Thursday, January 14, 2021
NEW Online Catalog Format For Professional Learning
We are excited to roll out a new, more user-friendly way to search for learning opportunities at GHAEA! Explore the new format HERE and let us know what you think in the comments section below!
Professional Learning COVID-19 Update
Due to the high number of positive COVID-19 cases, EXTERNAL Face to Face Professional Learning has been suspended through the month of February. Virtual opportunities are still available for registration! Stay healthy. Stay safe.
Upcoming Professional Learning Opportunities
NEW PREPaRE Workshop #2 - Course #154168 (Virtual)
March 4 - March 5 - 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.Register Here
PREPaRE Workshop 2 is a 2-day course that provides school-based mental health professionals and other school crisis intervention team members with the knowledge necessary to meet the mental health needs of students and staff following a school-associated crisis event.
NOTE: $55 materials fee
PREPaRE Workshop 2 is a 2-day course that provides school-based mental health professionals and other school crisis intervention team members with the knowledge necessary to meet the mental health needs of students and staff following a school-associated crisis event.
NOTE: $55 materials fee
Vocabulary in the Secondary Classroom - Course #200857 (Virtual)
January 21, February 25, March 25, April 22 - 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.Register Here
Course participants will learn about the importance of vocabulary development and the connection to reading comprehension. Sessions will include an overview of the current research into vocabulary development, background knowledge, and the implications to the educational classroom. Participants will learn how to choose high leverage words and the components of explicit vocabulary instruction.
Course participants will learn about the importance of vocabulary development and the connection to reading comprehension. Sessions will include an overview of the current research into vocabulary development, background knowledge, and the implications to the educational classroom. Participants will learn how to choose high leverage words and the components of explicit vocabulary instruction.
CPI Training - Virtual De-Escalation Training - Course #190305 - training only, no credit (Virtual)
January 18, 8 a.m. - NoonRegister Here
In an effort to minimize time outside of buildings, maintain the highest level of safety, while ensuring we can continue to meet your CPI training needs, Green Hills AEA will be moving to a hybrid learning model for de-escalation and physical restraint/holds. If staff have had the CPI refresher training two or more times, their blue card certification will be valid through the 2020-2021 school year.
In an effort to minimize time outside of buildings, maintain the highest level of safety, while ensuring we can continue to meet your CPI training needs, Green Hills AEA will be moving to a hybrid learning model for de-escalation and physical restraint/holds. If staff have had the CPI refresher training two or more times, their blue card certification will be valid through the 2020-2021 school year.
NOTE: Participants must register for the training in the online registration system so that materials can be van mailed prior to the training date.
Zoom link
Zoom link
Learning - Distance and Otherwise (Virtual)
January 25, 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Register Here (Google Form)
Audience: Classroom Teacher, Instructional Coaches, and AEA Consultants who have NOT taken Building Back Better. What have we learned from the pandemic? How can we use what we’ve learned to make education better?
Audience: Classroom Teacher, Instructional Coaches, and AEA Consultants who have NOT taken Building Back Better. What have we learned from the pandemic? How can we use what we’ve learned to make education better?
Zoom Link
Understanding Standards Aligned Writing - Course #200888 (Virtual)
February 1, March 4, 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.Register Here
This course content is developed by the members of the Iowa Statewide Literacy Leadership Team. The modules in this course will deepen teachers’ understanding of writing topics including unwrapping Writing Iowa Core Standards, standards alignment, student feedback types, the calibration process rubric scoring, and other evidence-based practices.
This course content is developed by the members of the Iowa Statewide Literacy Leadership Team. The modules in this course will deepen teachers’ understanding of writing topics including unwrapping Writing Iowa Core Standards, standards alignment, student feedback types, the calibration process rubric scoring, and other evidence-based practices.
Fierce Conversations - Course #160693 (Virtual)
February 5, February 19, March 4, March 26, April 8, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.Register Here
What gets talked about in an organization and how it gets talked about determines what will happen... or won’t happen. Consequently, the work begins by putting into place a foundation: four conversation models that become “workhorses” for individuals and organizations: Team Conversation, Coaching Conversation, Delegation Conversation, Confrontation Conversation.
NOTE: $130 materials fee.
What gets talked about in an organization and how it gets talked about determines what will happen... or won’t happen. Consequently, the work begins by putting into place a foundation: four conversation models that become “workhorses” for individuals and organizations: Team Conversation, Coaching Conversation, Delegation Conversation, Confrontation Conversation.
NOTE: $130 materials fee.
Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute - Course #154185 (Virtual)
February 1, February 3, February 8, February 10, February 15, February 17, 4 p.m. - 6 p.mRegister Here
Born at Google and based on neuroscience, the SIY program teaches emotional intelligence skills that lead to sustained peak performance, strong collaboration and effective leadership. SIY increases self-awareness, empathy, communication and resilience. All of these help create positive emotional and mental states for a strong and inspiring leadership presence. The program includes sessions on mindfulness, self-awareness, self-management, motivation, empathy, and leadership. For more information about SIYLI the organization visit www.siyli.org.
Born at Google and based on neuroscience, the SIY program teaches emotional intelligence skills that lead to sustained peak performance, strong collaboration and effective leadership. SIY increases self-awareness, empathy, communication and resilience. All of these help create positive emotional and mental states for a strong and inspiring leadership presence. The program includes sessions on mindfulness, self-awareness, self-management, motivation, empathy, and leadership. For more information about SIYLI the organization visit www.siyli.org.
Library Media Tech Concentration for Paraeducators
The support paraeducators offer in the school library setting is highly valued, and the support needed is unique to other positions in the building. Mississippi Bend AEA is offering a course, via Zoom, designed specifically for school library paraeducators. The course is twofold in that participants can earn 3 renewal credits and add the Level II Library Media Tech endorsement to their paraeducator certificate.
Paraeducators have the opportunity to grow their skillset and become licensed. In order to add the Library Media Technology Area of Concentration to a license, one must have completed the generalist program first. The generalist program consists of three courses, and in addition, includes a clinical experience and two observations. Questions can be directed to Heather Whitman at hwhitman@mbaea.org
Paraeducators have the opportunity to grow their skillset and become licensed. In order to add the Library Media Technology Area of Concentration to a license, one must have completed the generalist program first. The generalist program consists of three courses, and in addition, includes a clinical experience and two observations. Questions can be directed to Heather Whitman at hwhitman@mbaea.org
OpenSciEd Statewide Cohorts Beginning in February: Grades 6-8
h the implementation of A Framework for K–12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Even if teachers choose to not use these instructional materials, the learning around the instructional routines and accompanying shifts in classroom instruction will be valuable for 6th-8th grade science teachers and instructional coaches alike.
This course will utilize a blended learning model that includes three Zoom sessions which occur between three independently completed online, asynchronous learning sessions. Each unit training may be taken for one license renewal credit. To read an overview of each unit, click the corresponding link in the section below. You can also use the Course/Section number link to register. The registration deadline is February 1, 2021.
Chemical Reactions (Bath Bombs) - Recommended for 6th grade (Course #200877)
Matter Cycling and Photosynthesis - Recommended for 7th grade (Course #200882)
Weather, Climate, and Water Cycling - Recommended for 8th grade (Course #200881)
Iowa Seal of Biliteracy Available for Order
The Seal of Biliteracy is an award given by a district to recognize students who have attained proficiency in two or more languages, one of which is English, by high school graduation. If you need Biliteracy Seals for the 2020-21 school year, please contact Julia Hood with the number of seals you need.
Western Iowa Regents Resource Center Winter Newsletter
The Western Iowa Regents Resource Center's winter newsletter includes highlights about new scholarships, past and upcoming outreach activities, and community grant opportunities.
Thursday, December 17, 2020
Green Hills AEA Career and Technical Education (CTE) Regional Planning Partnerships (RPP) Award 2020-2021 Mini-Grants to 22 Districts
The career and technical education regional planning partnerships within the Green Hills AEA service area have awarded over $155,000 in mini-grants to 22 districts for the 2020-2021 school year. Through this year’s grants, 32 career and technical education programs received funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. This is the fourth year the regional planning partnerships have provided mini-grants to districts. Applications for the mini-grants were scored across multiple categories including how projects would help students become college and career ready, how projects would support the development of each career and technical education program, how proposed projects would support students in special populations, as well as the impact and priority of need for each project.
The mini-grant funds supported a variety of items across multiple fields of education. In the area of agriculture, mini-grant funds were used towards Bovine Artificial Insemination and Injection simulators, portable greenhouses, farrowing crates, and ultrasound equipment. In the area of health sciences, mini-grants were used for manikins, hospital beds, wheelchairs, and walkers. In the area of industrial technology, programs were able to acquire portable table saws, welders, VEX engineering equipment, computers, storage shed kits to build and sell, laser engravers, drill presses, and CNC lasers. In the area of business computers, heat press, vinyl cutters & printers, software, Cricut makers, tripods, and teleprompters were among the items requested. In the area of family and consumer sciences, the mini-grant funding was able to provide potting tables, refrigerators, ranges, microwave ovens, convection ranges, mixers, and cookware.
This year’s mini-grant recipients are:
As school district budgets continue to be pressured, these mini-grants have provided needed equipment for the oftentimes costly career and technical education programs.
“We have been incredibly fortunate to receive regional planning partnership mini-grants in the past. The mini-grants have provided us with equipment that is invaluable, not only in the classroom but also as we present to students of all ages. Through mini-grant funds, we were able to purchase interactive and engaging products that enhance the study of agriculture,” said Rosa Sondag, an agriculture teacher at Central Decatur Junior-Senior High School.
“The Sidney auto tech program received a regional planning partnership mini-grant award last year and it enabled us to purchase more tools for diagnosing problems and making repairs. This has also helped students to get more hands-on experience and has allowed more students to work at stations and projects at the same time. The mini-grant was a great boost to our program,” said Terry Whitehead, an industrial tech teacher at Sidney Junior-Senior High School.
The mini-grant funds supported a variety of items across multiple fields of education. In the area of agriculture, mini-grant funds were used towards Bovine Artificial Insemination and Injection simulators, portable greenhouses, farrowing crates, and ultrasound equipment. In the area of health sciences, mini-grants were used for manikins, hospital beds, wheelchairs, and walkers. In the area of industrial technology, programs were able to acquire portable table saws, welders, VEX engineering equipment, computers, storage shed kits to build and sell, laser engravers, drill presses, and CNC lasers. In the area of business computers, heat press, vinyl cutters & printers, software, Cricut makers, tripods, and teleprompters were among the items requested. In the area of family and consumer sciences, the mini-grant funding was able to provide potting tables, refrigerators, ranges, microwave ovens, convection ranges, mixers, and cookware.
This year’s mini-grant recipients are:
- Boyer Valley
- CAM
- Central Decatur
- Clarinda
- Council Bluffs
- Creston
- Essex
- Fremont Mills
- Griswold
- Harlan
- Lamoni
- Lewis Central
- Logan-Magnolia
- Mormon Trail
- Mount Ayr
- Nodaway Valley
- Sidney
- Southwest Valley
- Stanton
- Treynor
- Tri-Center
- Woodbine
As school district budgets continue to be pressured, these mini-grants have provided needed equipment for the oftentimes costly career and technical education programs.
“We have been incredibly fortunate to receive regional planning partnership mini-grants in the past. The mini-grants have provided us with equipment that is invaluable, not only in the classroom but also as we present to students of all ages. Through mini-grant funds, we were able to purchase interactive and engaging products that enhance the study of agriculture,” said Rosa Sondag, an agriculture teacher at Central Decatur Junior-Senior High School.
“The Sidney auto tech program received a regional planning partnership mini-grant award last year and it enabled us to purchase more tools for diagnosing problems and making repairs. This has also helped students to get more hands-on experience and has allowed more students to work at stations and projects at the same time. The mini-grant was a great boost to our program,” said Terry Whitehead, an industrial tech teacher at Sidney Junior-Senior High School.
Professional Learning COVID-19 Update
Due to the high number of positive COVID-19 cases, EXTERNAL Face to Face Professional Learning has been suspended through the month of January. Virtual opportunities are still available for registration! Stay healthy. Stay safe.
Upcoming Professional Learning Opportunities
Foundations of SEBH - Course #189831 (Virtual)
January 28, February 1, February 4, February 8, 3:45 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.Register Here
Participants will learn how to create safe, caring, healthy environments that serve as the foundation for Social-Emotional Behavioral Health in Iowa. Participants will explore these environmental conditions and the science behind them in order to promote positive well-being for all stakeholders within the educational system. When these environmental conditions are strengthened, positive academic, behavioral, and well-being outcomes can be achieved in a more efficient manner.
Participants will learn how to create safe, caring, healthy environments that serve as the foundation for Social-Emotional Behavioral Health in Iowa. Participants will explore these environmental conditions and the science behind them in order to promote positive well-being for all stakeholders within the educational system. When these environmental conditions are strengthened, positive academic, behavioral, and well-being outcomes can be achieved in a more efficient manner.
Integrating SEL 101 - Course #189868 (Virtual)
February 11, February 15, February 18, February 25, 3:45 p.m.-5:45 p.m.Register Here
Participants will become familiar with CASEL's 3 Signature Practices Playbook and use it to begin to develop lessons that integrate Social Emotional Learning into lessons with intention regardless of content. Iowa's Social Emotional Learning Competencies document, along with resources from CASEL will provide foundational knowledge for participants. The practices will be explicitly modeled and the instructional practices of discussion, reflection, guided practice, and independent practice will all be utilized. This course will require active engagement. Research demonstrates that instruction that includes Social Emotional Learning has been shown to increase academic performance, improve attitudes and behaviors toward school, decrease negative behaviors, and reduce emotional stress.
Participants will become familiar with CASEL's 3 Signature Practices Playbook and use it to begin to develop lessons that integrate Social Emotional Learning into lessons with intention regardless of content. Iowa's Social Emotional Learning Competencies document, along with resources from CASEL will provide foundational knowledge for participants. The practices will be explicitly modeled and the instructional practices of discussion, reflection, guided practice, and independent practice will all be utilized. This course will require active engagement. Research demonstrates that instruction that includes Social Emotional Learning has been shown to increase academic performance, improve attitudes and behaviors toward school, decrease negative behaviors, and reduce emotional stress.
NEW Access to Education: Meeting and Exceeding Requirements - Course #190759 (Virtual)
January 4, February 8, March 22, April 19, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.Participants will learn how to create a variety of accessible materials so students will be able to access core content and different learning environments. Regardless of whether student learners have a disability of any kind, a majority of students use closed captions at least some of the time. Roughly 90 percent of all students who use closed captions find them at least moderately helpful for learning. Specific ways in which closed captions can aid comprehension, accuracy, engagement and retention of learning will be explored in this course. Participants will develop knowledge and skills to meet the requirements of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA) which requires assistive technology (AT) be considered at the yearly individualized education program (IEP) meeting of every student in special education.
NEW REWARDS Workshop - Course #180317 (Virtual)
January 4, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.Register Here
This workshop is for teachers who have struggling readers who are reading at/near 3rd to 5th-grade reading level. REWARDS is a reading intervention specifically designed for adolescent struggling readers. It is a powerful short-term intervention that results in long-term literacy achievement. The program supports any core curriculum and offers flexible implementation options. The ultimate goal of REWARDS is to increase fluency rates and deepen comprehension of informational and content-area texts.
Register Here
This workshop is for teachers who have struggling readers who are reading at/near 3rd to 5th-grade reading level. REWARDS is a reading intervention specifically designed for adolescent struggling readers. It is a powerful short-term intervention that results in long-term literacy achievement. The program supports any core curriculum and offers flexible implementation options. The ultimate goal of REWARDS is to increase fluency rates and deepen comprehension of informational and content-area texts.
NEW Restorative Practices Using Circles in Classrooms - Course #190593 (Virtual)
January 4, January 11, January 18, January 25, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.Register Here
This course will allow you to use the basics of Restorative Practices in your classroom and school. The fundamental premise of restorative practices is that people are happier, more cooperative and productive, and more likely to make positive changes when those in authority do things with them, rather than to them or for them. The field of restorative practices has significant implications for all aspects of society - from families, classrooms, schools, and prisons to workplaces, associations, governments, even whole nations - because restorative practices can develop better relationships among these organizations’ constituents and help the overall organization function more effectively. In schools, the use of restorative practices has been shown to reliably reduce misbehavior, bullying, violence, and crime among students and improve the overall climate for learning. We devote much of our in-person (or virtual) time to teaching attendees to facilitate restorative circles. Circles are an essential process for building social capital, resolving social problems, and responding when harm occurs. Circles create a positive learning environment. You will learn by participating in circles with other attendees, taking turns to learn how to facilitate. By the end of the day, you will be prepared to return to your setting and run your first circle!
Materials Note: Participants are required to purchase the book themselves prior to the course starting date: Restorative Circles in Schools: A Practical Guide for Educators - Second Edition - available through www.amazon.com.
Materials Note: Participants are required to purchase the book themselves prior to the course starting date: Restorative Circles in Schools: A Practical Guide for Educators - Second Edition - available through www.amazon.com.
NEW Paraeducator Professional Learning Series - Course #200858 (Virtual)
January 6, February 13, March 6, April 7 - 3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.Register Here
The course will consist of 4 virtual synchronous sessions (via Zoom) and 4 self-paced modules. Asynchronous Modules
1) Social-Emotional Learning
2) Understanding Trauma
3) Behavior Principles 101
4) Collaborating with Teachers (Roles and Responsibilities)
**This course does NOT replace the Paraeducator Generalist Certification course
January 21, February 25, March 25, April 22 - 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
The course will consist of 4 virtual synchronous sessions (via Zoom) and 4 self-paced modules. Asynchronous Modules
1) Social-Emotional Learning
2) Understanding Trauma
3) Behavior Principles 101
4) Collaborating with Teachers (Roles and Responsibilities)
**This course does NOT replace the Paraeducator Generalist Certification course
NEW Vocabulary in the Secondary Classroom - Course #200857 (Virtual)
January 11, February 15, March 15, April 12 - 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.January 21, February 25, March 25, April 22 - 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Register Here
Course participants will learn about the importance of vocabulary development and the connection to reading comprehension. Sessions will include an overview of the current research into vocabulary development, background knowledge, and the implications to the educational classroom. Participants will learn how to choose high leverage words and the components of explicit vocabulary instruction. Effective vocabulary strategies will be discussed, as well as, when and how to use these strategies in content instruction. The study of morphology and the understanding of word forms and word relationships will also be covered throughout the series.
Course participants will learn about the importance of vocabulary development and the connection to reading comprehension. Sessions will include an overview of the current research into vocabulary development, background knowledge, and the implications to the educational classroom. Participants will learn how to choose high leverage words and the components of explicit vocabulary instruction. Effective vocabulary strategies will be discussed, as well as, when and how to use these strategies in content instruction. The study of morphology and the understanding of word forms and word relationships will also be covered throughout the series.
Paraeducator Generalist Certification Courses:
Paraeducator Course #1 - Ethical & Professional Practices/Professional Relationships - Course #189672Register Here - Training only, certification for certificate
Paraeducator Course #2 - Environment/Content & Instruction/Ethical & Professional Practice - Course #189673
Register Here - Training only, certification for certificate
Paraeducator Course #3 - Emotional & Behavioral Needs/Professional Responsibilities/Ethical & Professional Practice - Course #189674
Register Here - Training only, certification for certificate
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
Green Hills AEA Districts Receive Computer Science Professional Development Incentive Fund Grant
On December 15th, Gov. Kim Reynolds announced $883,097 in annual awards that will prepare K-12 teachers in more than 167 school districts and nonpublic schools to teach computer science. Several districts within the Green Hills AEA service area will receive funds from this award to pay for teacher professional development, including training to teach specific computer science courses and earning in-depth university endorsements to teach computer science. Read the Department of Education's press release HERE.
GHAEA Districts:
GHAEA Districts:
- AHSTW
- Bedford
- Boyer Valley
- Central Decatur
- Creston
- Creston St. Malachy
- East Union
- Essex
- Fremont-Mills
- Glenwood
- Lamoni
- Lenox
- Lewis Central
- Logan-Magnolia
- Missouri Valley
- Mormon Trail
- Mt. Ayr
- Murray
- Orient-Macksburg
- Red Oak
- Shenandoah
- Stanton
- Treynor
- Underwood
- Woodbine
Creative Services Update
Seasonal Note Cards: We design it. You write it. We print it.
Administrators can keep in touch and reach out to staff, students, and families with seasonal note cards. You can order blank cards or type in your own message when you place your order. Go to THIS LINK. Log in with single sign-on (SSO) —the username/password used for Mandatory Reporter or Bloodborne Pathogens. Enter note cards in the search box.
Blank card: $0.06 each
Personalized card: $0.08 each
Blank A2 envelope: $0.04 each
Folded size: 5.5”x4.25”
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