to determine what (if any) courses can be applied to a master’s program. Click here to download a grid that highlights the guidelines.
Also effective July 1, 2011, Drake will no longer offer graduate credit for conferences, workshops or clinics. License renewal credits may still be earned if the conference, workshop or clinic meets the requirements.
If you have questions about these changes and new guidelines, please contact Sue Schirmer at sschirmer@aea11.k12.ia.us.
iEvaluate Courses Begin May 16
The Iowa Department of Education, in partnership with AEA PD Online, is now offering Evaluator 1 & 2 online, packaged together in a 2-credit course entitled iEvaluate. Because of the high demand for the courses, the Iowa Department of Education is selecting participants on the basis of need (that is, whose license is up for renewal first). This spring, they have created a waiting list for the course and will begin to notify those who are at the top of the list on how to register. Once every person on the waiting list has had a chance to take the iEvaluate course, the course will then be available for open registration on AEA PD Online’s registration catalog.
How do I know if I'm on the waiting list?
If you have not done so, or if you would like to check to make sure, please contact Matt Ludwig at the Iowa Department of Education (515-281-3750 or matt.ludwig@iowa.gov). You will need to provide him with 1) your name, 2) your e-mail address, 3) your license folder number and 4) when your administrative license expires.
How many credits is the course?
The course is 2 license renewal credits. It is not available for graduate credit at this time.
How many different iEvaluate courses are there?
iEvaluate replaces both Evaluator 1 & 2, which are no longer being offered. However, there are 2 different iEvaluate courses, one for the evaluation of teachers, and one for the evaluation of administrators. Just like before, you need to complete one of those to meet the BoEE requirements for administrative licensure. Multiple sections of both courses will begin on May 16.
How long does the course take?
The course is designed to take 5-6 weeks. There is a final assignment requiring the recording of a teacher/administrator conference and reflections, and there will be additional time afforded for this final assignment.
Is the course completely online? What is the format for the course?
Yes, the course is entirely online. It also is entirely asynchronous, meaning the participants won't meet at the same time (as opposed to via the ICN, for example). Participants can select when in the day to participate in the course.
What technical requirements do I need for the course?
Each participant needs a computer with Internet access. The course is accessed through AEA PD Online’s Moodle system via a standard Web browser. Each participant will also need access to either Microsoft Office or compatible software, as there are Microsoft Word and PowerPoint documents used in the course. And finally, participants will need to have the ability to record digitally their teacher/administrator conferences. There will be an online dropbox for participants to submit their digital video file. Participants needing assistance with technology may contact their instructor to find alternative methods.
What work is involved in the course?
In addition to recorded teacher/administrator conferences, there are a variety of activities in the course. There are reflection forums (discussion threads), quizzes for checks of understanding, as well as individual writing assignments.
If you have additional questions, please contact Matt Ludwig at the Iowa Department of Education (515-281-3750 or matt.ludwig@iowa.gov).
How do I know if I'm on the waiting list?
If you have not done so, or if you would like to check to make sure, please contact Matt Ludwig at the Iowa Department of Education (515-281-3750 or matt.ludwig@iowa.gov). You will need to provide him with 1) your name, 2) your e-mail address, 3) your license folder number and 4) when your administrative license expires.
How many credits is the course?
The course is 2 license renewal credits. It is not available for graduate credit at this time.
How many different iEvaluate courses are there?
iEvaluate replaces both Evaluator 1 & 2, which are no longer being offered. However, there are 2 different iEvaluate courses, one for the evaluation of teachers, and one for the evaluation of administrators. Just like before, you need to complete one of those to meet the BoEE requirements for administrative licensure. Multiple sections of both courses will begin on May 16.
How long does the course take?
The course is designed to take 5-6 weeks. There is a final assignment requiring the recording of a teacher/administrator conference and reflections, and there will be additional time afforded for this final assignment.
Is the course completely online? What is the format for the course?
Yes, the course is entirely online. It also is entirely asynchronous, meaning the participants won't meet at the same time (as opposed to via the ICN, for example). Participants can select when in the day to participate in the course.
What technical requirements do I need for the course?
Each participant needs a computer with Internet access. The course is accessed through AEA PD Online’s Moodle system via a standard Web browser. Each participant will also need access to either Microsoft Office or compatible software, as there are Microsoft Word and PowerPoint documents used in the course. And finally, participants will need to have the ability to record digitally their teacher/administrator conferences. There will be an online dropbox for participants to submit their digital video file. Participants needing assistance with technology may contact their instructor to find alternative methods.
What work is involved in the course?
In addition to recorded teacher/administrator conferences, there are a variety of activities in the course. There are reflection forums (discussion threads), quizzes for checks of understanding, as well as individual writing assignments.
If you have additional questions, please contact Matt Ludwig at the Iowa Department of Education (515-281-3750 or matt.ludwig@iowa.gov).
May 2011 Iowa Department of Education School Leader Update
Click here to download the May 2011 issue of the School Leader Update from the Iowa Department of Education.
Iowa Braille School/Statewide System for Vision Services 2011 Summer Institute
Iowa Braille School /Statewide System for Vision Services will offer a three-day training in August for professionals who work with students who have a visual impairment during the 2011-2012 school year. The Summer Institute 2011 will be held at the Scheman Building on the Iowa State University Campus on August 9, 10 & 11. Click here to download a registration form.
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