Get more information about this event on our Learning Supports Symposium webpage
Friday, April 26, 2019
Governor Reynolds Launches “Ask the State of Iowa” with Google Home and Amazon Echo
Governor Kim Reynolds, Lt. Gov. Gregg, and Chief Information Officer Jeff Franklin announced that Iowa is expanding its communication channels and services to include Google Home, Amazon Echo, and a chatbot. Iowans can now ask their smartphone or Google/Amazon digital assistant questions about state government events and services.
You can watch the press conference and demo here.
You can watch the press conference and demo here.
ICN Statewide Youth Broadband Advisory Council Applications Closing Soon!
Iowa Communications Network (ICN) is accepting student applications for its Statewide Youth Broadband Advisory Council (SYBAC) for the 2019-2020 school year.
Students entering 10th - 12th grades, during the 2019-2020 school year, may apply for membership. Meetings will take place monthly, beginning in September 2019 through May 2020, via video conference, teleconference, and/or in-person.
Apply by May 10! Students interested should visit ICN's website at https://icn.iowa.gov/sybac.
Students entering 10th - 12th grades, during the 2019-2020 school year, may apply for membership. Meetings will take place monthly, beginning in September 2019 through May 2020, via video conference, teleconference, and/or in-person.
Apply by May 10! Students interested should visit ICN's website at https://icn.iowa.gov/sybac.
New Teacher Mentor Program at GHAEA
New hires for next year? Remember that Green Hills offers The Right Track Mentoring and Induction program to new teachers and their mentors! If interested, please contact Michelle Catterson at mcatterson@ghaea.org or 712-308-7611.
UNI Think Tank and Leadership Camp
Green Hills AEA has partnered with the University of Northern Iowa to host several Think Tank and Leadership Camp opportunities near you! Check out this flyer to learn more!
Thursday, April 25, 2019
Illustrative Math Curriculum Webinar
If you were unable to join us last week and are interested in possibly adopting Illustrative Math as your middle school and/or high school math curriculum please check out the recording.
Wednesday, April 17, 2019
Hanover Customer Satisfaction Survey Results
Last fall, we asked you to provide input on Green Hills AE services. We had 535 respondents fill out the survey. Hanover Research, a global market research and analytics firm, recently released results of an independent survey of Iowa’s educators regarding the services of Iowa’s Area Education Agency (AEA) system.
Key findings of the Green Hills AEA survey revealed that educators are quite pleased with AEA services overall in the areas of special education; educational services; and instructional, media, and technology. Some services even received 100 percent customer satisfaction rates, including diversity/multi-cultural education support, basic print services (black and white or color duplication), audio/visual production and/or duplication services, digital citizenship supports, digital learning/instructional technology integration support, and eRate consultation.
Two areas of growth indicated by the survey were behavioral help services and mental health services, which are growing concerns in schools statewide.
Please feel free to review the Hanover Research executive summary LINK regarding the survey.
Thank you for providing input on our services!
Key findings of the Green Hills AEA survey revealed that educators are quite pleased with AEA services overall in the areas of special education; educational services; and instructional, media, and technology. Some services even received 100 percent customer satisfaction rates, including diversity/multi-cultural education support, basic print services (black and white or color duplication), audio/visual production and/or duplication services, digital citizenship supports, digital learning/instructional technology integration support, and eRate consultation.
Two areas of growth indicated by the survey were behavioral help services and mental health services, which are growing concerns in schools statewide.
Please feel free to review the Hanover Research executive summary LINK regarding the survey.
Thank you for providing input on our services!
Learning Supports Symposium: Breakout Spotlight
Connecting Social Emotional Behavior Mental Health to Statewide School Improvement:
Statewide work is beginning to address Social Emotional Behavior and Mental Health. This work is being woven into tools for Self Assessment of MTSS and Universal Instruction. We will engage participants in how the work is connected at the system level and utilize the leadership conceptual area to have them begin thinking through the SEBMH component.
It's Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month!
April is Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month. Since it began as Mathematics Awareness Week back in 1986, the aim has been to increase the level of interest in the study of mathematics and also increase the level of public understanding and appreciation for the wide range of applications for mathematics in fields as diverse as manufacturing, business and medicine.
The Green Hills Math Team would love for you to engage in math learning this summer:
June 10 @ Avoca RO: AAIMS Progress Monitoring Training - Course #168598 (Click on link to register)
June 13-14 @ Creston RO: Introduction to Key Shifts in Math and the 8 Mathematical Teaching Practices - Course #180123 (Click on link to register)
June 26-27 @ Avoca RO: Introduction to Key Shifts in Math and the 8 Mathematical Teaching Practices - Course #180123 (Click on link to register)
Or give it a try now! How do you see this pattern growing? Watch Jo Boaler's Ted talk to learn about the growth mindset, mathematics, and how people may see this pattern growing. If you are in a hurry start at minute 4:30. Video link.
The Green Hills Math Team would love for you to engage in math learning this summer:
June 10 @ Avoca RO: AAIMS Progress Monitoring Training - Course #168598 (Click on link to register)
June 13-14 @ Creston RO: Introduction to Key Shifts in Math and the 8 Mathematical Teaching Practices - Course #180123 (Click on link to register)
June 26-27 @ Avoca RO: Introduction to Key Shifts in Math and the 8 Mathematical Teaching Practices - Course #180123 (Click on link to register)
Or give it a try now! How do you see this pattern growing? Watch Jo Boaler's Ted talk to learn about the growth mindset, mathematics, and how people may see this pattern growing. If you are in a hurry start at minute 4:30. Video link.
Summer Learning at Green Hills AEA
You can also check out our course catalog for a full listing of professional learning opportunities!
Course HIGHLIGHTS:
Course #168040
Intro to Iowa Core Social Studies- Elementary - Year 2
Intro to Iowa Core Social Studies- Elementary - Year 2
June 3 & 4 Red Oak RO
Participants will review year one professional development and begin to learn how to put the standards together into coherent unit plans following an inquiry story line; learn about good unit design, how to unpack and bundle standards and create compelling and supporting questions in order to create aligned and coherent units. Resources will also be shared that support the second year of implementation of new standards. This course supports the implementation of the Iowa Core Social Studies Standards. This is year two of a three-year state rollout plan to help teachers, coaches and administrators develop robust coherent Social Studies units that align with the standards.Course #168758
Improving Your Job Coaching Skills
June 10-12 Creston/Council Bluffs
June 17-19 Avoca
This course contain 18 module lessons focusing on improving participants job coaching skills.
The lessons focus on: Foundation of Employment Services, Performance Coaching and Support, and Strategies for Job Development. Upon completion of all 18 lessons, participants will be able to receive a job coaching certificate
The lessons focus on: Foundation of Employment Services, Performance Coaching and Support, and Strategies for Job Development. Upon completion of all 18 lessons, participants will be able to receive a job coaching certificate
Sunday, April 14, 2019
Learning Supports Symposium Breakout Spotlight
We are excited to share another amazing breakout session for this year's Learning Supports Symposium, Music's Social Emotional Power; Harness and Use it with Lori Lynn Ahrends!
One of the most powerful tools in an educator's toolbox is often the most underused. Music. The research is abundant as to music's power and its positive effects on our brain. Knowing this power, shouldn't we do all we can to harness and use it to serve our students?
This session will explore various intentional uses of music to support a positive classroom atmosphere, build trust, grow friendships, and improve behaviors.
Autism Awareness Charity Walk and Games
That Autism Awareness Charity Walk and Games is an event supported by the Autism Society of Iowa and sponsored by local businesses for Autism Awareness. There will be activities like face painting, tattoos, bubbles, matching game, fishing, making shapes, egg hunt, etc.
Join us at McKinley Park - 600 McKinley St. Creston, IA 50801 on April 27th!
For more information, click here
Join us at McKinley Park - 600 McKinley St. Creston, IA 50801 on April 27th!
For more information, click here
Upcoming Professional Learning Opportunities
- May 1 (morning session) at the Avoca RO - CPI Refresher Training - Course #154214
- May 1 (afternoon session) at the Avoca RO - CPI Refresher Training - Course #GH-14773
- May 2 at the Avoca RO - CPI Initial Training - Course #154210
- June 17 at the Red Oak RO- Course #180056 OR June 24, 25 at Avoca RO- Course #180057 Mentor "ReBoot" Camp
- Choose from a 1 day workshop (no credit) OR a 2 day course (one license renewal credit option).
- Previously trained mentors (Journey to Excellence) will attain some new knowledge and strategies about how to best support a new teacher! These offerings will equip you to have better conversations with your "mentee" and find even more ways to connect and learn from each other. We will also revisit the important roles mentors play: consultant, collaborator and coach! Leave with some new conversation frameworks and a renewed vision for helping new teachers achieve at the highest levels!
- The Workshop will provide a thorough overview of the topics mentioned and the 2 day Course will allow us to dive in even deeper - decide how much time you have then join us for one of these opportunities!
- June 18 at Red Oak RO - Fierce Accountability Summer Workshop - Course #168537
- For more information see this flyer
- NEW OFFERING! July 30,31 at Red Oak RO- High Impact Instructional Strategies within the Gradual Release Framework - Course #180174
- This course will provide an overview of the Gradual Release of Responsibility instructional framework. The Gradual Release of Responsibility framework provides teachers with common language to describe critical instructional moves, enhancing the collaborative capacity of a PLC or entire building. Participants will explore all phases of Doug Fisher and Nancy Frey’s classroom model, and learn about specific, high impact instructional strategies that align with the framework. During the two day workshop, participants will examine instructional strategies to use during Focused Instruction, Guided Instruction, Student Collaboration, and Independent Practice. All strategies highlighted will have a high effect size, according to John Hattie’s meta analysis work. Participants will also explore and experience ways to create student centered classrooms and enhance teacher student relationships. Establishing these conditions ensures a whole child approach to instruction and has a high effect size on student learning.
Friday, April 5, 2019
Green Hills AEA on the Radio
Catch Green Hills AEA Chief Administrator, Dr. Lolli Haws, speaking on the agency's customer satisfaction survey here at KMA Land. Dr. Haws also shares about the impacts of the recent floods on local districts and families who live in an effected community.
Gov. Reynolds, Lt. Gov. Gregg Issue Give Back Iowa Challenge
Gov. Kim Reynolds and Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg announced the start of the fifth annual Give Back Iowa Challenge on Monday. The challenge is issued to employers and runs from April 1-May 31, 2019, to engage Iowans in employer-supported volunteering.
“Volunteering and giving back is an integral part of what it means to be an Iowan,” Gov. Reynolds said. “The desire to make a difference or the spirit of personal and community responsibility is what empowers our small towns and urban areas. Volunteerism is one of the reasons why Iowa is such a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”
During the challenge, employers encourage their employees to volunteer and log their hours. Employers with the highest average number of volunteer hours per employee during the challenge period will be recognized and receive a visit at their workplace from Gov. Reynolds or Lt. Gov. Gregg. Multiple winners will be selected based on employer size.
The Give Back Iowa Challenge had 56 companies participate in 2018. The companies represented nearly 54,000 employees and 83,660 hours of volunteer time. Those hours equaled about a $1.9 million investment in Iowa communities.
“We appreciate the companies who have participated in the challenge the past four years,” Lt. Gov. Gregg said. “It’s been an honor to recognize their employees and celebrate the impact they’re making.”
The Give Back Iowa Challenge was created by representatives of employers across Iowa who served on the Iowa Employer Initiative Advisory Council. Today, the team at Volunteer Iowa leads the challenge each spring. Iowa employers are invited to register for the Give Back Iowa Challenge and learn more at https://volunteerchallenge.iowa.gov/. Registration is open through the end of the challenge on May 31st.
“Volunteering and giving back is an integral part of what it means to be an Iowan,” Gov. Reynolds said. “The desire to make a difference or the spirit of personal and community responsibility is what empowers our small towns and urban areas. Volunteerism is one of the reasons why Iowa is such a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”
During the challenge, employers encourage their employees to volunteer and log their hours. Employers with the highest average number of volunteer hours per employee during the challenge period will be recognized and receive a visit at their workplace from Gov. Reynolds or Lt. Gov. Gregg. Multiple winners will be selected based on employer size.
The Give Back Iowa Challenge had 56 companies participate in 2018. The companies represented nearly 54,000 employees and 83,660 hours of volunteer time. Those hours equaled about a $1.9 million investment in Iowa communities.
“We appreciate the companies who have participated in the challenge the past four years,” Lt. Gov. Gregg said. “It’s been an honor to recognize their employees and celebrate the impact they’re making.”
The Give Back Iowa Challenge was created by representatives of employers across Iowa who served on the Iowa Employer Initiative Advisory Council. Today, the team at Volunteer Iowa leads the challenge each spring. Iowa employers are invited to register for the Give Back Iowa Challenge and learn more at https://volunteerchallenge.iowa.gov/. Registration is open through the end of the challenge on May 31st.
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