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Diverse Learners
The wide range of diversities in the United States is one of our national treasures, and Iowa’s schools reflect that rich diversity.  Information about diverse learners is used by teachers to create a democratic and humane environment where all students are seen as individuals, who are respected and valued for their diversity.

Alternative Education Print E-mail

icon Decision Matrix for Student Program and Dropout Status
icon Alternative School Programs

Contact:

Susan Walkup, Consultant
515-281-5718
susan.walkup@iowa.gov

Last Updated ( Friday, 14 December 2007 )
 
At Risk & Dropout Prevention Print E-mail

At Risk Programs & Services

Guidelines for Serving At-Risk Students Guidelines for Serving At-Risk Students (2007-10-15)
Guidelines for Serving At-Risk Students Guidelines for Serving At-Risk Students (2007-10-15)
icon Effectiveness Evaluation Programs and Support Services for Dropout and Dropout Prevention - Including Students At-Risk
icon Effectiveness Evaluation Programs and Support Services for Dropout and Dropout Prevention - Including Students At-Risk

Dropout Prevention 

Modified Allowable Growth for Services for Returning Dropouts and
Dropout Prevention under Iowa Code section 257.38-41

Rules have been adopted by the State Board of Education to incorporate the application process for modified allowable growth for returning dropout and dropout prevention services into the comprehensive school improvement planning. This action was intended to reduce paperwork and redundancy and to assure comprehensive local planning for all children and youth. To access the available funds, districts must complete the modified allowable growth application available at the Department’s secure website, www.edinfo.state.ia.us. Applications for modified allowable growth must be filed with the Department no later than December 15 of the prior school year in which the funds are to be used.

The budget of an approved program for returning dropouts and dropout prevention for a school district, after subtracting funds received from other sources for that purpose, shall be funded annually on a basis of one-fourth or more from the district cost and up to three-fourths by an increase in allowable growth, as defined in Iowa Code section 257.41. By February 15 of each year, the Iowa Department of Education will notify the Department of Management and School Budget Review Committee of the approved budget for each program submitted by local school districts. The Department of Management will establish a modified allowable growth for each district equal to the lesser of the portion of the budget that is not funded from the district’s local budget, or five percent of the budget enrollment multiplied times the district cost per pupil. School districts will be notified of the action of the School Budget Review Committee following its March meeting through the unofficial summary posted on the Department’s web site.

Budgets approved on the basis of this application must be used for expenditures as described in the approved Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP) activities or approved continuing applications presently on file at the Department of Education. Balances can be carried over and used to offset future costs and requests for modified allowable growth.



Documents:
Provided by Lisa Oakley, Iowa Department of Management.

icon 2007 At-Risk Allocations
icon Effectiveness Evaluation Programs and Support Services for Dropout and Dropout Prevention - Including Students At-Risk
icon Effectiveness Evaluation Programs and Support Services for Dropout and Dropout Prevention - Including Students At-Risk
icon Modified Allowable Growth for Services for Returning Dropouts and Dropout Prevention
icon Decision Matrix for Student Program and Dropout Status

SBRC Modified Allowable Growth for Services for Returning Dropouts and Dropout Prevention

The 21 Most Effective Dropout Prevention Strategies

icon Keys to Success for Dropout Prevention Rubric
icon Definitions For Keys To Success for Dropout Prevention


 Contact:
Susan Walkup, Consultant
515-281-5718
susan.walkup@iowa.gov
 

Last Updated ( Friday, 08 February 2008 )
 
English Language Learners Print E-mail

According to Iowa Code section 280.4, a limited English proficient student is defined as follows: "a student's language background is in a language other than English, and the student's proficiency in English is such that the probability of the student's academic success in an English-only classroom is below that of an academically successful peer with an English language background." The term English Language Learners (ELL) will replace the term Limited English Proficient (LEP).

 Our Kids

This flyer describes the 2008 Our Kids Event to be held at the University of Northern Iowa, July 22-24. Registration will be available in the very near future, so please watch this site for more information.

For questions regarding the event, you may contact Our Kids Event coordinator, Stephaney Jones-Vo at stephaneyvo@mchsi.com or by calling 515-270-9030.

Our Kids Flyer Our Kids Flyer
Summer Seminars for Eduators of English Language Learners
July 22-24, 2008
 

Handbooks

icon Educating Iowa's English Language Learners (A Handbook for Administrators and Teachers)
The handbook seeks to give Iowa educators a picture of the unique needs of English Language Learners (ELL). It offers a guide for providing equal access to the quality education available in the state. The handbook will primarily benefit those responsible for designing and implementing programs in local school districts.

Guidelines

Guidelines for the Inclusion of ELL in K12 Assessments Guidelines for the Inclusion of ELL in K12 Assessments
icon Addendum to Guidelines Inclusion of ELL in K-12 Assessments

Assessment of ELL

icon Memo
icon Enrollment Status Descriptors 2007 - A summary table of a student's status based on English language proficiency.

Guides

Professional Development Guide

icon Our Kids English Language Learners in Your Classroom
icon Our Kids English Language Learners in Your Classroom Presentation

District Self-Study Guide

icon District Self Study Guide

Standards

icon Guidelines for Implementing English Language Proficiency Standards in Iowa - Provides Iowa school districts with guidance in the implementation of English language proficiency standards. 

School Budget Review Committee Requests

Contact
Colleen Anderson
515-281-3805
colleen.anderson@iowa.gov

 

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 07 May 2008 )
 
Gifted & Talented Print E-mail

This information is intended for use by administrators, teachers, area education agencies, students, parents and other individuals who have an interest in gifted and talented education in the state of Iowa.
Gifted and Talented programs are required in Iowa Code section 256.11, the chapter on Educational Standards.

Administrative Rule
281--Iowa Adminstrative Code 12.5(12) describes Gifted and Talented requirements in the state's General Accreditation Standards for schools.

icon Gifted and Talented Funding In Iowa

Link to Gifted and Talented Budget Information and Allocations

Educational Research News
http://www.ernweb.com

The mission of the Educational Research Network is to build a close-knit community among the parents, teachers, teacher educators, administrators, policy makers and researchers who produce and use educational knowledge.

Iowa Talented and Gifted Association
http://www.iowatag.org

ITAG is an organization which was organized more than 25 years ago with a vision that gifted/talented children in the state of Iowa should receive an education commensurate with their abilities and needs.

National Association for Gifted Children
http://www.nagc.org

NAGC is a non-profit organization of parents, teachers, educators, community leaders and other professionals who unite to address the unique needs of all children and youth.

Laws-Rules-Legislation

Various state laws and administrative rules determine how Gifted and Talented education should be provided and funded.  

Budget Allocations 

Per Pupil Budget Amounts

Appropriate Uses of Funds 

 Contact:

Rosanne Malek, Consultant
515-281-3199
rosanne.malek@iowa.gov

Last Updated ( Friday, 08 February 2008 )
 
Homeless Print E-mail

The mission of the Office of State Coordinator for Homeless Education is to assure quality school programs and services for homeless children and youth through the dissemination of pertinent information and resources for use in assessment, evaluation, development, and revision of programs and services.

Vision
It is envisioned that all Iowa school districts will provide appropriate and successful programs and services for the education of all homeless children and youth in Iowa.

State Coordinator
The coordinator has the responsibility to insure the development of a state plan that provides for the education of homeless children and youth in Iowa. Additional responsibilities include collaborating with other agencies and organizations to improve comprehensive services to families, children, and youth in homeless situations, administering a grant process to allow school districts to access federal funds, preparing reports for the U.S. Secretary of Education, estimating the number of homeless children and youth in the state and reporting the number of children and youth served by the McKinney Homeless Assistance Act.

Contacts

Homeless Liason Directory - Identifies name, district, position and contact information for persons identified to serve as liaison for implementing Title X, NCLB.
Homeless Liaison Directory Homeless Liaison Directory

Organizations and Planning Groups
icon Organizations and Planning Groups

Links

Facts and Policy on Homelessness on National Level
(http://www.npach.org)

Iowa Legal Aid
(http://www.iowalegalaid.org)

United States Council on Homelessness
(http://www.ich.gov)

NAEHCY: National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth
(http://www.naehcy.org)

Reports on Homelessness - Des Moines Register
(http://desmoinesregister.com/extras/homeless/index.html)

Iowa Finance Authority: Homeless Housing Assistance
(http://www.ifahome.com)

Iowa Department of Economic Development
(http://www.community.state.ia.us/housing/index.html)

National Center for Homeless Education
(http://www.serve.org/nche)

National Coalition for the Homeless
(http://www.nationalhomeless.org)

National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty
(http://www.nlchp.org)

Illinois' Opening Doors Program
(http://www.lth3.k12.il.us/openingdoors)

Iowa Department of Economic Development
(http://www.state.ia.us/ided/crd/housing/homeless.html)

Texas Homeless Education Office (THEO)
(http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo)

United States Department of Education
(http://www.ed.gov)

Housing and Urban Development
(http://www.hud.gov/homeless/index.cfm)

Research Group on Homelessness and Poverty
(http://www.science.wayne.edu/~ptoro)

New/Critical Issues

Local Homeless Education Agency Liaison Toolkit
The Local Homeless Education Liaison Toolkit is a comprehensive tool that will assist both new and veteran local homeless education liaisons in carrying out their responsibilities. Over 200 pages of the best and most current information on increasing access to and success in educational opportunities for children and youth experiencing homelessness are provided in the Toolkit. The Toolkit includes chapters, appendices and a PowerPoint presentation. The Entire Toolkit or individual sections listed below may be downloaded using Adobe Acrobat. http://www.serve.org/nchehomeless@serve.org.

Internet Resource Information
People who work with the issue of homelessness in capacities such as educator, graduate student, social researcher, or shelter provider frequently have a need for basic information, data and/or statistics about homelessness. This information may be necessary to develop proposals for funding, conduct research projects, and increase awareness of homelessness. Following is a list of Internet websites that provide access to information about homelessness. Most websites provide links to additional resources.

Questions? Call 800-308-2145

The Education of Homeless Children and Youth
A Compendium of Research and Information. National Center for Homeless Education at SERVE, 1100 West Market Street, Suite 300, Greensboro, North Carolina, 27403. This compendium provides research and information related to the educational needs of homeless children and youth. HelpLine: (800) 308-2145, Web site: http://www.serve.org/nche

Educating Homeless Students: Promising Practices
Eye on Education, 6 Depot Way West, Suite 106, Larchmont, New York, 10538. This book was created to address concerns about homelessness through honest appraisals of the challenges faced by homeless children, youth and families; and, descriptions of promising practices created by individuals and organizations in diverse communities.

Planning and Staff Development

The web pages in this section provide resources for school personnel assigned to plan and/or implement educational programs and services for homeless children and youth. Effective programs and services are best accomplished if pertinent resources are available that provide the information needed to make informed decisions. Existing thought of the office of education for homeless children and youth staff and the statewide advisory committee indicates that resources need to be available for school personnel to achieve understanding of the objectives listed below:

Homeless Assistance

Iowa Coalition for Housing and the Homeless
http://www.nationalhomeless.org/state/iowa.html

Iowa Department of Economic Development
http://www.state.ia.us/ided/crd/housing/homeless.html

United Way Information and Referral to Human Services Organizations
Call 211

Documents

Iowa Homeless Population Form for Use by Schools
icon Iowa Homeless Population Form for Use by Schools


Homelessness: Local Program Planning and Review Guides:
Services for Homeless Children and Youth
This guide includes two review formats, a Basic School and Community Service/Activity Checklists and a Comprehensive Local Education Agency Program Review Guide. These formats were developed to serve as tools to be used locally by school district personnel and Boards of Education in assessing needs and planning the development of quality policies and procedures to serve homeless children and youth. The formats address the requirements of Chapter 33, Educating the Homeless, Iowa Administrative Code and the requirements of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, Title X, NCLB. In addition, they include policies and procedures that are monitored during the Iowa Department of Education’s equity and school improvement accreditation visitations. Chapter 33 and the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act are included in the Appendices.
icon Homelessness: Local Program Planning and Review Guides: Services for Homess Children and Youth

Standards and Indicators of Quality McKinney-Vento Programs
icon Standards and Indicators of Quality McKinney Vento Programs

Presentations

icon Homeless Children in the School Nutrition Program

Awareness and McKinney-Vento
This PowerPoint presents awareness information and the provisions of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Also helpful suggestions for using the PowerPoint is in Appendix N, page 177, of Local Homeless Education Liaison Toolkit. It includes sensitivity lessons, speaker notes, presenters tip sheet and handouts.
icon Awareness and McKinney Vento

icon Homeless Students Definitions Rights and Identificatio

icon Homeless Students Meeting Their Needs

Title X Part C

On-Site Links

McKinney-Vento Homeless Act

Laws, Rules & Legislation

Links to Related Content (off-site)
USDE

Link to Chapter 33 - Iowa Administrative Code
(http://www.legis.state.ia.us/Rules/Current/iac/281iac/28133/28133.pdf)

National Center for Homeless Education
(http://www.serve.org/nche/legis.htm)

Housing and Urban Development
(http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/homeless/rulesandregs/laws/index.cfm)

Nutrition Programs
Homeless Access Legislation
Provides information on the new law identifying homeless as eligible for free and reduced lunches and all meal programs.
icon Nutrition Programs Homeless Access Legislation

Head Start - Guidance
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Provides guidance to agencies regarding access to head start programs for homeless children. Local LEA liaisons will be responsible for access assistance.
icon Head Start Guidance US Department of Health and Human Services

Runaways - Iowa Legislation and Rules
This document includes citations developed and reviewed by members of the policy studies group of Success4. The citations allow quick reference to code and rules on runaways to be used by local liaisons for homeless education.
icon Runaways Iowa Legislation and Rules

Homelessness: Local Program Planning and Review Guides:
Services for Homeless Children and Youth
This guide includes two review formats, a Basic School and Community Service/Activity Checklists and a Comprehensive Local Education Agency Program Review Guide. These formats were developed to serve as tools to be used locally by school district personnel and Boards of Education in assessing needs and planning the development of quality policies and procedures to serve homeless children and youth. The formats address the requirements of Chapter 33, Educating the Homeless, Iowa Administrative Code and the requirements of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, Title X, NCLB. In addition, they include policies and procedures that are monitored during the Iowa Department of Education’s equity and school improvement accreditation visitations. Chapter 33 and the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act are included in the Appendices.
icon Homeless Local Program Planning and Review Guides Services or Homeless Children and Youth

Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP): Assurances Pertaining to Homeless Children and Youth
icon Comprehensive School Improvement Plan CSIP Assurances Pertaining to Homeless Children and Youth

Homeless Children in the School Nutrition Programs Memorandum Sent to Homeless Liaisons
icon Homeless Children in the School Nutrition Programs Memo and to Homeless Liaisons

Key Provisions in Title I Relating to Homelessness
icon Key Provisions in Title I Relating to Homelessness

Responsibilities for Local Homeless Education Liaisons
icon Responsibilities for Local Homeless Education Liaisons

Grant

Funds Awarded

McKinney-Vento Programs in Iowa, 2003-2006
The deadline for submitting the Application for Approval was 4/28/03. Ten applications were received. Seven school districts were awarded McKinney grant funds for 2003-2006. If funds become available to approve an additional grant(s), the district(s) to be funded will be selected from the three districts not awarded funds. If funds become available to fund more than ten districts a request for applications will be posted on this webpage. Program abstracts are presented below.
Abstracts

Year End Report for Districts Receiving McKinney-Vento Funding
icon Year End Report for Districts Receiving McKinney-Vento Funding


Application for Funding: Homeless

Application for Approval
School Programs and Support Services for Homeless Children and Youth
This application originates from Title X, NCLB, the McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, which directs states to issue sub-grants to local school districts to provide support assistance for homeless children and youth.

icon Application for Approval School Programs and Support Services for Homeless Children and Youth

Documents/Major Studies

Head Start Demonstration Projects Serving Homeless Families
Identifies lessons learned in serving preschool populations of homeless children.
icon Head Start Demonstration Projects Serving Homeless Families


Identification and Needs Assessment Form:
Preschool and School Age Children and Youth Living in Homeless Situations
A form in text format for use by schools in recording pertinent information regarding children and youth identified as living in homeless situations. The form is useful in (1) obtaining a cumulative count of the number identified, (2) determining individual needs, (3) maintaining information regarding individuals and (4) obtaining summary reports of demographic data, characteristics, and needs of homeless children and youth.
icon Identification and Needs Assessment Form Homeless School Age Children and Youth

Educating Homeless Children and Youth
The process presents procedures and materials for use in identifying homeless children and youth, assessing their educational and personal needs, providing them appropriate programs and services, maintaining a cumulative count of the number identified and collecting demographic data and information regarding characteristics and living situations.
icon Educating Homeless Children and Youth

Imagine the Possibilities - Chapter 1
icon Imagine the Possibilities Chapter One

Book Reviews

Rural Homelessness: Research and Resources
Annotations of books pertaining to rural homelessness, rethinking orphanages, runaways and cast outs, homelessness in America, educating homeless students, evaluation of collaborative services and understanding poverty.
icon Rural Homelessness Research and Resources

Posters

Chapter 33, IAC requires postings in communities regarding services for homeless children and families. These model posters can be used to create local versions.

Information for Parents
icon Information for Parents

Information for School-Aged Youth
icon Information for School Aged Youth


Homelessness: Local Program Planning and Review Guides:
Services for Homeless Children and Youth
This guide includes two review formats, a Basic School and Community Service/Activity Checklists and a Comprehensive Local Education Agency Program Review Guide. These formats were developed to serve as tools to be used locally by school district personnel and Boards of Education in assessing needs and planning the development of quality policies and procedures to serve homeless children and youth. The formats address the requirements of Chapter 33, Educating the Homeless, Iowa Administrative Code and the requirements of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, Title X, NCLB. In addition, they include policies and procedures that are monitored during the Iowa Department of Education’s equity and school improvement accreditation visitations. Chapter 33 and the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act are included in the Appendices.
icon Local Program Planning and Review Guides Services for Homeless Children and Youth

Student Curriculum

Life Skills for Kids
A resource and activity guide for homeless children, ages 7 to 12. Ten "life-skill" lessons, including self-esteem, social skills/budgeting, self concept in art and photography.

Student Curriculum Resources
icon Student Curriculum Resources

Contact:
Donna Eggleston, Consultant
515-281-3999
donna.eggleston@iowa.gov

Last Updated ( Thursday, 15 November 2007 )
 
I-JAG Print E-mail
ijag

Iowa Jobs for America's Graduates (I-JAG) is a program to specifically reduce the number of students who are at risk of dropping out and help them to become productive youth. I-JAG, Inc. was formed to develop a statewide system of school-to-work transition and dropout prevention for Iowa's youth facing multiple barriers to success and is modeled after a highly successful, nationally proven program that is currently in 26 states. Following the national JAG model, the work of I-JAG is to:

  • Increase graduation rates for students facing multiple barriers to success
  • Develop workplace competencies that aid in effective school to life transitions
  • Provide 12 months of post-high school follow-up
  • Provide individual career planning
  • Raise student aspirations
  • Teach teamwork; volunteerism and leadership
  • Provide extra help for academic success

As the performance data (attachment) indicates the I-JAG model has proven itself to be an effective way to reduce high dropout rates, improve attendance, increase student GPA, improve graduation rates, and successfully transition students into continued education and work.  These goals have been achieved by reconnecting students to family, school and community through a solid curriculum and a dedicated staff person whose full responsibility is only to the I-JAG students.   Currently I-JAG has served over 3,500 students in partnership with 18 Iowa schools, helping to improve the quality of their education, life choices and workforce competencies.  In January 2007 I-JAG will be located in 20 Iowa schools. 

In 2006 the American Youth Policy Forum listed the JAG model as one of six effective youth development programs in the nation.  (Portion of document attached).

Teaching Employability Skills

Through the I-JAG model, students receive up to 850 hours of classroom instruction, which focus on 37 core competencies per year and up to 84 competencies if students are in the multi-year program.  Perhaps one of the most enduring opportunities for a student enrolled in I-JAG is the Career Association established and managed by the students.  The student-led association provides an opportunity for them to:

  • Build self-esteem
  • Demonstrate leadership skills
  • Explore career and educational opportunities

Contribute to community projects Explore career opportunities Students are charged with electing officers, establishing goals, planning community service projects and fundraising to carry them out, learning to lead and building important social, communication and other group skills.  All are important lessons for the world of work and lifelong learning.  I-JAG Career Association has helped focus learning into meaningful community service initiatives and the I-JAG students have given back to their communities with 20,790 documented volunteer hours to local projects of their choosing over the past eight years. (See appendix A for core competencies)

Connecting Students with Work

The I-JAG curriculum is experience-based. Connecting school-based learning with the world outside the confines of school is part of the continuum of growth each student must begin to master.  They learn to risk and to succeed in environments free of the day-to-day social constraints of their classrooms and schools.  They learn to operate in teams and understand the value of their contribution.  They see the relationship between mastery of physical challenges, and mastery of ideas through reasoning.  For I-JAG students, these experiences often become "touchstones" for personal growth and motivators for attending class, improving their GPA, earning a diploma, and continuing their education and/or entering a quality job in their career field.

Corporate Financial Information

The I-JAG program was established as an independent 501(c) 3 corporation, run by a voluntary board of community, business and education leaders committed to improving the quality of Iowa's workforce. As a non-profit, the investment of corporate, foundation and individual funds has allowed I-JAG to prove itself as a program deserving of continued investments because it does aid in developing a strong Iowa workforce. 

I-JAG, Inc. has a diverse funding stream and continually works to develop it even further.  The Board of Directors has set a goal for the 2006-07 academic year of raising $160,000 private sector funds through the support of Iowa businesses, securing $600,000 from the legislature and maintaining local commitment contributions.  Through the Boards commitment to continue to develop the financial base of I-JAG, the program will be able to expand beyond the 20 sites.

Terms

"Students with multiple barriers to success": Often these students are referred to as "at-risk."  They are defined as young people meeting any three or more of the following criteria (see appendix B for Barriers to Success): academic barriers; personal barriers, environmental barriers; income and work related barriers.  Our students typically have 5 or more barriers they are facing.  A "typical" student comes from a low income home; has absenteeism problems; has been on probation at least once in the past year; lives with one or neither natural parent; has a mother who is not a high school graduate; is a year behind in school.

Program Information and Data

icon 2006- 2007 I-JAG Board of Directors
icon 2006-2007 I-JAG Achievement Report
icon 2006-2007 I-JAG Participants and Outcomes
icon 2006-2007 I-JAG Performance Update
icon I-JAG Program Data
icon I-JAG Program Participants
icon I-JAG Program Plan
icon Principles of Effective Youth Development and Employment Programs

Websites:

Mailing Address:

Iowa Jobs for America's Graduates (I-JAG)
Grimes State Office Building, 3rd Floor
400 E. 14 & Grand Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50319

Contact:

Laurie Phelan, President
515-242-5611
laurie.phelan@iowa.gov

 

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 14 November 2007 )
 
Our Kids Print E-mail

Our Kids English Language Learners in Your Classroon Our Kids English Language Learners in Your Classroom

Our Kids English Language Learners in Your Classroom Presentation Our Kids English Language Learners in Your Classroom Presentation

Contact
Colleen Anderson
515-281-3249
colleen.anderson@iowa.gov

 

Last Updated ( Friday, 02 May 2008 )