Iowans sought for social studies standards writing team

From Iowa Department of Education

Application due December 11; team to rewrite social studies standards for public review

DES MOINES – Iowans are invited to apply to serve on a state team that will rewrite Iowa’s social studies standards for public review and possible adoption statewide, Iowa Department of Education Director Ryan Wise announced today.

The team will draft new social studies standards during the 2015-16 school year.

“Statewide academic standards are important because they reflect the knowledge and skills that all students need to graduate from high school prepared for college and career training,” Wise said. “Iowa has set clear and consistent state standards for mathematics, English-language arts, science and 21^st century skills that will be revisited on an ongoing basis. Our social studies standards, however, have a lot of room for growth and improvement. This is why a rewrite of these standards is a good next step.”

For example, about a third of middle school and high school teachers who responded to a recent survey on social studies said they were dissatisfied with Iowa’s social studies standards. Of the written comments submitted with survey responses, 17 percent reflected a need for clearer, more specific social studies standards.

Free Youth Mental Health 1st Aid Course on December 8

Southern Iowa Mental Health Center is pleased to announce an upcoming Youth Mental Health 1^st Aid course.

Tuesday, December 8^th from 9 AM – 5 PM at the GPAEA Auditorium – Ottumwa

No charge – no registration fee. Please email or fax to register. Registration form and flyer attached. Registration is limited to the first 35 people.

Mental Health 1^st Aid is the help offered to a person developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The first aid is given until appropriate treatment and support are received or until the crisis resolves. Youth Mental Health 1^st Aid is designed for adults who work with youth ages 6^th – 12^th grade.

Mental Health 1st Registration Form

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The dissemination of information from external organizations by Great Prairie AEA does not infer sponsorship or endorsement of the information. It is being passed on to our stakeholders for its educational value.

GPAEA Schools in the News – November 2015

• Albia – SC Regional STEM BEST/RLE Recipients: Congratulations to Albia!
• Fairfield – Gov. Branstad announces 2016 Iowa Teacher of the Year
• Cardinal – Southeast Iowa school district catches governor’s attention
• Centerville – Differentiated Accountability in a word: “Fabulous.”
• Cardinal – A district of distinction
• West Burlington – Department of Education Director visits West Burlington
• Holy Trinity – Holy Trinity opens 21st century classroom
• Winfield-Mt. Union – Laptops are becoming essential tools for students
• Keota – How 3 Students Convinced Hillary Clinton To Pay Attention To Rural Schools