The Channel

The Channel - a blog for Central Rivers AEA staff and board members blog site header

Tag: Educational Services

  • Updates with Educational Services & Media

    Central Rivers AEA continues to provide uPAR implementation support services to districts

    uPar access update:

    The Universal Protocol for Accommodations in Reading (uPAR) is a powerful protocol that helps determine appropriate reading accommodations for all students. Districts in Iowa can gain free access to uPAR through Everway’s Iowa Access for All website, which explains the tool, outlines the sign-up process, and provides a link to the required uPAR District Deployment Form.

    Additionally, schools using uPAR, can apply to receive Read&Write for Google at no cost; see the application for details. (Applying for Read&Write for Google does not guarantee free access, as the license number is limited.)

    uPAR training update

    During the next PD window, the DE has pre-approved an Access for All Learning Package for districts on uPAR. More details will be provided as they become available.

    AEA access

    Once a district has uPAR access, AEA staff may request administrator-level access to review data and help support district implementation. There are two ways to request access:

    1. District-Initiated Request: An LEA administrator emails Nik Poulikidas (npoulakidas@texthelp.com) at Everway to authorize specific AEA staff members for admin-level access.
    2. AEA-Initiated Request: An AEA staff member emails Nik Poulikidas (npoulakidas@texthelp.com) at Everway to request access for themselves (and/or other AEA staff) and includes the LEA administrator on the email to confirm district approval. See sample email request.

    Changes from past practice

    This updated process was introduced to ensure stronger compliance with FERPA, as well as to streamline automatic domain-based rostering, thereby reducing the need for manual district uploads.

    uPAR questions

    • Central Rivers AEA staff: If you have any questions, please reach out to Jess Kite, uPAR lead. 
    • Keystone AEA Staff: If you have any questions, please reach out to Tracy Grimes, uPAR lead.For more information, please refer back to a previous article regarding uPar implementation.

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

  • Updates with Educational Services & Media

    Professional Development requests

    Central Rivers AEA encourages staff to take part in professional learning opportunities that support growth and enhance our work with students, families and districts. Staff requesting to participate in internal or external professional development should follow the directions linked below:

    Submitting a request for PD participation

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

  • Updates with Educational Services & Media

    Live documents, helpful resources and guides can be found on our staff website. Be sure to review the updates with CRAEA Ed Services & Media doc (this will include every update from editions of The Channel and important mid-month information).

  • Updates with Educational Services & Media

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

  • Central Rivers AEA providing uPAR implementation support services to districts

    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