School Administrators of Iowa

Financial Resource Allocation Webinar - Sign up for free Nov. 23 event

Tracy Harms — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:47:23 +0000

The Academy of Educational Development has developed four different rubrics: financial resource allocation, human resource allocation, use of data and governance. The upcoming Webinar, offered free to districts and AEAs, will use the financial resource allocation rubric, given its relevance with the recent across-the-board cuts. Participants will also have access to the other rubrics. This online experience is available to any district or AEA personnel who wish to be trained in the facilitation of the rubrics’ use with groups. The two-hour training will be offered Nov. 23 from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Costs are underwritten by the Wallace Grant. To register to participate contact Jody Linkenhoker, jlinkenhoker@sai-iowa.org.

Aspiring to Administration, Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the SAI Office

Tracy Harms — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:39:28 +0000

This Nov. 18 event is for educators seeking their first administrative positions to learn and comment on what administrators from around the state are saying about school leadership. SAI members will share their experiences, as well as respond to questions from participants. In addition, opportunities will be provided to prepare for an administrative interview through a focus on the Iowa Standards for School Leaders. Participants are asked to bring a resume or list of leadership experiences to use during the day. Register today, enrollment is limited. More information...

Iowa's administrator professional growth work featured in NSDC's "The Learning System"

Tracy Harms — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:36:57 +0000

National Staff Development Council just published the latest issue of The Learning System, its newsletter for district personnel. Much of the September issue spotlights Iowa's efforts to use professional growth plans as a vehicle for focusing the work of the superintendent. The same kinds of results can happen with principals as superintendents coach them using their required professional development plans. The model superintendent and principal evaluation guides are now under revision and should be available by November. A new tool for central office personnel will also be online by then.

Gov. Culver Proclaims October Parental Involvement in Children's Education Month

Tracy Harms — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 22:07:31 +0000

October has been designated Parental Involvement in Children's Education Month in Iowa. This recognition emphasizes parents’ roles in student achievement and encourages them to partner with schools in their children's education. The Iowa Statewide Parent Information Resource Center Web site offers a detailed engagement toolkit for educators and tips for parents to support their kids. As schools hold Parent-Teacher conferences in the coming months, Iowa PIRC director Ed Redalen's SAI Report article offers ideas for these meetings to serve as the cornerstone to developing strong parent-school relationships.

Jere Vyverberg named 2009-10 Iowa Superintendent of the Year

Tracy Harms — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 22:12:18 +0000

Superintendent Jere Vyverberg of Waverly-Shell Rock Community School District is the 2009-10 Iowa Superintendent of the Year as selected by a committee of SAI members. Read more about the selection in the October SAI Report. View KWWL TV's coverage.

Leading, Learning and Teaching in the 21st Century with Tony Wagner

Tracy Harms — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 21:27:30 +0000

Dr. Tony Wagner, author of The Global Achievement Gap, addressed more than 600 administrators, teachers, students and business people September 16 in Des Moines. Here's the beginning of a collection of resources focusing on reinventing education. More will soon be added.

Tony Wagner's PowerPoint

Judy Jeffrey's PowerPoint

Initial resources list

September 16 Event Evaluation

SAI member book study of The Global Achievement Gap

Did You Know 4.0? Video Now Available

Tracy Harms — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:08:16 +0000

An official update to the original "Shift Happens" video. This completely new Fall 2009 version includes facts and stats focusing on the changing media landscape, including convergence and technology,

Sept. 10 Iowa Journal Features Principals from the State

Tracy Harms — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 21:24:41 +0000

As a prelude to The Principal Story, airing September 15 at 9:30 p.m. on IPTV, Iowa Journal will highlight our state's principals' efforts to redefine their roles. Tune into IPTV at 8 p.m. September 10 to see the interviews with Iowa leaders. The program will also stream on the Iowa Journal Web site.

Kerry Purcell, one of the leaders showcased in The Principal Story, was recently in the SAI office to speak to the Executive Committee and Representative Council. Watch the interview Wallace Grant Director Troyce Fisher had the opportunity to conduct while Kerry was in Iowa.

Flu Season Resources and Guidance Issued

Tracy Harms — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:17:05 +0000

The Iowa Department of Education (DE) and the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) are working together to prepare for the 2009-10 influenza season and are providing the following materials to assist Iowa’s K-12 school officials in their planning. Please review and consider the information and recommendations as you develop your school’s influenza-related initiatives.

Critical Role of Principals Featured in September PBS Programs

Tracy Harms — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:26:06 +0000

Ask a person on the street what a principal does, and they’re going to respond with what they witnessed when they were in school. The Principal Story, a new PBS documentary, will air September 15 at 9:30 p.m. as schools are into the year full stride with administrators setting the pace. Preceding the national story’s debut, Iowa Public Television will highlight Iowa principals’ efforts to redefine their role to one of instructional leadership through a 30-minute program to be televised September 10 at 8 p.m.

The Principal Story portrays the challenges principals face in turning around low-performing public schools and raising student achievement. This intimate, emotional one-year journey is seen through the eyes of two dynamic principals: one in only her second year in the Chicago Public Schools system; and the other, a seven-year veteran in Springfield, Ill. The film reveals the struggles these leaders face as they keep their focus on improving teaching and learning amid the competing demands of managing their staffs and engaging their students and communities. Find out more about the documentary and watch clips.

The documentary makes clear that principals have the power to help change lives as the chief learning officers of their schools. You can use this documentary as a tool in your school community to create awareness of the principals’ wide-reaching ability to positively influence school communities.

Resources:

The National Association of Elementary School Principals offers tips on how to use the documentary.

The National Staff Development Council has produced THE PRINCIPAL STORY Field Guide: A Companion to the PBS Documentary for Promoting Leadership for Learning. The Field Guide offers guidance and resources to turn viewing into professional learning experiences that focus on effective leader performance to improve teaching and learning.
Board members from the Iowa affiliate of the NSDC have volunteered to facilitate dialogue that leaders may want to have with teacher groups, community groups, etc.