The Channel

The open enrollment period for insurance* begins Monday, April 28 and ends on Friday, May 23. *All benefit-eligible employees must enroll or waive coverage, even if you have no changes or are resigning/retiring! Some other important details to note:

• Beginning Monday, April 28, you will have access to EASE via the employee dashboard in ClassLink.  
• Updates to insurance will be shared during the benefits insurance presentation for all staff, held virtually on Tuesday, April 29 at 4:00 pm.
• We will allow time for questions during the Zoom, or you can email your questions in advance to benefits@centralriversaea.org.
• The meeting will be recorded and posted on our benefits website for staff that cannot attend.
• Zoom link: https://centralriversaea.zoom.us/j/92611601851

If you have questions regarding your insurance, please contact Kevin Klobassa, Benefits Specialist, at (319)-273-8202 or via email at benefits@centralriversaea.org.

After a decade of service at Central Rivers AEA, Cari Teske has announced that she will be leaving her role as Director of Media Services at the end of the 2024-25 school year.

“Working at Central Rivers AEA has been an incredible privilege. I’m grateful for the amazing colleagues and the opportunity to support educators and students across our region.”

Cari will be transitioning to a new role as the Elementary Principal at Hubbard-Radcliffe Elementary, beginning July 1. While we will miss her leadership, we are grateful for her many contributions and wish her the very best in this next chapter!

Plans for the transition of leadership in Media Services will be announced in the near future. In the meantime, please join us in thanking Cari for her hard work and commitment to supporting students, teachers and schools.

We would like to welcome an incoming school psychologist and speech-language pathologist for the 2025-26 school year!

If you’re leaving the agency, please make sure to return all tech items issued to you during your employment. This includes:

• iPads
• Portable and stationary monitors
• Presentation clickers
• Extra laptop chargers
• Laptop bags
• Any other related equipment

Where to return items

• Cedar Falls office: Help Desk
• Marshalltown office: Terry Davis
• Clear Lake office: Front desk – Patsy Luker or Laura Rinnels

Additional notes

• Hotspots: Return directly to Laura Rinnels at the Clear Lake office.
• Laptops & chargers:
  • Most staff: Include your laptop with your tech return.
  • River Hills & Youth Shelter/Detention Center staff: Return laptops directly to your supervisor.
• Other items (e.g., fobs, keys): Return to HR at the Cedar Falls Office or your closest AEA office.

Important

Label each item with your name on a sticky note. If you have any questions, contact the Help Desk or call (319) 273-8231.

All Central Rivers AEA offices will be closed on April 18, in observance of Good Friday. Please update your voicemail and set an out-of-office email reply to let others know about the closure.

Voicemail example:

Hello, this is (your name). All Central Rivers AEA offices are closed on April 18 in observance of Good Friday. Please leave your name, number and a brief message and I will get back to you when offices reopen Monday, April 21. Thank you.

Email “away” message example:

Thank you for your email. All Central Rivers AEA offices are closed on April 18 in observance of Good Friday. I will respond to your email upon my return when offices reopen on Monday, April 21. Thank you.

A communication about the Universal Protocol for Accommodations in Reading (uPAR) was recently sent to school leaders through Leadership Connections and Regional Administrators. We want to ensure you’re informed in case you receive questions from districts. If schools reach out with inquiries, please direct them to Sarah Nelson, Director of IT/Special Programs, or Tesha Moser-Zimmerman, Executive Director of Ed Services.

The Iowa Department of Education has procured uPAR for statewide use at no cost to districts, and Central Rivers AEA is offering support services to help districts implement uPAR and maximize its impact.

What is uPAR?

uPAR is a protocol that helps determine whether students comprehend text better through reading visually or listening auditorily. The uPAR can be administered to any or all students (Grades 3 and above) as part of the MTSS process.

What are the benefits of uPAR?

• Presents objective insights: Provides unbiased insights into students’ reading comprehension strengths.
• Saves time: A quick, digital protocol that can be completed with individuals or entire groups in under 30 minutes.
• Promotes universal accessibility: Suitable for all students, including those with learning differences.
• Utilizes a research-based approach: Backed by educational research to ensure accurate and reliable results.

What are the benefits of using the uPAR data?

• Empowers students: Encourages self-awareness and independence in choosing the best reading method.
• Improves student outcomes: Helps match students with the right support, leading to improved comprehension and learning outcomes.
• Informs decision-making: Guides educators in determining who needs accommodations and what type.
• Provides data insights: Provides teachers with actionable data to personalize instruction and accommodations effectively.

How do I learn more about uPAR or get a quick refresher? 

• Watch the recording (timestamp 3:46-24:00) from the March 7 Curriculum Directors’ meeting, where MeLissa Lawson discusses uPAR and the DE’s procurement of this tool for all Iowa districts.
• Watch this five-minute Intro to uPAR video.

How does my district get started using uPAR?

Complete the District uPAR Deployment form to sign up for access to uPAR at no cost to your district. What support services does Central Rivers AEA offer to help districts implement uPAR and use its data to the fullest extent? We are offering a comprehensive uPAR Implementation Support Package. See the flyer for package pricing and details.

• Session 1: Introduction to uPAR: An implementation action plan (two-hour virtual session)
• Session 2: Making sense of uPAR results (four-hour in-person session)
• Session 3: Using uPAR data to drive instruction and build an inclusive classroom with assistive technology (four-hour in-person session)
• Session 4: Reflect, plan and sustain: A continuous improvement approach to uPAR implementation (two-hour virtual session)

Webinar series at a glance

• Part 1: Iowa’s Access for ALL (April 23 | 12 pm CT)
• Part 2: Deep dive into uPar (May 7 | 12 pm CT)
• Part 3: Data-based decision making with uPar (May 21 | 12 pm CT)

Central Rivers AEA recognizes that artificial intelligence (AI) can help improve educational services and make work more efficient. AI tools can automate tasks, provide helpful insights and streamline processes — but they also raise concerns about data privacy and security. To help staff use AI responsibly, the agency has put together clear guidelines.

Why AI guidelines matter

AI tools are changing how we work, but they come with risks. Protecting sensitive information, especially student and staff data, is a top priority. These guidelines will help you understand how to use AI tools safely while maintaining privacy and security.

Key guidelines

• Use AI to support our mission: AI should be used to improve services, boost efficiency and align with the agency’s goals.
• Protect confidential information: Don’t upload or share sensitive data, including student information, into AI tools. This includes names, addresses and personal identifiers.
• Check security before using AI: Review the tool’s privacy policy and terms of service. Make sure the tool won’t use or share data without permission.
• Be transparent: Let others know if you’re using AI in meetings, educational services, or decision-making. If someone isn’t comfortable, you should disable the AI tool.
• Follow security practices: Use strong passwords, update software regularly, and keep shared data limited to only those who need it.

Stay safe & informed

If you’re unsure about using an AI tool or have questions about security, reach out to the technology team. By following these guidelines, we can make the most of AI while keeping our data safe. If you have any questions, contact the Help Desk or call (319) 273-8231.

The power of voice-controlled assistive technology

Voice-controlled technology is making life easier and more accessible for people with disabilities. Devices like smart speakers and virtual assistants (Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, Google Assistant) allow users to control lights, adjust the temperature, manage schedules, and make calls – without needing to press buttons or use touchscreens.

Beyond convenience, these tools enhance safety. Voice commands can set alarms, call for help, or contact emergency services in case of a fall. They also work with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems, helping individuals with speech or mobility challenges communicate more effectively.

As these technologies improve, they continue to expand independence – handling tasks like reading messages, managing smart home systems, and providing real-time health updates. With ongoing advancements, voice-controlled devices are opening new doors for people with disabilities, making everyday life more accessible and empowering.

Check out these articles for more examples of how voice-controlled assistive technology can support individuals with disabilities. 

• How AI and Voice Assistants Are Revolutionizing Accessibility
• 10 Ways Assistive Technology, Such as Smart Speakers, Promote Independence for People with Disabilities
• Empowering Lives: The Role of Voice-Controlled Devices for Individuals with Disabilities

Flexible assessment: supporting diverse learners through Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

One key idea in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is giving students different ways to show what they know. Standard tests, like written exams, don’t always capture every student’s abilities. Using flexible assessments helps create a more inclusive classroom where all students can succeed.

Examples of flexible assessment in action

• Multimodal projects: Allow students to create videos, infographics or podcasts instead of traditional essays.
• Oral presentations: Give students the option to verbally explain concepts rather than writing a report.
• Performance-based assessments: Use role-playing, skits or simulations to demonstrate learning.
• Student choice in assessments: Let students choose from a menu of options to demonstrate their understanding in a way that works best for them.

How to get started

You don’t need to completely change your curriculum to use flexible assessments. Start small by giving students a choice in how they complete one assignment, then adjust based on their feedback. This approach helps students stay engaged, feel supported and have a fair chance to show what they’ve learned.

Check out these articles for additional information on flexible assessment in the UDL model. 

• UDL Tips for Assessment (CAST)
• How to Use Universal Design for Learning to Create Assessments

Take 30 minutes for yourself with Express Coaching

Struggling to find time for your well-being? In just 30 minutes on April 15, join a small group for Express Coaching and gain clear action steps to tackle a challenge – big or small. Three sessions are available throughout the day. Sign up online for the time that works for you!

Earn $250 for building your leadership skills

Central Rivers AEA is offering a $250 incentive for staff who complete one INspired Leadership micro-credential. Choose from:

1. Awareness of Internal Energy
2. 4 Key Mindsets
3. Overcoming Internal Energy Blocks* (*new – requires the first two as prerequisites)

All are available in our On-Demand Library. Submit your evidence for review by Dr. Leslie Moore. Need help? Schedule a 15-minute session with Dr. Moore.