We are pleased to announce that Heartland AEA and Teamster’s have come to an agreement regarding the employment package for 2012-13. The settlement is a total package increase of 4%. The package increase includes the health insurance rate increase as well as the IPERS increase. The Agency’s health insurance rate will increase an average of 11.26% for the next fiscal year, and the IPERS employer contribution rate will increase from 8.07% to 8.67% for next year.
Highlights of changes include more specific language regarding transfer procedures, adjustments to seniority calculations for full-time staff defined at working 185 days or 1387.5 hours to accrue 1.0 seniority point per year and salary transition of non-union staff into the classified union group.
Employment notifications are expected to be mailed out this week. To learn more about these changes, please refer to the 2012-13 Teamster’s contract soon to be posted on the Intranet under the Human Resources link.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Reminder: May 31 Deadline to Spend Medical Flex Dollars
Remember that all expenses must be incurred by May 31, 2012 in order to be eligible for reimbursement, and they must be submitted to Kabel Business Services for reimbursement by July 30, 2012. Claim forms can be found on the Intranet > Benefits > Medical/Dependent Care Flex > Medical/Dependent Care Claim form. Eligible expenses include out-of-pocket medical, dental or vision expenses such as deductibles, coinsurance for office visits, drug co-pays, dental work, contact lenses or contact lens solution, glasses or medical supplies for you, your spouse or your children under the age of 27.
If you have any questions, contact Kathy Martin, Benefits Specialist, at kmartin@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14385 or Kabel Business Services at (515) 224-9400. Claims may be submitted via fax to (515) 224-9256 or to claims@kabelbiz.com.
If you have any questions, contact Kathy Martin, Benefits Specialist, at kmartin@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14385 or Kabel Business Services at (515) 224-9400. Claims may be submitted via fax to (515) 224-9256 or to claims@kabelbiz.com.
Progress Monitoring and Decision-Making Procedures
We want to make sure staff members are aware of the current guidelines regarding progress monitoring and decision-making that are in the Area Education Agency Special Education Procedures Manual.
In the past, we have promoted the use of a minimum of six to eight data points when first applying the 4-Point Decision Making rule. Please see the change in the manual to indicate the collection of seven to 12 data points for use of both the four-point decision making rule and trend line analysis.
The following excerpt can be found on page 15 of the AEA Special Education Procedures Manual, January 15, 2012 edition. (The same information can also be found on page 13 of the July 1, 2011 edition.)
Systematic progress monitoring shall include: regular and frequent data collection and graphic display of the data.
Regular data collection is defined by the intervention plan. The frequency of data collection is based on the nature and severity of the problem.
Seven to 12 data points are required to make instructional decisions that are statistically valid. So, in order to have sufficient data points to make a valid instructional decision, data must be collected regularly and frequently.
If progress is monitored:
• daily, effectiveness of instruction may be determined after 2 weeks (10 data points).
• twice a week, effectiveness of instruction may be determined after 1 month (8 data points).
• once a week, effectiveness of instruction may be determined within 1 quarter (9 data points).
• quarterly, every 9 weeks, effectiveness of instruction may not be determined, even after a year (4 data points).
In the past, we have promoted the use of a minimum of six to eight data points when first applying the 4-Point Decision Making rule. Please see the change in the manual to indicate the collection of seven to 12 data points for use of both the four-point decision making rule and trend line analysis.
The following excerpt can be found on page 15 of the AEA Special Education Procedures Manual, January 15, 2012 edition. (The same information can also be found on page 13 of the July 1, 2011 edition.)
Systematic progress monitoring shall include: regular and frequent data collection and graphic display of the data.
Regular data collection is defined by the intervention plan. The frequency of data collection is based on the nature and severity of the problem.
Seven to 12 data points are required to make instructional decisions that are statistically valid. So, in order to have sufficient data points to make a valid instructional decision, data must be collected regularly and frequently.
If progress is monitored:
• daily, effectiveness of instruction may be determined after 2 weeks (10 data points).
• twice a week, effectiveness of instruction may be determined after 1 month (8 data points).
• once a week, effectiveness of instruction may be determined within 1 quarter (9 data points).
• quarterly, every 9 weeks, effectiveness of instruction may not be determined, even after a year (4 data points).
Want to Learn How to Teach Online? Sign Up for the AEA Consultant OLLIE Cohort
An OLLIE cohort for AEA consultants will be offered during the 2012-13 school year. This is an internal offering or “site-based,” meaning there is no cost to take the course. Participants can pay a minimal amount for credit, if desired.
What is OLLIE?
OLLIE is a 5-course sequence, geared toward helping educators to teach online, either for K-12 students, or in the case of AEA consultants, for adult learners. These courses are immersive, hands-on applications of research-based best practices in online pedagogy. Each course is entirely asynchronous, meaning learner participate at their own time, place, and pace. The sequence transitions teachers from an introduction to the look and feel of an online course at the beginning, through the learning of how to create content in Moodle, to the building of a course, to the teaching in a course, and ending with the process of assessing for learning.
For more on those courses, check out http://www.iowaaea.org/pages/Area_Education_Agencies/Iowa_AEA_PD_Online/Project_OLLIE.
What is OLLIE Cohort 6?
While these courses are offered on the AEA PD Catalog (which any educator can sign up for), we have found a better way to offer this professional development is in the form of cohorts. That is, having a group of educators move through the sequence together, becoming familiar with each other, leads to collaborative learning at a higher level. In fact, in past cohorts we have had many participants working on joint projects, developing a course together.
OLLIE cohort #6 is for AEA consultants. Each AEA will have the opportunity to choose their consultants who will take part. We will have large numbers in this cohort, so participants will be grouped in smaller, more collaborative groups, both for role-alike similarities, as well as local AEA collaborative learning teams. We’ll make some decisions around grouping after we find out more about who is registered. These courses will be taught by AEA PD Online’s Instructional Designer team.
So, what’s the goal of Cohort 6?
The purpose is a year-long ramp-up, where at the end of the cohort (next May), you will have created an online learning opportunity. That could be an online course that you are offering for credit, a hybrid/blended learning course that you are offering for credit or an online accompaniment to the services and support that you offer districts and educators.
An example of that last one: Heartland’s science consultants now offer an online sequence that couples their CAB initiative. Now, science teachers can access the materials referenced during face-to-face sessions and share ideas with other teachers, in between sessions. Other consultants have done something similar when working with a local district’s professional development implementation for the year.
What are the dates of the courses?
• Technology for Online Instruction – Sept. 5-Nov. 13
• Instructional Design – Nov. 28-Feb. 12, 2013
• Facilitation – Feb. 20-May 7, 2013
Normally, these courses are each five weeks and cover one unit each week. However, we are extending the courses to 10 weeks (without adding more content) to basically cover one unit every two weeks. This pace is intentional, as it will better allow participants to complete the work in conjunction with their present job duties.
What are the costs of this?
There is no cost for participants to audit the course. If a participant would like credit, they may elect to take it. Each of the courses is 2 credits (6 total for the cohort). Costs for EACH course are $25 for 2 license renewal credits or $140 for 2 Drake EDMA graduate credits. (These courses are a joint partnership with Drake, so only Drake graduate credit is available).
To register for the courses
Technology for Online Instruction – https://prodev.aeapdonline.org/4DCGI/22001199991301INV=True*
Instructional Design – https://prodev.aeapdonline.org/4DCGI/22001799991301INV=True*
Facilitation – https://prodev.aeapdonline.org/4DCGI/22001599991301INV=True*
For more information, contact Evan Abbey, Project Director for Statewide AEA Online Learning, at eabbey@aea11.k12.ia.us.
What is OLLIE?
OLLIE is a 5-course sequence, geared toward helping educators to teach online, either for K-12 students, or in the case of AEA consultants, for adult learners. These courses are immersive, hands-on applications of research-based best practices in online pedagogy. Each course is entirely asynchronous, meaning learner participate at their own time, place, and pace. The sequence transitions teachers from an introduction to the look and feel of an online course at the beginning, through the learning of how to create content in Moodle, to the building of a course, to the teaching in a course, and ending with the process of assessing for learning.
For more on those courses, check out http://www.iowaaea.org/pages/Area_Education_Agencies/Iowa_AEA_PD_Online/Project_OLLIE.
What is OLLIE Cohort 6?
While these courses are offered on the AEA PD Catalog (which any educator can sign up for), we have found a better way to offer this professional development is in the form of cohorts. That is, having a group of educators move through the sequence together, becoming familiar with each other, leads to collaborative learning at a higher level. In fact, in past cohorts we have had many participants working on joint projects, developing a course together.
OLLIE cohort #6 is for AEA consultants. Each AEA will have the opportunity to choose their consultants who will take part. We will have large numbers in this cohort, so participants will be grouped in smaller, more collaborative groups, both for role-alike similarities, as well as local AEA collaborative learning teams. We’ll make some decisions around grouping after we find out more about who is registered. These courses will be taught by AEA PD Online’s Instructional Designer team.
So, what’s the goal of Cohort 6?
The purpose is a year-long ramp-up, where at the end of the cohort (next May), you will have created an online learning opportunity. That could be an online course that you are offering for credit, a hybrid/blended learning course that you are offering for credit or an online accompaniment to the services and support that you offer districts and educators.
An example of that last one: Heartland’s science consultants now offer an online sequence that couples their CAB initiative. Now, science teachers can access the materials referenced during face-to-face sessions and share ideas with other teachers, in between sessions. Other consultants have done something similar when working with a local district’s professional development implementation for the year.
What are the dates of the courses?
• Technology for Online Instruction – Sept. 5-Nov. 13
• Instructional Design – Nov. 28-Feb. 12, 2013
• Facilitation – Feb. 20-May 7, 2013
Normally, these courses are each five weeks and cover one unit each week. However, we are extending the courses to 10 weeks (without adding more content) to basically cover one unit every two weeks. This pace is intentional, as it will better allow participants to complete the work in conjunction with their present job duties.
What are the costs of this?
There is no cost for participants to audit the course. If a participant would like credit, they may elect to take it. Each of the courses is 2 credits (6 total for the cohort). Costs for EACH course are $25 for 2 license renewal credits or $140 for 2 Drake EDMA graduate credits. (These courses are a joint partnership with Drake, so only Drake graduate credit is available).
To register for the courses
Technology for Online Instruction – https://prodev.aeapdonline.org/4DCGI/22001199991301INV=True*
Instructional Design – https://prodev.aeapdonline.org/4DCGI/22001799991301INV=True*
Facilitation – https://prodev.aeapdonline.org/4DCGI/22001599991301INV=True*
For more information, contact Evan Abbey, Project Director for Statewide AEA Online Learning, at eabbey@aea11.k12.ia.us.
Save the Date for All Staff Meeting
If you haven’t already done so, please save August 13 as the date of the Agency’s all staff meeting. The tentative plan is to have the all staff meeting in the morning at Urbandale High School and regional meetings in the afternoon.
Legislature Cuts AEA Funding $20 Million, Each AEA Determining Next Steps
As the 2012 legislative session closes, these two decisions have direct impact on Iowa’s AEAs:
1) A $20 million cut to Iowa’s AEAs (approximately a $4.5 million reduction for Heartland)
2) Flexibility in media resources budget
We are still working out the details as to what this means for Heartland. We will provide more information as we have a chance to determine exactly how the legislation will impact us. At this time, we do not anticipate the need to reduce any staff positions.
1) A $20 million cut to Iowa’s AEAs (approximately a $4.5 million reduction for Heartland)
2) Flexibility in media resources budget
We are still working out the details as to what this means for Heartland. We will provide more information as we have a chance to determine exactly how the legislation will impact us. At this time, we do not anticipate the need to reduce any staff positions.
May 2012 Board of Directors Meeting Recap
The regular meeting of the Heartland AEA Board of Directors was held on May 8, 2012.
Public Forum and Correspondence
Dr. Vincent noted that this week was school board recognition week in Iowa. Board members were presented with certificates of appreciation and flowers for their volunteer service to the Agency.
The Board acknowledged receipt of director district resolutions for the Adair-Casey and Ballard school districts. As part of the 2010 census, some districts have had to reconfigure their director district boundaries due to shifts in population.
Appointment of Secretary Pro-Tem
Ms. Terri Barnes, a Heartland executive assistant, was given the oath of office as secretary pro-tem.
Discussion Items
Board Committee Reports and Activities
AEA Boards of Directors Conference – The annual AEA Boards of Directors conference was held in April. Board members commented on the presentations and that all of the breakout sessions were well done. Dr. Bridgewater expressed his thanks to the AEA PR Committee for its hard work in scheduling the conference.
National School Board Association (NSBA) Conference – Ms. Borgen attended the NSBA conference in May. She attended many sessions on technology and virtual learning. There was a large mix of workshops offered.
Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) Law Conference – Dr. Rose shared information about the IASB School Board Law Conference held this month. He was pleased to note that the Agency was already doing many of the things that were recommended during the conference.
AEA 11 Director District Assignments
Dr. Vincent updated board members on the status of the Agency’s director district assignments. Iowa Code guidance for AEA director district assignments is different than that of school districts. When the University of Iowa prepared the first draft of maps and assignments, many of the nuances were not attended to. The University is relooking at the maps and will present a second option sometime within the next month.
2012-13 Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) Membership Dues
The Agency received its renewal notice for the 2012-13 IASB membership dues. The dues increased nine percent from 2011-12. Board members discussed the benefits of membership, including participation in the insurance pool/safety group.
Action Items
2012-13 Iowa Association of School Boards Membership Dues
A MOTION was made by Dr. Rose and seconded by Ms. Borgen to approve payment of the 2012-13 IASB membership dues. Motion passed 6 to 1. (Halliburton, nay)
Board members spoke briefly about two new positions on the personnel report. Kurt Subra, the successor to the Chief Financial Officer, will begin employment with the Agency on July 1. Kevin Fangman has been hired as the Director of District Services and will also begin July 1.
Closed Session
The Board then entered into closed session to evaluate the professional competency of individuals whose appointment, hiring, performance or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and the individual requests a closed session. The Board entered into closed session at 6:21 p.m. and returned to public session at 7:16 p.m.
A MOTION was made by Dr. Rose and seconded by Mr. Christensen to extend the chief administrator’s contract one year and to increase her salary $6,000. Motion passed.
Chief Administrator Comments
• Dr. Vincent forwarded board members an update on federal legislation.
• The Agency is in the process of closing the school year with districts. Staffing needs for next year is progressing and that work has gone very well.
Public Forum and Correspondence
Dr. Vincent noted that this week was school board recognition week in Iowa. Board members were presented with certificates of appreciation and flowers for their volunteer service to the Agency.
The Board acknowledged receipt of director district resolutions for the Adair-Casey and Ballard school districts. As part of the 2010 census, some districts have had to reconfigure their director district boundaries due to shifts in population.
Appointment of Secretary Pro-Tem
Ms. Terri Barnes, a Heartland executive assistant, was given the oath of office as secretary pro-tem.
Discussion Items
Board Committee Reports and Activities
AEA Boards of Directors Conference – The annual AEA Boards of Directors conference was held in April. Board members commented on the presentations and that all of the breakout sessions were well done. Dr. Bridgewater expressed his thanks to the AEA PR Committee for its hard work in scheduling the conference.
National School Board Association (NSBA) Conference – Ms. Borgen attended the NSBA conference in May. She attended many sessions on technology and virtual learning. There was a large mix of workshops offered.
Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) Law Conference – Dr. Rose shared information about the IASB School Board Law Conference held this month. He was pleased to note that the Agency was already doing many of the things that were recommended during the conference.
AEA 11 Director District Assignments
Dr. Vincent updated board members on the status of the Agency’s director district assignments. Iowa Code guidance for AEA director district assignments is different than that of school districts. When the University of Iowa prepared the first draft of maps and assignments, many of the nuances were not attended to. The University is relooking at the maps and will present a second option sometime within the next month.
2012-13 Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) Membership Dues
The Agency received its renewal notice for the 2012-13 IASB membership dues. The dues increased nine percent from 2011-12. Board members discussed the benefits of membership, including participation in the insurance pool/safety group.
Action Items
2012-13 Iowa Association of School Boards Membership Dues
A MOTION was made by Dr. Rose and seconded by Ms. Borgen to approve payment of the 2012-13 IASB membership dues. Motion passed 6 to 1. (Halliburton, nay)
Board members spoke briefly about two new positions on the personnel report. Kurt Subra, the successor to the Chief Financial Officer, will begin employment with the Agency on July 1. Kevin Fangman has been hired as the Director of District Services and will also begin July 1.
Closed Session
The Board then entered into closed session to evaluate the professional competency of individuals whose appointment, hiring, performance or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and the individual requests a closed session. The Board entered into closed session at 6:21 p.m. and returned to public session at 7:16 p.m.
A MOTION was made by Dr. Rose and seconded by Mr. Christensen to extend the chief administrator’s contract one year and to increase her salary $6,000. Motion passed.
Chief Administrator Comments
• Dr. Vincent forwarded board members an update on federal legislation.
• The Agency is in the process of closing the school year with districts. Staffing needs for next year is progressing and that work has gone very well.
May 2012 Impacting Lives Blog
Go to http://aeas4iowa.wordpress.com/ to read the latest edition of “Impacting Lives.” The blog newsletter is a statewide effort to communicate AEA success stories and services across the state.
This issue includes:
• AEA Instrumental in Helping First-Year Teacher Meet Preschool Program Standards
• Pleasantville Teen Anticipates Transition to College Thanks in Part to Support from AEA
• Competency-Based Education Catches on at Prairie Lakes AEA
• Northwest AEA/Akron-Westfield Team Keeps Pushing for Student
• AEA Saves Educators Time and Money Through the Use of Technology
• ‘Amazing’ Results Make Literacy Kits Popular
• Inclusive PE Program Benefits Norwalk Students
This issue includes:
• AEA Instrumental in Helping First-Year Teacher Meet Preschool Program Standards
• Pleasantville Teen Anticipates Transition to College Thanks in Part to Support from AEA
• Competency-Based Education Catches on at Prairie Lakes AEA
• Northwest AEA/Akron-Westfield Team Keeps Pushing for Student
• AEA Saves Educators Time and Money Through the Use of Technology
• ‘Amazing’ Results Make Literacy Kits Popular
• Inclusive PE Program Benefits Norwalk Students
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)