As school leaders face difficult budget decisions, focusing on teaching and learning is even more challenging. This one-day workshop with Dr. Allan Odden, will offer strategies to assist in squeezing the most out of your education dollars. Dr. Odden is a professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis at the University of Wisconsin, and co-director of the Consortium for Policy Research in Education–Wisconsin Center for Education Research. He is a nationally recognized expert in resource allocation and fiscal policy.

Superintendents with board president and other board members, board secretary, business manager, person responsible for teaching and learning (curriculum director), principals are encouraged to attend this event at the Sheraton West Des Moines. The May 12 session is structured for 1A to 3A schools, and the May 13 audience is 4A schools. 

Learn more about the event and register online.

A discussion of Dr. Odden's book Doubling Student Performance: . . . And Finding the Resources to Do It will begin mid-March on this site.

Roger Wilcox, principal of Washington Irving and West Cedar Elementary Schools in the Waverly-Shell Rock Community School District, is the 2010 Iowa Fine Arts Administrator of the Year. This school leader, who is known for practicing and performing with students, was selected by the Iowa Alliance for Arts Education and School Administrators of Iowa.

Superintendents and principals from throughout the state met Feb. 23 with legislators to discuss education priorities and review the impact of proposed bills on districts. Read about current legislation on the legislative news page, and access SAI's legislative platform online. Additional pictures are available in the online photo gallery.

The focus of the 2010 Principals Center Summer Institute, June 23-24 in West Des Moines, will be on developing a common vision of deep learning and the teaching that produces it. Participants will also refine their Individual Administrator Professional Development Plans, and follow-up work will be expected. The Iowa Leadership Academy Principals Center steering committee decided to move forward with the event based on survey results from principals. Details and registration now available!

This year's weather has presented many schools with a number of missed days, and we know that the possibility exists for more inclement weather yet this school year. The Department of Education has provided guidance on this year's snow days and has a Frequently Asked Questions section devoted to the subject.