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Accreditation & Program Approval
Accreditation and program approval focus on an ongoing improvement process for schools, school districts, and practitioner preparation programs. General accreditation standards (Chapter 12) are the minimum requirements that must be met by an Iowa public school district to be accredited. A nonpublic school must meet the general accreditation standards if it wishes to be designated as accredited for operation in Iowa. All Iowa colleges and universities or organizations engaged in the preparation of practitioners or administrators and seeking State Board approval of their program shall meet the Standards for Practitioner and Adminstrator Preparation Programs contained in 281--Iowa Adminstrative Code 79.

Annual Progress Report LEA Print E-mail

APR Instructions

In order to satisfy the requirements for reporting annual progress toward state and federal indicators, school districts and non-public schools in Iowa complete an Annual Progress Report (APR) due to the Iowa Department of Education by September 15 each year. APRs include information regarding academic proficiency, academic goals, dropouts, graduation rates, attendance rates, and post-secondary data.

Community School Districts

The following link will take you to the log-in screen for community school districts: https://www.edinfo.state.ia.us/securelogin.asp
Contact your superintendent for log-in and password.

Accredited Nonpublic Schools

The following link will take you to the log-in screen for accredited nonpublic schools:
https://www.edinfo.state.ia.us/securelogin.asp

Contact the person who completes the certified annual enrollment for your building or system for log-in and password.

Reference Documents

CSIP Rule Interpretation Matrix CSIP Rule Interpretation Matrix 2006-12-08 14:27:33

Chapter 12 Rule Interpretation Matrix Chapter 12 Rule Interpretation Matrix

Create NCLB Requirements Report

The following link will take you to a page that will you to create your own NCLB requirements report:
http://www.iowaschoolprofiles.com/profilesdist.asp?new=1
 
Please read the following instructions to help you create your report (Note: You may want to print this  page for reference):
  • From the main page, click up to five schools/school districts, the names of the schools/districts will appear next to the numbers 1-5.
  • Click the green "Make Chart" button on the left hand side of the screen.
  • Next, click your choice of "indicators" that are listed on the left. For example, click "Average Daily Attendance Rate". This will create the report for the schools/districts requested.
If you have questions, contact the School Improvement Consultant for your school district.
Last Updated ( Friday, 28 December 2007 )
 
Annual Progress Reports AEA Print E-mail

Each AEA annually submits a written progress report to its schools and school districts and the department and makes the report available to the public. The report includes, at a minimum, information regarding agency-wide goals and indicators of quality as specified in 281--Iowa Administrative Code 72.10(2).

Annual Progress Report (APR) Requirements AEAs

Requirements for the AEA APR, due February 1, are contained within the online entry system. The following link will take you to the log-in screen;  https://www.edinfo.state.ia.us/securelogin.asp . Contact your agency's chief administrator for log-in and password.

For questions regarding the AEA APR, contact Tom Cooley at 515-242-5132 or tom.cooley@iowa.gov  

See current APRs for each AEA 

AEA Customer Survey Data

2004-05 Customer Survey Data 2004-05 Customer Survey Data
2003-04 Customer Survey Data 2003-04 Customer Survey Data
2002-03 Customer Survey Data 2002-03 Customer Survey Data

 

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 26 February 2008 )
 
Comprehensive Improvement Plan AEA Print E-mail

Each AEA, on a cycle established by the department, shall submit to the department a comprehensive improvement plan. The plan shall be the basis for the improvement actions taken by the agency and shall also serve as a basis for the comprehensive site visit.  281--Iowa Administrative Code 72.9(273)

Each agency must submit a revised CIP the year following its comprehensive site visit. The current site visit schedule, listed by school year, is as follows:
 Agency  Year
Grant Wood AEA 10
2006-07
Northwest AEA 2006-07
Green Valley AEA 14 2007-08
Merged AEA 15 and AEA 16 2007-08
AEA 267 2008-09
Prairie Lakes AEA 8 2008-09
Mississippi Bend AEA 9 2009-10
Heartland AEA 11 2009-10
Keystone AEA 1 2010-11
Loess Hills AEA 13 2010-11

Comprehensive Improvement Plan (CIP) Requirements Checklist for AEAs
The following checklist describes the requirements that must be addressed by each AEA required to rewrite its CIP. The updated CIP is due by April 1, 2008. If you have questions, contact Tom Cooley tom.cooley@iowa.gov or Sharon Hawthorne sharon.hawthorne@iowa.gov

  AEA CIP Checklist 2008 2008 CIP Requirements Checklist for AEAs

AEA Customer Survey

2004-05 Customer Survey Data 2004-05 Customer Survey Data
2003-04 Customer Survey Data 2003-04 Customer Survey Data
2002-03 Customer Survey Data 2002-03 Customer Survey Data


Last Updated ( Tuesday, 26 February 2008 )
 
Comprehensive School Improvement Plan LEA Print E-mail
Schools or school districts will submit a revised five-year Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP) by September 15 of the school year following the comprehensive site visit specified in Iowa Code section 256.11 which incorporates, when appropriate, areas of improvement noted by the school improvement visitation team. 281--Iowa Administrative Code 12.8(2)

 

School districts and non-public schools are required to revise and recertify their CSIPs by the September 15th date of the next school year. Revisions, in accordance to Chapter 12, are based on any or all of the following actions:

  • completion of a site visit,
  • grade level changes (as in cases of reorganizations),
  • and/ or funding stream changes.

School districts and non-public schools are encouraged to annually update their CSIPs as ongoing planning documents.

icon CSIP Website Instructions

icon 2006 CSIP Updates

See public information Regarding districts or school systems CSIPs

Community School Districts

The following link will take you to the log-in screen for community school districts: https://www.edinfo.state.ia.us/securelogin.asp
Contact your superintendent for log-in and password.

Accredited Nonpublic Schools

The following link will take you to the log-in screen for accredited nonpublic schools:
https://www.edinfo.state.ia.us/securelogin.asp

Contact the person who completes the certified annual enrollment for your building or system for log-in and password.

Reference Documents

icon CSIP Rule Interpretation Matrix (2006-12-06)
icon Chapter 12 Rule Interpretation Matrix (2006-11-01)

 

Last Updated ( Monday, 24 December 2007 )
 
Equity Education Print E-mail
Both federal and state laws require that there be no discrimination in educational programs or in school hiring practices on the basis of race, national origin, color, religion, creed, gender, disability, age and marital status. Districts are required to implement multicultural, gender-fair approaches to the entire educational program. The Department of Education has the legal responsibility to monitor compliance with these equity-related requirements in school districts receiving federal and state funding. The Equity Review Process is one way the Department carries out this responsibility. Questions should be referred to Del Hoover, Deputy Administrator, Division of PK-12 Education 515-281-8402, or Tom Andersen, Consultant for Equity in School Improvement, Division of PK-12 Education 515-281-3769.

Information for Educational Agencies Educational Equity Review Information for Educational Agencies
Educational Equity Review K-12 Guide 2007-2008 Educational Equity Review K-12 Guide 2007-2008
Education Equity Review Summary of Equity Issues Education Equity Review Summary of Equity Issues
icon Coordination Equity, Role and Function
2007-2008 Data Needs Manual 2007-2008 Data Needs Manual
Summary of Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Requirements Summary of Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Requirements

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 13 November 2007 )
 
Nonpublic School Accreditation Print E-mail
With respect to both public and nonpublic schools, the state has the authority and responsibility to be assured of an educational program which is in accordance with minimal standards. Approval standards are those rules and regulations promulgated by the Iowa Department of Education and found in Iowa Administrative Code (IAC). These standards detail the statutes as to intent and purposes and carry the force and effect of law (e.g., 281--Iowa Administrative Code 12.1).

icon How to become a Nonpublic Accredited School- A step by step process
Application for Accreditation Application for Accreditation

Requirements for Accreditation- Nonpublic Schools Requirements for Accreditation - Nonpublic Schools

Chapter 12 of the Iowa Administrative Code

General Accreditation Standards for Education (281) are detailed in Chapter 12 of the Iowa Administrative Code.

An accredited school meets or exceeds the minimum requirements for operation as either an elementary or secondary school as stated in the general statutes and regulations adopted by the State Board of Education. If a school meets these minimum standards, it will be granted accreditation.
Chapter 12 Rule Interpretation Matrix Chapter 12 Rule Interpretation Matrix

 

More About Becoming an Accredited Nonpublic School in Iowa

Nonpublic APR Checklist (Information will be posted soon


Non Public School Document Review Checklist Onsite Document Review Checklist for Nonpublic Schools

Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP):
A school or school district shall submit a revised five-year comprehensive school improvement plan by September 15 of the school year following the comprehensive site visit specified in Iowa Code section 256.11 which incorporates, when appropriate, areas of improvement noted by the school improvement visitation team. 281--Iowa Administrative Code 12.8(2)


School districts and non-public schools are required to revise and recertify their CSIPs by the September 15th date of the next school year. Revisions, in accordance to Chapter 12 of the Iowa Adminstrative Code , are based on any or all of the following actions: completion of a site visit, grade level changes (as in cases of reorganizations), and/ or funding stream changes. School districts and non-public schools are encouraged to annually update their CSIPs as ongoing planning documents.

CSIP Rule Interpretation Matrix CSIP Rule Interpretation Matrix

 

Contact:

Julie Melcher
515-281-6293
julie.melcher@iowa.gov

 

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 13 November 2007 )
 
Practitioner Preparation & Teacher Education Print E-mail

All colleges and universities engaged in practitioner preparation in Iowa are subject to approval by the State Board of Education as provided in the Code of Iowa. Each program must meet the standards outlined in the Iowa Administrative Code (IAC), Chapter 79, Standards for Practitioner Preparation Programs.

Each institution seeking approval of its practitioner preparation program files evidence of the extent to which it meets the standards contained in the chapters cited above, by means of a self-evaluation report called the Institutional Report. After the institution files its Institutional Report, a team visits the institution for the purpose of evaluation of programs.

The Director of the Department of Education gives recommendations to the State Board based on the factual and evaluative evidence on record about each practitioner preparation program's adherence to the State Standards. After the State Board grants approval to programs filed by an institution, candidates who complete such programs and who are recommended by an authorized official of that institution will be issued the appropriate license with the proper endorsement(s).

Praxis II Qualifying Scores for Elementary Education Candidates

Elementary teacher candidates who graduate from a college/university teacher education program and are recommended for licensure after September 1, 2007, must attain the qualifying score in one of the Praxis II content tests, 0011 or 0014. In fulfilling this requirement, an elementary teacher candidate meets the U. S. Department of Education definition of “Highly Qualified Teacher.” Secondary teacher candidates are considered "Highly Qualified" as a result of their in-depth content preparation and are not required to pass content exams.
  • Effective September 1, 2007, the qualifying score on Test 0011 is 151.
  • Effective September 1, 2007, the qualifying score on Test 0014 is 142.

Teacher Intern Program
Four-year colleges or universities may also offer a teacher intern preparation program once approved by the State Board of Education. In May, 2002, the State Board adopted rules that establish the standards required for approval of these teacher intern preparation programs.

Applicants for the teacher intern license are required to complete an initial 12 semester hours of introductory content in pedagogy that includes 50 contact hours of field experience with students. Upon successful completion of this introductory program, the applicant qualifies for the teacher intern license which allows him or her to serve as the teacher of record in a high school during a one year teaching internship. This teaching internship is highly supported by the postsecondary institution in partnership with the employing district and/or area education agency and includes extensive supervision and participation in a state-approved mentoring and induction program. During this time the intern completes a teacher intern seminar that includes extension of coursework from the teacher intern introductory program. After the teacher internship year, the intern completes a 12 semester hour concluding intern teacher program and is then eligible for an initial teaching license. 

Currently a teacher intern program is offered online through Kaplan University: http://www.kaplancollegeia.com/

Publications and Reports

Standards for Practitioner Preparation
icon Teacher Intern Preparation Programs (Chapter77) (2006-07-10)
icon Practitioner and Administrator Preparation Programs (Chapter79) (2006-07-10)

Curriculum Exhibits
Exhibit Templates & Exhibits for Approved Programs by Institution
icon General Directions for Completing Curriculum Exhibits (2006-07-10)

icon Table of Contents (2006-07-11)
icon Instructions for Entering Curriculum Exhibits on the Website (2006-07-10) 

National Standards
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (INTASC)
Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC)

icon Praxis II Testing for New Teachers in Iowa
icon FAQ About New Iowa Elementary Education Praxis II Testing Requirement 

Practitioner Programs in Iowa
Directory of Teacher Preparation Programs Directory of Teacher Preparation Programs
icon Practitioner Preparation Program List (2006-10-30)

Links

Four Year Colleges'  Education Programs
icon Links to Colleges (40.27 KB 2006-07-10 14:37:53)
icon Endorsements by College (28.65 KB 2006-07-10 15:15:55)
 

Other Links
Approved Paraeducator Preparation Programs and Contacts
Iowa Association of Colleges for Teacher Education-IACTE
Praxis Tests-Education Testing Services

 

Last Updated ( Monday, 11 February 2008 )
 
School Improvement Site Visits (Public and Nonpublic Schools) Print E-mail
Purpose of the School Improvement Site Visit 281--Iowa Administrative Code 12.8(4)(a)(2)
  • To assess progress with the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP)
  • To make recommendations with regard to the visit findings for the purposes of improving educational practices above minimal compliance
  • To determine that a school or school district is in compliance with the accreditation standards
  • To provide a general assessment of educational practices
School Improvement Team Contact Information

2007-2008 School Year

Site Visit Schedule 2007-2008 Site Visit Schedule 2007-2008

Public School District Site Visit Documents

Site Visit Process and History Site Visit Process and History
District Presentation Guidlines District Presentation Guidelines
Public School Document Review Checklist Public School Document Review Checklist-Guidance Version
Public School Document Review Checklist Public School Document Review Checklist
Model School Improvement Visit Schedule and List of Required Interviews Model School Improvement Visit Schedule and List of Required Interviews
Conversation Starters Conversation Starters
LEA Site Visit Training Slide Show LEA Site Visit Training Slide Show
Link to Education Equity Documents

Chapter 12 Rule Interpretation Matrix Chapter 12 Rule Interpretation Matrix

icon Public School District Site Visit Schedule to 2014

Accredited Nonpublic School Site Visit Documents

Site Visit Process and History Site Visit Process and History
Non Public School Document Review Checklist Nonpublic School Document Review Checklist-Guidance Version

NonPublic Checklist Nonpublic School Document Review Checklist
Conversation Starters Conversation Starters
District Presentation Guidlines Overview Presentation Guidelines
LEA Site Visit Training Slide Show LEA Site Visit Training Slide Show
Model School Improvement Visit Schedule and List of Required Interviews Model School Improvement Visit Schedule and List of Required Interviews
Chapter 12 Rule Interpretation Matrix Chapter 12 Rule Interpretation Matrix

icon Non Public Site Visit Schedule 4.1.2008

 

Last Updated ( Monday, 07 April 2008 )
 
School Improvement Team Print E-mail

The School Improvement Team at the Iowa Department of Education conducts on site visits to accredited nonpublic schools and school districts, reviews Annual Progress Reports (APRs), and assists Schools and School Districts in continuous school improvement efforts such as the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP). The Team conducts feasibility studies with accredited public school districts seeking options such as Whole Grade Sharing and School District Reorganization. The Team monitors Competent Private Instruction (CPI), Specially Accredited Schools, Open Enrollment, School District Waivers and Exemptions, Nonpublic School Accreditation, and Postsecondary Enrollment Options. The Team also helps coordinate the annual Winter Institute.

The following contact information includes the monitoring assignments of each School Improvement Consultant. Schools, School Districts, AEAs, and members of the public should contact the Consultant assigned to their AEA for any school improvement related questions.

 

Contact Information


Address:
Grimes State Office Building
400 E. 14th St
Des Moines, IA 50319-0146

General Number: 515-281-3170

Fax Number: 515-281-7700

Hours: 8:00am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday (Except State Holidays)

 

Deputy Division Administrator
PK-12 Education


Del Hoover
515-281-8402
Del.Hoover@iowa.gov
Oversees the School Improvement Team, approves Waivers and Exemptions, Charter School Director, Administrative Preparation Program and Teacher Quality.

Secretary

Annette Mathieu
515-281-3170
Annette.Mathieu@iowa.gov

Consultants

Tom Cooley
515-242-5132
Tom.Cooley@iowa.gov
Monitors and provides technical assistance for AEA 9. Postsecondary Enrollment Options Consultant and Co-Leader of AEA Accreditation, Reorganization, and Technical assistance.

Wilma Gajdel
515-281-5332
Wilma.Gajdel@iowa.gov
Monitors and provides technical assistance for AEA 267. Exempt Schools Consultant.

Barbara Byrd
515-281-5001
Barbara.Byrd@iowa.gov
Monitors and provides technical assistance for Great Prairie AEA. Feasibility Studies Consultant, District Restructuring.

Denise Mulcahy
515-281-3198
Denise Mulcahy@iowa.gov
Monitors and provides technical assistance for AEA 13 & 14. Charter School Consultant.

Julie Melcher
515-281-6293
Julie.Melcher@iowa.gov
Monitors and provides technical assistance for AEA 11. Nonpublic School Accreditation, Specially Accredited Schools Consultant.

Lois Irwin
515-281-8582
Lois.Irwin@iowa.gov
Monitors and provides technical assistance for AEA 8. Open Enrollment Consultant.

Elizabeth Calhoun
515-281-8170

Elizabeth.Calhoun@iowa.gov
Monitors and provides technical assistance for Northwest AEA. Competent Private Instruction (CPI) i.e. Homeschooling Consultant.

Brandi Gean
515-281-4726
Brandi.Gean@iowa.gov
Monitors and provides technical assistance for AEA 10. Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP) / Annual Progress Report (APR) Assistance.

Holly Barnes
515-242-6173
Holly.Barnes@iowa.gov
Monitors and provides technical assistance for AEA 1. Annual Progress Report (APR) / Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP) Assistance.

Tom Andersen
515-281-3769
Tom.Andersen@iowa.gov
Monitors and provides Equity/Multi-Cultural/Gender Fair Technical Assistance for all Area Education Agencies. Coordinates LEA focused equity site visits. Coordinates AEA focused equity site visits. Coordinates Community Colleges equity site visits.

 

Last Updated ( Thursday, 11 October 2007 )
 
Waivers and Exemptions Print E-mail

Foreign Language 

Iowa Code section 256.11(5)(f)

2007-2008 Foreign Language Waiver  2007-2008 Foreign Language Waiver
icon 2007-2008 Foreign Language Waiver

2008-2009 Foreign Language Waiver 2008-2009 Foreign Language Waiver

2008-2009 Foreign Language Waiver 2008-2009 Foreign Language Waiver

  • Board Approval: Minutes that demonstrate that the local school board has approved this request to be waived from the 3rd and 4th sequential units of foreign language.
  • Hearing: None required
  • Department Deadline: None
  • Assurance: That all requirements were met; however, no students enrolled in the 3rd and 4th sequential units of this foreign language.
  • Requirements/documentation include:
    • Foreign language for which the waiver is sought.
    • Local school board approval of waiver request.
    • School or school district currently employs teacher licensed/endorsed to teach the 3rd and 4th sequential units of the foreign language for which the waiver is sought. A copy of the teacher’s license/endorsement is attached to the waiver request.
    • Grades 9-12 class schedule for the appropriate school year that shows that the 3rd and 4th units of this foreign language was assigned a schedule that would have allowed students to enroll, that the class was properly scheduled, and that students were aware of the course offerings.
    • Assurance that no students are enrolled.


General Accreditation Standards 

281--Iowa Administrative Code 12.9

icon 2008-2009 Chapter 12 General Accreditation Standards Exemption

2008-2009 Chapter 12 Waiver 2008-2009 Chapter 12 General Accreditation Standards Exemption

Chapter 12 General Accreditation Standards Exemption 2009-2010 Chapter 12 General Accreditation Standards Exemption

Chapter 12 General Accreditation Standards Exemption2009-2010 Chapter 12 General Accreditation Standards Exemption

  • Board Approval: Board minutes that demonstrate that the local school board has approved the request.
  • Hearing: None required
  • Department Deadline: Written request and plan submitted to the department on or before January 1st preceding the school year for which the waiver is requested.
  • Required components for a general accreditation standards exemption request include:
    • The standard or standards for which the exemption is requested
    • A rationale for each general accreditation standard identified above.
    • The sources of supportive research evidence and information, when appropriate, that were analyzed and used to form the basis of each rationale.
    • How the school or school district staff collaborated with the local community or with the school improvement advisory committee about the need for the exemption request.
    • Evidence that the board approved the exemption request.
    • A list of the indicators that will be measured to determine success.
    • How the school or school district will measure the success of the standards exemption plan on improving student achievement or performance.


New Innovative Calendar and Continued Innovative Calendar 

Iowa Code section 279.10
(For more or less than 180 days. Note: The innovative school year calendar shall provide for an equivalent number of total hours that school was in session the year prior to the request for the waiver.

2009-2010 Calendar Waiver Request for New Innovative School Year 2009-2010 Calendar Waiver Request for New Innovative School Year
2009-2010 Calendar Waiver Request for New Innovative School Year 2009-2010 Calendar Waiver Request for New Innovative School Year

2009-2010 Calendar Waiver Request for Continued Innovative School Year 2009-2010 Calendar Waiver Request for Continued Innovative School Year
2009-2010 Calendar Waiver Request for Continued Innovative School Year 2009-2010 Calendar Waiver Request for Continued Innovative School Year
  • Board Approval: Yes
  • Hearing Deadline: Minutes of the meeting that verify that the public hearing for the innovative calendar request or continued innovative calendar request was held.
  • Department Deadline: The board shall file a request for approval with the department no later than November 1st preceding the school year for which the waiver is requested defined in the Code of Iowa.
  • Required components of request for new innovative school year:
    • Request for new innovative school year, including signatures of both superintendent and board president.
    • Rationale for educational impact.
    • Proposed calendar changes. (This does not mean that the district’s calendar must be board approved prior to submitting the request.)
    • Documentation of the notice of public hearing.
    • A list of savings and goals to be attained under the innovative school year.
  • Required components of request for continued innovative school year:
    • Request for continued innovative school year, including signatures of both superintendent and board president.
    • Documentation of the notice of public hearing.
    • An evaluation of savings and impacts on the educational program as a result of the innovative school year.

Early Start Date

Iowa Code section 279.10(4)

Form: Web-based document located on the Spring BEDS.

Report located at: https://www.edinfo.state.ia.us/securelogin.asp

  • Board Approval: Yes
  • Hearing Deadline: July 1st preceding the school year for which the waiver is requested defined in the Code of Iowa.
  • Department Deadline: Request is made one year in advance on the spring BEDS.
  • Assurance: That the school district has held a public hearing and that starting school on the earliest starting date specified in Iowa Code section 279.10 subsection 1 will have a significant negative educational impact.

Contact:
Del Hoover,  Deputy Administrator
515-281-8402
del.hoover@iowa.gov


Last Updated ( Monday, 03 December 2007 )
 
Whole Grade Sharing Print E-mail

Iowa Code section 282.10 defines whole grade sharing as a procedure used by school districts whereby all or a substantial portion of the pupils in any grade in two or more school districts share an educational program for all or a substantial portion of a school day under a written agreement pursuant to Iowa Code sections 256.13, 280.15, or 282.7(1). Whole grade sharing may either be one-way or two-way sharing. 

Whole Grade Sharing Handbook 2007 Whole Grade Sharing Handbook 2007

 

Q and A for Schools Involved in Dissolution Q and A for Schools Involved in Dissolution

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 13 February 2008 )