The Channel

Iowa’s Area Education Agencies (AEAs) have launched a new strategic plan for the statewide system. This comprehensive plan outlines the AEAs’ commitment to serving as educational partners, supporting schools and driving positive outcomes for students across the state. The plan builds on the strengths and core values of previous individual AEA strategic plans and aligns closely with the State of Iowa’s Board of Education’s goals and standards.

Key priorities of the new plan include:

• Serving students and educators: Addressing immediate needs and providing ongoing support to ensure all students have access to high-quality education.
• Driving impact: Achieving meaningful and lasting positive outcomes through evidence-based strategies and collaborative partnerships.
• Fostering excellence: Striving for excellence in service delivery, emphasizing collaboration, relationships and continuous improvement.

Iowa’s nine AEAs will take the plan to their boards for adoption. AEAs will begin to layer the plan into existing AEA strategic plans, creating a more cohesive approach to serving Iowa’s students and educators.

“The new plan is an important step in ensuring that Iowa’s AEAs are meeting the needs of Iowa’s students and educators,” said Stan Rheingans, shared Chief Administrator of Central Rivers AEA and Keystone AEA. “This plan will help us to better align our work across the system and with the state’s educational standards.”

Central Rivers AEA gives you the option to receive your IRS Form W-2 and Form 1095 electronically. These forms will only be provided electronically if you give your consent. Employees who consent to receive their W-2 and/or 1095 forms online will not receive paper copies. Those who do not consent will continue to receive paper copies of these forms.

Follow the steps below to access your electronic consent* options for your W-2:

• Log into Web Link
• Select Employee Information ? Payroll and Compensation ? W2s

• Review IRS W2 Consent Terms ? Select to receive W2 electronically through Web Link or Select to continue receiving W2 in paper form ? Continue

*If you consent to electronic delivery but later change your mind, you can update your preferences through the electronic consent link. Simply select the option: I want to continue receiving my W-2 in paper form but would like to view my W-2 through Web Link.

Follow the steps below to access your electronic consent* options for the 1095 form:

• Log into Web Link
• Select Employee Information ? Payroll and Compensation ? 1095s

• Review IRS 1095 Consent Terms ? Select to receive 1095 electronically through Web Link or Select to continue receiving 1095 in paper form ? Continue

*If you consent to electronic delivery but later change your mind, you can revisit the electronic consent link to update your preferences. Select the option: I want to continue receiving my 1095 in paper form but would like to view my 1095 through Web Link.

You have until January 13, 2025, to decide how you want to receive your 2024 W-2 and Form 1095. If you consent to electronic delivery, you will be able to view and print your W-2 forms from 2022 onward, as long as you maintain your consent. If you choose not to consent, you will receive paper copies of your W-2 and/or 1095 form.

Electronic delivery allows you to access your W-2 sooner than through the mail, and it helps save costs for Central Rivers AEA. You will receive an email when the 2024 W-2s and 1095 forms are available online.

For questions about your W-2, contact Shane Wolf, Payroll Specialist, at (319) 273-8203. For questions about your 1095 form, contact Kevin Klobassa, Benefits Specialist, at (319) 273-8202.

Starting December 16, the “working location” feature in Google Calendar will no longer be available due to inconsistent use. Please continue to share your working location, but instead use the Calendar Event feature to ensure that your location is complete for each event. If you work in one location all day (e.g. office based staff), simply create a calendar event and name the working location as the event title. If you have any questions, talk with your supervisor or the Tech Help Desk. Examples of how to update your calendar are provided below.

Incorrect Example:

The old “working location” feature – this will not be available on Google Calendars beginning December 16.

Correct Example:

Be sure to update your Google Calendar to reflect your working location via all day “Calendar Events.” For example, if you are working from home, create an all-day Google Calendar event that is titled, “Virtual Services.”

The same would go if you are at an office – Cedar Falls Office, Clear Lake Office or Marshalltown Office.

During their December board meeting, the Board waived Board Policy 401.12 and approved December 24, 2024 to be included as one of the identified office closed days for 2024-25 winter break. The board waived the policy this year out of respect for all employees who might have holiday traditions and for those who may be traveling for Christmas. It was also noted that our LEA partners are closed on this day. If you have any questions, reach out to your direct supervisor.

Please join us in thanking the Board of Directors for their care and support!

Don’t forget to change your voicemail greeting and schedule an “away” message to your email during the Christmas holiday break so that callers and/or e-mailers will know when they can expect to hear from you. All Central Rivers AEA offices will be closed on December 24 – January 1 for the Christmas holiday break. All CRAEA offices will reopen on Thursday, January 2.

Email “away” message example

Thank you for your email. I will be out of the office beginning Tuesday, December 24 through January 1 and will respond to your email upon my return on January 2. All Central Rivers AEA offices are closed for winter break. Thank you and have a wonderful holiday!

Voicemail example

Hello, this is (your name/title). All Central Rivers AEA offices will be closed for winter break beginning Tuesday, December 24 and will reopen on Thursday, January 2. Please leave your name, number and a brief message and I will call you when I return. Thank you and have a wonderful holiday!

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

A new Assistive Technology (AT) team, with members from Keystone and Central Rivers AEA, is now in place. The team is conducting a needs assessment to identify training priorities for discipline teams. Once complete, staff will receive focused, bite-sized professional learning opportunities based on the findings.

The process for making an AT request:

1. Targeted AT Needs: Contact the Discipline Lead for assistance.
2. Targeted/Intensive AT Needs: If the Discipline Lead cannot assist, contact the Regional Administrator.
3. Intensive AT Requests: The RA will forward these to the Intensive AT Support Team for further review.

This process ensures timely and effective support for assistive technology needs. If you have questions, please view the AEA support for addressing AT concerns document, or reach out to Annette Hyde, Executive Director of Special Education.

New DE Policy & Procedures webinars

Annette watched the first webinar on exiting students from special education, and she says it’s excellent – definitely worth your time. You can watch the recording here. Recordings are also available on the DE website under Special Education Guidance. Here’s the information for the next webinar:

• Date: December 11 | 8:30 am
• Topic: Shortened School Days: Smart Use in Special Education
• Presenters: Rachel Bosovich, Ivan Gentry and Brittany Beverage
• Zoom link | Passcode: 431127

Session description: This session will cover when a shortened school day may or may not be appropriate for special education students. Participants will receive checklists to guide decision-making for students with medical or behavioral needs, helping IEP teams determine appropriate plans, including shortened school days or homebound instruction. Additionally, participants will learn how to access and use ACHIEVE data to make informed decisions for students and systems in special education.

Future 2025 dates in the Special Education Policy and Practice webinar series (topics TBD):

• January 15
• February 12
• April 9
• May 14

Hearing screenings for ‘25-’26

We’ve received many questions about universal hearing screenings for next year. As shared in the fall, these screenings are expected to move to a fee-for-service model. While this decision hasn’t changed, we’re in discussions with the DE to clarify our role from a child find perspective. If asked, please let people know we’re working to finalize the decision, but for now, it remains fee-based. We’ll share more with administrators later this winter. For further questions, they can reach out to Annette Hyde or their Regional Administrator.

IEP goals for students on alternate assessment

IEP goals are expected to include short-term objectives. While there’s no specific number required, each goal should go beyond just an annual target. IEP teams should use the advanced goal features to create more time-sensitive objectives for these students, following guidance from i3.

Parent verification & portal updates

ACHIEVE now includes a banner about age-of-majority students. Teachers need to review and validate these students’ IEPs. Statewide, 37,000 parents still need verification – please remind teachers to complete this if they haven’t yet. We’re also testing an issue with verifying surrogate parents and will share updates soon. All verifications must be completed by December 15. The Parent Portal launches in February 2025! See the FAQ for details. Two webinars for LEA and AEA Administrators (not AEA staff) will help districts prepare. Information has been shared via email and admin reports.

Evaluation timelines

Last month, we reminded staff to notify their RA if an evaluation is approaching the 60-day deadline (or 45 days for EAs). The Department of Education expects Central Rivers AEA to meet these timelines 100% of the time. We’ve discovered that ACHIEVE sometimes miscalculates these deadlines – this document provides more details. If you encounter this issue, please submit a ticket with detailed information so we can address it and ensure the timeline is accurate.

SE admin report

December’s SE Admin Report is now available for viewing.

PK, K & PK LRE charts

Clarification on when to choose “both” on the goal stepper for PK, K and PK LRE Charts can be viewed in this PK-K Clarification document.

Parent portal update

In our recent Team Rep discipline meeting, we discussed that AEA staff could share draft EERs with parents through the portal. However, after reviewing the Q&A, we’ve confirmed that parents won’t have access to the portal until after a student is found eligible and consent is signed. This means draft EERs will need to be shared using current methods, even after the portal launches. The portal is expected to go live in late February 2025. Stay tuned for more details and training opportunities.

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

• Special Education Updates
• Updates with CRAEA Special Education doc (this will include every update from editions of The Channel)

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.

• Ed Services/Media Updates
• Updates with CRAEA Ed Services & Media doc (this will include every update from editions of The Channel)

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!

• (641) 844-2410 or  (800) 735-1539
• reservations@centralriversaea.org
• Chat with us on our website

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:

• Monday, December 16 |  8:00 am
• Tuesday, December 17 |  8:00 am
• Wednesday, December 18 |  8:00 am

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

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

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

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

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:

• Common Examples
• Microaggressions in the Workplace: How to Identify & Respond to Them
• What to know about microaggressions
• Microaggressions are a big deal: How to talk them out and when to walk away

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!

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.

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!