You should have received an email on March 1 about steps being taken to increase security at our offices. A portion of that email is included here. If you haven’t yet read the email, please take a moment to do so.
In response to ever-growing concerns in our country about safety and security, the Agency is taking steps to increase security in our offices to improve safety for our staff and visitors.
Secondary Doors to be Locked
Beginning March 15, the secondary doors (those other than the main entrance) at most agency offices will be locked at all times. This includes the Johnston Regional Education Center (REC) and Administration Center and the Adel, Ames, Guthrie Center, Indianola and Knoxville offices. Staff members in the REC, Administration Center and Adel and Ames offices will be able to enter secondary doors using their keycards.
Keycard Access Added at Adel & Ames
During the week of February 18, keycard entry systems were installed in our Adel and Ames offices. Adel and Ames staff members: by March 11 you will receive a personal keycard at your office via van mail that will grant you access to your office using the new keycard system. We are able to incorporate the keycards into the Agency’s ID badges, so you will receive one card that will serve as your ID badge and keycard. Please note that each staff member will receive one ID badge/keycard. Hard keys to the Adel and Ames offices will still work until March 14. On that date the locks to those offices will be changed, and staff members will only be able to enter the office during non-business hours using a keycard.
Administration Center Staff
When the Administration Center was remodeled and initially opened for business, staff members working there were issued a keycard for the building that was separate from their ID badge. Keycards and badges are now combined into one card. If there are Administration Center staff members who still have a separate ID badge and keycard, please visit Aaron Cook in the Johnston REC to get a new combined badge/keycard.
Johnston REC Staff
REC staff members: if you received a new ID badge in the last year and a half, you should have received a combined ID badge/keycard. If there are REC staff members who haven’t gotten a new ID badge in that time, you should visit Aaron Cook to receive a new combined ID badge/keycard. You should also no longer have any regular hard keys to the REC building. If you still have hard keys, please drop them off to Colleen Miller in the REC.
If you have any questions about this message or security in general, contact Dustin Gean. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to improve the security of our offices for the safety of our staff and visitors.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Update on ID Badge/PeopleBox Photos
This article ties in with the above article about keycards and also sets some parameters for staff about ID badges.
If you have a photo that was taken in the last two years, we ask that you use that photo if you are getting an updated badge and/or keycard. If it is older, you should have a new photo taken. If you haven’t gotten your badge photo updated in at least five years, please see Aaron Cook in the Johnston REC to have a new photo taken and a new badge/keycard issued. Aaron has blocked off a few times in the coming days for staff who need to get an updated combined badge/keycard.
It is important that the photo on your ID badge look like you. Your badge photo is also the photo that other staff members can see if they search for you on PeopleBox and is the photo that is used for you if you’re recognized in the HeartBeat, etc. Going forward, your photo won’t be retaken until it’s two years old. You can see Aaron on March 6, 7, 11 and 12 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Otherwise during this busy time, please email or call him to set up a time to have your photo taken. If you have any questions, please contact Aaron Cook, Video/Multimedia Technology Support Specialist, at acook@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14438.
If you have a photo that was taken in the last two years, we ask that you use that photo if you are getting an updated badge and/or keycard. If it is older, you should have a new photo taken. If you haven’t gotten your badge photo updated in at least five years, please see Aaron Cook in the Johnston REC to have a new photo taken and a new badge/keycard issued. Aaron has blocked off a few times in the coming days for staff who need to get an updated combined badge/keycard.
It is important that the photo on your ID badge look like you. Your badge photo is also the photo that other staff members can see if they search for you on PeopleBox and is the photo that is used for you if you’re recognized in the HeartBeat, etc. Going forward, your photo won’t be retaken until it’s two years old. You can see Aaron on March 6, 7, 11 and 12 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Otherwise during this busy time, please email or call him to set up a time to have your photo taken. If you have any questions, please contact Aaron Cook, Video/Multimedia Technology Support Specialist, at acook@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14438.
Updates: iPads for Staff and iPad Apps
The Agency Planning Council (APC) has reviewed survey data and gathered input on the use of iPads, including the review of recommendations about additional staff needs for the technology tool. As a result of the positive impact the iPads have had both as an instructional tool and a productivity tool, APC has approved purchasing more iPads. The Agency is targeting fall of 2013 for the additional iPads to be ready for staff use. If a staff member has a question about receiving an iPad, they can contact their supervisor.
The $25 app limit will remain in place for the remainder of the 2012-13 school year. The Agency will gather additional feedback from the Regional Planning Councils and job-alike groups on which apps are being used across the Agency. This information will help determine which apps the Agency should automatically install and/or purchase. If a staff member would like to purchase an additional app above the $25 limit, they should work with their supervisor.
The $25 app limit will remain in place for the remainder of the 2012-13 school year. The Agency will gather additional feedback from the Regional Planning Councils and job-alike groups on which apps are being used across the Agency. This information will help determine which apps the Agency should automatically install and/or purchase. If a staff member would like to purchase an additional app above the $25 limit, they should work with their supervisor.
New Videos Tell Heartland AEA Story of Service to Others
The Agency has created four new videos to help tell the story about what we do! The main video is titled “About Heartland AEA” and takes a brief look at the services we provide for children and families, educators and school leaders. Three smaller videos go into more detail about services provided to the three audiences. The videos are available on our EduVision site. Direct links, including video descriptions are below.
About Heartland AEA
At Heartland AEA, we believe education is everyone’s responsibility. This video recounts ways the Agency works with parents, educators and school leaders to improve the learning outcomes of children and youth.
http://bit.ly/XHLWdO
Heartland AEA Services to Children and Families
Parents discuss how Heartland AEA has made an impact in the lives of their children.
http://bit.ly/WlRWek
Heartland AEA Services to Educators
Sarah Brown Wessling, Johnston High School English Teacher and 2010 National Teacher of the Year, describes her experiences with Heartland AEA.
http://bit.ly/WlRZqx
Heartland AEA Services to School Leaders
Dr. Tom Lane, Superintendent of Carlisle Schools and 2012 Iowa Superintendent of the Year, provides his insight and describes his experiences with Heartland AEA.
http://bit.ly/YEobQ8
About Heartland AEA
At Heartland AEA, we believe education is everyone’s responsibility. This video recounts ways the Agency works with parents, educators and school leaders to improve the learning outcomes of children and youth.
http://bit.ly/XHLWdO
Heartland AEA Services to Children and Families
Parents discuss how Heartland AEA has made an impact in the lives of their children.
http://bit.ly/WlRWek
Heartland AEA Services to Educators
Sarah Brown Wessling, Johnston High School English Teacher and 2010 National Teacher of the Year, describes her experiences with Heartland AEA.
http://bit.ly/WlRZqx
Heartland AEA Services to School Leaders
Dr. Tom Lane, Superintendent of Carlisle Schools and 2012 Iowa Superintendent of the Year, provides his insight and describes his experiences with Heartland AEA.
http://bit.ly/YEobQ8
Correction From Friday’s HeartBeat
Suzet Nelson was listed as a Parent Coordinator out of the Ames office, but she should have been listed as working out of the Johnston office where she serves schools and parents in Region 8.
March 2013 School Leader Update
Click here to download the March 2013 issue of the School Leader Update from the Iowa Department of Education.
March Each & Every Child Newsletter from Iowa Dept. of Education
Click here to read the March 2013 issue of the Each and Every Child newsletter from the Iowa Department of Education, which features work with students in the Cedar Rapids school district.
Region 2 “Chat with the Chief” Rescheduled to March 11
The Region 2 “Chat with the Chief” session at the Adel office that was postponed on February 27 has been rescheduled to March 11 at 3:00 p.m.
February 2013 Board of Directors Meeting Recap
The February 2013 meeting of the Heartland AEA Board of Directors was held February 12, 2013.
Public Forum and Correspondence
Mr. Pete Evans, Iowa State University (ISU) Architecture Lecturer, gave a short presentation on why ISU would like to purchase the Mobile Science Lab (Project SEMI). The University would use the mobile lab to help promote 21st Century learning. Board members asked him to develop a formal proposal for consideration.
Discussion Items
Heartland AEA and Des Moines Public Schools Partnership
Dr. Tom Ahart, Interim Superintendent of the Des Moines Public Schools, discussed the partnership between Heartland AEA and the district. He acknowledged the efforts in developing the partnership, and AEA and district personnel have been able to identify things that have previously gotten in the way of collaboration. Genuine efforts have been made to build a positive relationship. Board members asked questions about the district’s needs and how the Agency could help. Dr. Ahart spoke about the need for elementary math consultants who could provide coaching and quality control in math curriculum, and the need for building a robust mentoring and induction system. The district needs Heartland AEA and they have to be more intentional in showing that need.
Board Committee Reports and Activities
Board Advisory Council – The council continues to meet quarterly. During the last meeting, members provided feedback on the AEA Compact that focuses on reciprocal accountability. They challenged the Agency to think about what it would mean to share ownership of a district’s student achievement results.
Agency Culture Actions
Ms. Laura Gillon, Executive Director of Human Resources, asked the Board for permission to either purchase or print birthday and sympathy cards to be sent to staff. The Agency wants to be a caring employer and to be conscience of how it uses public funds.
CAO Quarterly Evaluation
Board members held their quarterly evaluation of the chief administrator. Dr. Vincent shared an outline of the actions and metrics she is using to increase performance in the Agency’s goal areas. Board members appreciated the outline and asked for time to study the document.
Exira and Elk Horn-Kimballton Petition
A MOTION was made by Ms. Borgen and seconded by Mr. Christensen to approve the Exira Community School District Reorganization Petition, which is in compliance with Iowa Code and the Heartland AEA Reorganization Plan. Motion passed.
Insurance Plan Design Changes and Plan Years
A MOTION was made by Ms. Borgen and seconded by Ms. Wilson to approve the design plan changes and increase the single/family deductibles from $500/$1,000 to $750/$1,500, and prescription drug co-pays increases from $5/$20/$35 to $5/$25/$45. The plan year start dates for the medical flexible benefit plan and the Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) will also be changed to July to match the insurance plan years. Motion passed.
Board Member Comments
• The March board meeting will be held in Atlantic due to the Exira and Elk Horn-Kimballton reorganization. A portion of the meeting will be open to the public to hear objections to the petition. Those wishing to carpool should notify the board secretary for arrangements.
• Ms. Borgen discussed the chief administrator’s evaluation process and if it provided enough opportunity for dialogue. She questioned if some of the evaluations should be held in closed session, and whether the evaluation process should be held twice a year with an annual review.
The Board entered into closed session at 7:39 p.m. to discuss the 2013-14 negotiations process. The Board returned to public session at 8:30 p.m.
Public Forum and Correspondence
Mr. Pete Evans, Iowa State University (ISU) Architecture Lecturer, gave a short presentation on why ISU would like to purchase the Mobile Science Lab (Project SEMI). The University would use the mobile lab to help promote 21st Century learning. Board members asked him to develop a formal proposal for consideration.
Discussion Items
Heartland AEA and Des Moines Public Schools Partnership
Dr. Tom Ahart, Interim Superintendent of the Des Moines Public Schools, discussed the partnership between Heartland AEA and the district. He acknowledged the efforts in developing the partnership, and AEA and district personnel have been able to identify things that have previously gotten in the way of collaboration. Genuine efforts have been made to build a positive relationship. Board members asked questions about the district’s needs and how the Agency could help. Dr. Ahart spoke about the need for elementary math consultants who could provide coaching and quality control in math curriculum, and the need for building a robust mentoring and induction system. The district needs Heartland AEA and they have to be more intentional in showing that need.
Board Committee Reports and Activities
Board Advisory Council – The council continues to meet quarterly. During the last meeting, members provided feedback on the AEA Compact that focuses on reciprocal accountability. They challenged the Agency to think about what it would mean to share ownership of a district’s student achievement results.
Agency Culture Actions
Ms. Laura Gillon, Executive Director of Human Resources, asked the Board for permission to either purchase or print birthday and sympathy cards to be sent to staff. The Agency wants to be a caring employer and to be conscience of how it uses public funds.
CAO Quarterly Evaluation
Board members held their quarterly evaluation of the chief administrator. Dr. Vincent shared an outline of the actions and metrics she is using to increase performance in the Agency’s goal areas. Board members appreciated the outline and asked for time to study the document.
Exira and Elk Horn-Kimballton Petition
A MOTION was made by Ms. Borgen and seconded by Mr. Christensen to approve the Exira Community School District Reorganization Petition, which is in compliance with Iowa Code and the Heartland AEA Reorganization Plan. Motion passed.
Insurance Plan Design Changes and Plan Years
A MOTION was made by Ms. Borgen and seconded by Ms. Wilson to approve the design plan changes and increase the single/family deductibles from $500/$1,000 to $750/$1,500, and prescription drug co-pays increases from $5/$20/$35 to $5/$25/$45. The plan year start dates for the medical flexible benefit plan and the Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) will also be changed to July to match the insurance plan years. Motion passed.
Board Member Comments
• The March board meeting will be held in Atlantic due to the Exira and Elk Horn-Kimballton reorganization. A portion of the meeting will be open to the public to hear objections to the petition. Those wishing to carpool should notify the board secretary for arrangements.
• Ms. Borgen discussed the chief administrator’s evaluation process and if it provided enough opportunity for dialogue. She questioned if some of the evaluations should be held in closed session, and whether the evaluation process should be held twice a year with an annual review.
The Board entered into closed session at 7:39 p.m. to discuss the 2013-14 negotiations process. The Board returned to public session at 8:30 p.m.
Annual AEA Customer Survey Launched Today
A link to the annual AEA Customer Survey was sent to school district staff earlier today. The input collected in the survey will be used to measure our progress on our objectives and goals.
The survey will remain open from March 4 to April 5, 2013. We ask that you encourage school administrators and educators you work with to participate in this survey. We had a rather disappointing year last year with only about 23% of educators in our area completing the survey. That means approximately 2 out of every 10 individuals’ thoughts were heard.
If you have a workshop planned with area educators, consider building time into your agenda and have participants take the survey as their ticket out the door. Click here for a PowerPoint slide you can incorporate into your workshop presentations.
If you get questions such as the ones below, there are answers you can use in reply.
Q: Lots of people will be filling this survey out; one person won’t make a difference.
A: Only 23% of our LEA staff filled out the survey last year. That means approximately 2 out of every 10 individuals’ thoughts were used to make decisions for everyone. We know that having more individuals filling out the survey gives us more representative data to make better decisions.
Q: I have already filled out the survey this year. Why am I being reminded to take it?
A: Since the survey responses are anonymous, the AEA has no way of knowing who has contributed and who has not. Educators are only asked to fill out the survey once. After a teacher/administrator completes the survey, he/she may disregard our reminder notices.
Q: Will I be able to see the information gathered?
A: Yes. Each year we report information from this survey in our annual progress report, which is then shared with the public after it has been approved by the Iowa Dept. of Education.
If you have a workshop planned with area educators, consider building time into your agenda and have participants take the survey as their ticket out the door. Click here for a PowerPoint slide you can incorporate into your workshop presentations.
If you get questions such as the ones below, there are answers you can use in reply.
Q: Lots of people will be filling this survey out; one person won’t make a difference.
A: Only 23% of our LEA staff filled out the survey last year. That means approximately 2 out of every 10 individuals’ thoughts were used to make decisions for everyone. We know that having more individuals filling out the survey gives us more representative data to make better decisions.
Q: I have already filled out the survey this year. Why am I being reminded to take it?
A: Since the survey responses are anonymous, the AEA has no way of knowing who has contributed and who has not. Educators are only asked to fill out the survey once. After a teacher/administrator completes the survey, he/she may disregard our reminder notices.
Q: Will I be able to see the information gathered?
A: Yes. Each year we report information from this survey in our annual progress report, which is then shared with the public after it has been approved by the Iowa Dept. of Education.
Reminder: Help Us Gather Teachers to Advocate for the AEAs
As many of you have read, the AEAs are slated to again have their funding reduced by the Iowa legislature. We need those who receive our services to advocate for us by writing letters to members of the legislature. They need to hear first hand from those who receive services how additional cuts to the AEAs would be detrimental to services. A list of parent advocates has already been generated, and now we need your help to compile a list of teachers who would be willing to write letters in support of the AEAs.
If you know of a teacher(s) who would be willing to write a letter to legislators asking for their support of the AEAs, please email the teacher’s name, email address and phone number to the Agency’s Communications Department at comms@aea11.k12.ia.us.
If you know of a teacher(s) who would be willing to write a letter to legislators asking for their support of the AEAs, please email the teacher’s name, email address and phone number to the Agency’s Communications Department at comms@aea11.k12.ia.us.
AEA Legislative Update
Click here to read the latest update of the Iowa legislative session from the AEA system’s lobbyists, Matt Eide and John Pederson, of the Eide & Heisinger firm.
Evaluator Approval Update
There have been many questions surfacing regarding what is needed to renew an administrator or evaluator license. Please read below for the latest information from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners in the letter dated December 18, 2012. It states:
“In light of the current conversations around changing the evaluation process, the BoEE and the DE have determined that practitioners must complete one (1) of the current evaluator renewal courses. The DE-approved courses include: Assessing Academic Rigor or iEvaluate. Please be aware that renewal of an administrator license, with an evaluator endorsement, requires a total of four semester hours of renewal credit.”
To find iEvaluate courses, please visit the statewide AEA PD Online catalog. There are currently four iEvaluate classes scheduled, with the next course beginning March 18. There is one Assessing Academic Rigor (AAR) course scheduled beginning in April with another course proposed for April and May to be held in our Ames office. Looking ahead, we hope to offer another AAR course in late summer. Please watch the Connection for more information.
Register using Activity Number: AD0139-9211-1306
Johnston Regional Education Center
April 9, 18, 30 and May 16, 2013 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
For any questions, please contact Sue Schirmer at sschirmer@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14379.
“In light of the current conversations around changing the evaluation process, the BoEE and the DE have determined that practitioners must complete one (1) of the current evaluator renewal courses. The DE-approved courses include: Assessing Academic Rigor or iEvaluate. Please be aware that renewal of an administrator license, with an evaluator endorsement, requires a total of four semester hours of renewal credit.”
To find iEvaluate courses, please visit the statewide AEA PD Online catalog. There are currently four iEvaluate classes scheduled, with the next course beginning March 18. There is one Assessing Academic Rigor (AAR) course scheduled beginning in April with another course proposed for April and May to be held in our Ames office. Looking ahead, we hope to offer another AAR course in late summer. Please watch the Connection for more information.
Register using Activity Number: AD0139-9211-1306
Johnston Regional Education Center
April 9, 18, 30 and May 16, 2013 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
For any questions, please contact Sue Schirmer at sschirmer@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14379.
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