The Channel - a blog for Central Rivers AEA staff and board members Our Mission: To Deliver High-quality, evidence-based, and strategic services to our education partners that meet the diverse needs of iowa's learners (birth-21_), educators, and school Communities.

Author: cvanbuskirk

  • Updates with Educational Services & Media

    Thank you for continuing to submit your weekly Harvest entries. The Harvest guidance can be located online. Live documents, helpful resources and guides can be found on our staff website.

    Media Updates

    Exciting News: Central Rivers AEA Media Services is “Leveling Up”

    Central Rivers AEA is switching from MediaNet to Insignia! This new system will offer an improved user experience. Please note, our catalog will be temporarily unavailable from December 16 to January 2 as we make the transition.

    Need to reserve or renew items? We’re here to help!

    Getting started with Insignia is simple! Just log in with your Google account when the system goes live. We’re also offering quick sessions in December to walk you through the new system:

    We can’t wait for you to enjoy all the new features Insignia has to offer!

  • Courageous Conversations: monthly opportunities for self-guided learning

    Central Rivers AEA strives to cultivate a workplace in which everyone feels welcomed and empowered to bring their whole selves to work. Continuing work done by the Equity Committee, in partnership with the Leadership Academy, we will invest in employee development initiatives to foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture. “Courageous Conversations” will be featured monthly in The Channel, offering staff opportunities for self-guided learning.

    December’s Courageous Conversations

    Small group of young adults discussing microaggressions at work.

    Have you ever felt like someone treated you unfairly or made you feel unwelcome because of your race, gender, sexual orientation, or another aspect of your identity? Maybe they said or did something that seemed small but still made you feel judged or uncomfortable. If so, you may have experienced what’s known as a microaggression.

    What are Microaggressions?

    A microaggression is a subtle verbal or nonverbal behavior, committed consciously or not, that is directed at a member of a marginalized group, and has a harmful, derogatory effect.

    • While microaggressions may seem subtle and less harmful than overt prejudice, they still have a significant impact. Over time, repeated exposure to microaggressions can take a toll on mental health.
    • That’s why it’s important for us, as a community, not to dismiss or overlook these experiences. Instead, we need to recognize them and work together to reduce their impact. Below, you’ll find definitions of microaggressions and suggestions on how to address and minimize their effects.

    Types of Microaggressions

    MicroassaultsMicroassaults are the most blatant form of microaggressions. They are usually intentional, and the person committing them is aware that their actions or words are harmful and offensive. For example, using a racial slur to refer to someone, fully knowing it is derogatory, would be considered a microassault.
    MicroinsultsMicroinsults are more subtle than overt microaggressions. They often take the form of comments with hidden negative implications or backhanded compliments. For instance, a microinsult might be suggesting that someone only got their job because of affirmative action, implying they didn’t earn it on merit.
    MicroinvalidationsMicroinvalidations occur when someone’s experiences of prejudice are dismissed or minimized, often by suggesting they are overreacting or being too sensitive. In other words, a microinvalidation can follow a microassault or microinsult, denying the significance of the harm caused.
    Environmental MicroaggressionsEnvironmental microaggressions happen when someone’s surroundings send a message that excludes or devalues a marginalized group. For instance, a child watching TV with no actors of their race might feel unrepresented.

    Examples of Microaggressions

    What are some examples of microaggressions? They are everyday situations that take on a derogatory tone due to the verbal or nonverbal actions of a person. Here are some examples of different types of microaggressions you may have seen, taken part in, or experienced in daily life:

    • A patient is waiting to see a medical professional in the hospital. A woman enters the room, and the patient assumes that she is a nurse instead of a doctor.
    • Making a “joke” based on racial stereotypes, such as referencing eating cat at a Chinese restaurant or linking fried chicken and watermelon to African American communities.
    • A person meets someone who is a visible minority and asks where they are “really from.” This question can imply that someone is not truly from their country of residence due to their appearance or background.
    • A person is walking down the street and crosses to the other side of the road to avoid someone (out of fear) because of their outward appearance (i.e., a visible minority).
    • A situation where someone tells a person who is LGBTQ that they don’t “seem gay” or some other similar phrase.
    • A woman speaks up during a business meeting and afterward is told that she was being too assertive.
    • A person who is a visible minority is told that they are very articulate. (i.e., “You speak English so well!”)
    • A person who is a visible minority (e.g., Asian) is told that they must be good in math because of their ethnicity.
    • The pronouns used in a document or other communication exclude women or other groups of individuals (e.g., LGBTQ).
    • “I don’t see color.” – This dismisses a person’s racial or cultural identity and the unique experiences that come with it.

    Preventing Microaggressions

    How can we prevent microaggressions as individuals, as a society, and as part of the global community?Beyond calmly expressing how microaggressions affect you, it’s equally important to learn how to avoid committing them yourself.
    Most of us like to think of ourselves as good people, and we usually are.But recognizing that our words or actions can unintentionally harm others can feel uncomfortable and challenge our self-image.
    The key to reducing microaggressions is for everyone to confront their own biases.To do this, it’s essential to step outside your comfort zone, engage with diverse people, and expose yourself to new perspectives.

    Things to think about

    • Will you continue to support stereotypes, or will you adjust your views to reflect reality?
    • Will you let others’ words and actions frustrate you without taking action?
      • Whether you’re on the receiving end or the one causing harm, there are steps you can take to help change this issue in society.

    Next Steps

    Direct and Action-Oriented: Take responsibility for your actions, whether you’re the target or the perpetrator of microaggressions, to prevent harm to yourself and others.

    Emphasizing Personal Growth: By being mindful of your words and actions, you can contribute to a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.

    Focused on Positive Impact: Let’s work together to create a world where everyone feels valued and respected, starting with our own behavior.

    Some resources:

  • What’s new with INspired Leadership?

    Central Rivers AEA wellbeing team logo

    Empower yourself on December 13

    Are you interested in learning a quick, practical way to release catabolic energy? Join us for the “Empower Half-Hour” with Dr. Leslie Moore, Certified Professional Coach at Central Rivers AEA! On December 13, from 8:30 to 9:00 am via Zoom, Dr. Moore will lead a session to help you access more positive, productive energy around specific situations. Sign up today to receive a calendar invite!

    Personalized coaching is available for you

    Would you like support in getting more of what you want and less of what you don’t in your personal or professional life? If so, Central Rivers AEA offers 1:1 core energy leadership coaching sessions with certified well-being coach, Dr. Leslie Moore, via Zoom. All sessions are confidential and scheduled by you when you send Leslie a Google Calendar invitation. Just select “private” on the calendar invite. Reach out to Leslie with questions.

    Join the February INspired Leadership workshop in Clear Lake

    If you have yet to experience a two-day INspired Leadership workshop or haven’t attended in the past three years, sign up now for our two-day workshop in Clear Lake on February 7 and 21. We’d love to see you there!

  • Using AI at Central Rivers AEA: new guidelines

    Central Rivers AEA has introduced new guidelines for using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to ensure they are used safely and ethically. AI has the potential to make our work more efficient and help us better serve schools, but it also comes with risks, especially around data privacy. Please read over the Guidelines for the Use of AI & Emerging Technologies document, but some key takeaways include:

    • Security First: Before using any AI tool, staff should evaluate its security features. Always avoid entering personal information or confidential student data into AI tools.
    • Transparency: Be open about using AI, especially in meetings or projects. For example, if an AI assistant is active during a Zoom meeting, let others know.
    • Ethical Use: Ensure AI is used in a way that aligns with our values – avoiding bias, respecting privacy, and supporting our mission. If you have concerns about the use of AI, reach out to the tech team for guidance.

    These guidelines are here to help us navigate the evolving tech landscape responsibly while making the most of AI’s benefits.

  • Congratulations to our staff with 20 years of service!

    Central Rivers AEA staff with 20 years of service

  • American Education Week: Random acts of kindness challenge

    Practice kindness

    American Education Week is November 18-22! In the spirit of building a supportive and caring work environment, we’re excited to launch a week-long Random Acts of Kindness Challenge for our staff! This initiative encourages everyone to take a few moments each day to brighten a colleague’s day with small, thoughtful gestures.

    Throughout the week, consider trying some of these ideas:

    • Send a quick thank-you email to someone who helped you recently.
    • Give a teammate a shout-out during a meeting.
    • Leave a positive note on someone’s desk.
    • Offer help on a project or task.

    At the end of the week, we’ll celebrate those who took part and share some memorable acts of kindness that reflect our team spirit. Let’s make kindness a daily habit – one small act at a time!

  • Thinking about retiring or resigning? Take advantage of the early retirement/resignation notification incentive!

    To support a timely staff replacement selection process and assist in budget planning, the Central Rivers AEA Board of Directors approved an incentive be provided for Certified, NUSS, CWA, Administrative Staff and River Hills School staff who provide early notification of their intent to resign or retire at the end of the 2024-25 work year.

    The proposed incentive would be administered as follows:

    1. Commitments of separation by resignation or retirement at the end of the 2024-25 work year, and
    2. Notification of resignation or retirement received in the Human Resources Office before January 2, 2025, and
    3. Accepted by the Board no later than the regular meeting on January 8, 2025,
    4. Will receive an early notification incentive payment of $2,000, payable June 20, 2025,
    5. Subject to the employee fulfilling their individual employment contract obligations for the 2024-25 work year. Staff resigning or retiring who separate prior to the end of the 2024-25 work year are not eligible for the early notification incentive.
    6. Staff must have worked for Central Rivers AEA for three full years to receive this incentive.
    7. Staff may only receive the incentive once per their employment with Central Rivers AEA.

    Please note, paraeducators at River Hills with three full years at CRAEA are eligible for early retirement. As long as you fulfill your 2024-2025 contract, you will qualify for the early retirement incentive. To qualify, notify Karl Kurt, Director of HR/Assistant Chief Administrator, by January 2, 2025, if you plan to retire or resign at the end of the 2024-2025 school year.

  • Get Involved! Volunteer for the First Go Baby Go Iowa Event in Waverly

    Go Baby Go child driver
    Go Baby Go child driver
    Go Baby Go child driver
    Go Baby Go car building volunteers

    We need volunteers*! Mark your calendars for December 7, 9 am – 12 pm, at the W Fieldhouse, Wartburg College, for the first Go Baby Go Iowa event in Waverly! Central Rivers AEA is proud to partner with Go Baby Go Iowa to make this special day happen!

    Go Baby Go is a special project where health professionals, engineers, students, and volunteers team up to modify ride-on toy cars for kids with mobility challenges, giving them a fun way to move and interact.

    *Volunteer Build Day is November 23, 8:30 am – 12:30 pm, also at the W Fieldhouse. Join us in making a difference! Whether you want to apply for a car, sponsor a ride, volunteer, or help on Race Day, we’d love your support!

    For questions, contact Kimberly Sommermeyer at ksommermeyer@centralriversaea.org.

  • Monthly Zoom updates for CRAEA & Keystone staff

    If you missed the all-staff update on October 10 via Zoom, the slide deck and recording information can be found below. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, November 14 from 4-4:30 pm. (We will plan to send a link to the recording shortly after the meeting so you won’t need to wait until the next edition of The Channel for details!)

  • Remember to change your voicemail/email message for holiday breaks

    Don’t forget to update your voicemail greeting and set an “away” message for your email during the Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks to let callers and emailers know when to expect a response. All Central Rivers AEA offices will be closed on November 28-29 in observance of Thanksgiving.

    Voicemail example

    “Hello, this is (your name). Our offices are closed beginning Thursday, November 28 and will reopen on Monday, December 2nd. Please leave your name, number and a brief message and I will return your call on the 2nd. Thank you and happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Central Rivers AEA.”

    Email “away” message example

    Thank you for your email. I will be out of the office on Thursday and Friday, November 28-29. All Central Rivers AEA offices are closed in observance of Thanksgiving. I will respond to your email upon my return on Monday, December 2. Thank you and have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Please note the office closure dates for the Christmas holiday break are December 25, 2024 – January 1, 2025. Offices will reopen on Thursday, January 2.

    If you need assistance with either task, please contact the Help Desk at helpdesk@centralriversaea.org or 319-273-8231.

  • Register for weather notifications

    Winter weather is coming. Don't miss out on a single alert. Sign up for Central Rivers AEA alerts to be notified of office closings via text, call or email.

    With winter weather almost here, be sure you are signed up to receive Central Rivers AEA weather alerts* via text, call or email regarding closings or professional learning cancellations. *If you are already signed up, you do not have to do anything.

    Staff members can contact Phil Hendricks, for assistance with signing up.

  • Courageous Conversations: Monthly opportunities for self-guided learning

    Central Rivers AEA strives to cultivate a workplace in which everyone feels welcomed and empowered to bring their whole selves to work. Continuing work done by the Equity Committee, in partnership with the Leadership Academy, we will invest in employee development initiatives to foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture. “Courageous Conversations” will be featured monthly in The Channel, offering staff opportunities for self-guided learning.

    November’s Courageous Conversations: Understanding Unconscious Bias

    The exploration of bias is not about villainizing one group over another or making anyone feel guilt, shame or fear. It’s about making progress on our biases and understanding how they limit possibilities for us or others.

    Understanding Bias

    Common Definition: Bias is a preference for or against a thing, person or group compared with another. Biases may be held by an individual, group or an institution.

    Example of Conscious Bias: Extroverts make the best leaders.

    Conscious BiasUnconscious Bias
    Bias attitudes or beliefs you have that you are aware of.Biased attitudes that exist outside of your awareness and control.
    We know we are being biased, and doing it intentionally.We aren’t aware that we hold biased attitudes or beliefs toward certain things.
    Can be easily observed.Can’t be easily observed.

    Example of Unconscious Bias: When hiring, you gravitate towards an applicant because they share the same alma mater.

    Helpful learning: The Neuroscience of Unconscious Bias

    Recognizing bias

    “Everybody is biased. The truth is, we all harbor unconscious assumptions that can get in the way of our good intentions and keep us from building authentic relationships with people different from ourselves. By becoming more self-aware, we can control knee-jerk reactions, conquer fears of the unknown, and prevail over closed mindedness. In the end, our central message is that you are not the problem – but you can be the solution.” -Dr. Tiffany Jana

    FrameReframe
    I am not biased.Bias exists in everyone, including me.
    I view things objectively.I actively think about how bias is at play in the choices I make.

    Self-awareness is KEY!

    Questions/steps to consider:

    • PAUSE – Give yourself a moment to reflect.
    • Ask yourself – Why did I choose to say that? Why did I think that? Why did the person react in that way?
    • Ask yourself – What am I assuming? Are my assumptions based on fact or experiences, or on something less concrete?
    • If the “why” is not clear, ask a trusted colleague. (Depending on your role, you might not be getting “real feedback.” Ask for it. By doing so, you’ll create an environment where it’s safe to give and receive feedback.)

    Unconscious Bias training opportunity

    Registration for the full-day Disrupting Bias learning session, offered by Gina Weekley and MaKenzie Hakeman, is now open and will be offered at each Central Rivers AEA office location. Interested in participating? Sign up using this Google form by January 28, 2025.

  • Wellmark’s refreshed Explanation of Benefits (EOB)

    Wellmark has redesigned its Explanation of Benefits (EOB) to make it easier for members to understand their cost-sharing details. The new layout provides a clearer breakdown of services, notes, and costs. Employees will begin receiving this updated EOB form soon. Please remember, the EOB is not a bill – any payments due will come directly from your provider or care facility.

    If you have questions about the new EOB, feel free to contact Kevin Klobassa in the Business Office.

  • What’s new with INspired Leadership?

    Central Rivers AEA wellbeing team logo

    Empower half-hour

    Are you interested in learning a quick, practical way to release catabolic energy? Join us for the “Empower Half-Hour” with Dr. Leslie Moore, Certified Professional Coach at Central Rivers AEA! On November 15, from 8:30 to 9:00 am via Zoom, Dr. Moore will lead a session to help you access more positive, productive energy around specific situations. Sign up today to receive a calendar invite!

    Microcredential stipend available

    This year, Central Rivers AEA is continuing to support staff well-being by offering a $250 incentive for completing one of three INspired Leadership micro-credentials! The options are:

    • Awareness of Internal Energy
    • The 4 Key Mindsets
    • Overcoming Internal Energy Blocks* (available soon)
    • *Please note: the new micro-credential does require the first two to be earned as prerequisites.

    All of these are available in our On-Demand Library, and submissions will be reviewed by Dr. Leslie Moore. If you have any questions or need help signing up, free free to schedule a quick 15-minute session with Leslie by sending her a calendar invitation!

    Well-being support for YOU!

    Would you like support in getting more of what you want and less of what you don’t in your personal or professional life? If so, Central Rivers AEA offers 1:1 core energy leadership coaching sessions with certified well-being coach, Dr. Leslie Moore, via Zoom. All sessions are confidential and scheduled by you when you send Leslie a Google Calendar invitation. Just select “private” on the calendar invite. Reach out to Leslie with questions.

    Get INspiring emails delivered to your inbox

    If you would like to receive weekly emails that support your personal and professional leadership, join ESSDACK’s INspired weekly mailing list. You can also sign up to receive their INspired Leadership blog.

  • Updates with Special Education

    Special Ed quarterly reports

    Under HF2612, we’re required to send districts a quarterly report summarizing the special education services they received. These reports went out on October 30, so you may get questions from schools. This first-quarter report used only ACHIEVE data; Harvest data is still being refined and isn’t included yet.

    Missed timelines

    The Department of Education (DE) tracks whether we meet timelines set by IDEA for Early ACCESS and Special Education evaluations. Our goal is to meet 100% of these timelines, though rare situations may cause delays. If you anticipate missing a deadline, please inform your RA in advance to explore solutions.

    Family validation

    Please complete all family validations for your roster. Here are resources to help finish up:

    Some teachers can’t finalize IEPs because family validation isn’t complete and districts haven’t provided guidance. Below are resources sent to districts. If you have a connection with the principal in your building, feel free to share these; if you encounter any resistance, let your RA know.

    Foster parent roles

    We received clarification that foster parents with court-assigned education rights still need to be appointed as a surrogate to serve as the parent for IDEA purposes. Court-assigned rights typically apply to general school decisions like registration and attendance. Refer to our CRAEA surrogate parent process for more details.

    Legacy IEPs in ACHIEVE

    We’re now able to rename Legacy IEP PDFs in ACHIEVE. Data techs are working on this, but if you’re in an IEP and have time, please rename them using this format: Legacy IEP [Date] Annual Review (e.g., Legacy IEP 12.12.20 Annual Review).

    Preschool status

    There’s been confusion around full-time vs. part-time status for preschoolers with IEPs. According to the Department of Education, “full-time” applies to preschoolers attending 20+ hours per week; under 20 hours is considered part-time. We’ll provide training on documenting this and resources to support PK teachers. For support-only preschoolers, the roster will always show full-time, as it doesn’t impact district funding.

    Roster changes

    To transfer students in ACHIEVE when they switch teachers, buildings, or districts, the facilitator can update the roster, but the new facilitator should review and update all activities and services right away. Central Rivers AEA will send rosters in fall and spring for review and cleanup. Facilitators are encouraged to manage roster changes directly between these clean-up times. Please avoid submitting tickets for roster changes unless there’s a technical issue. For questions, contact your RA. This information will also be shared with LEA SE Directors in the November updates, due around November 15.

    Weighting review requests

    Thank you for adapting to the new IEP weighting review process! If your district asks for an IEP review, please include the student’s name, district, and date of birth for quicker processing.

    Live documents, helpful resources and guides can be found on our staff website.