12 Feb 2015

Reps. Loebsack & Ryan Introduce the Academic, Social and Emotional Learning Act

By Joe Hand

Washington, DC - Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02) was joined today by Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13), Congresswoman Susan Davis (CA-53), Congressman Matt Cartwright (PA-17), and Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) in introducing the Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Act. This legislation supports teacher training in SEL to help young people better handle societal issues thus boosting their academic potential. Students receiving an education that includes SEL programs do better on tests, show greater social behaviors, and less emotional stress. Furthermore, students are far less likely to engage in problem behavior like alcohol and drug use, violence, truancy, and bullying.

 

"As a former educator, I know there are many factors outside of the classroom that contribute to students' academic success. That is why we must focus on the needs of the "whole child" and ensure students have the social and emotional capabilities to solve problems and work effectively in group settings that will prepare them for jobs in the 21st century global economy," said Rep. Dave Loebsack. "In order to accomplish this, we must provide teachers with the necessary training and resources to effectively educate our students and prepare them for success in postsecondary education and the workforce. I look forward to working with Representatives Ryan and Davis on this important piece of legislation."

 

"I have seen firsthand what teaching social and emotional learning can do for students and their classrooms in Ohio and across the nation," said Rep. Tim Ryan. "These programs are scientifically proven to help students increase skills in problem-solving, conflict resolution, responsible decision-making and relationship building - these are the skills that will build the foundation for students to better perform academically and throughout their lives. Now is the time to promote programs that create a safer and more secure school culture in America."

 

If there's one thing that unites Republicans and Democrats, it's the belief that America is about both mind and heart--that our great national commitment to citizenship and character are as important as our commitment to competition and growth," said Tim Shriver, Board Chair of the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL). "For too long, schools have been told to separate the head from the heart--to separate the social and emotional development of children from their cognitive learning. We know that's the wrong way to teach and the wrong way to learn. This bill will help our schools get it right by using the best evidence based programs to optimize our children's chances of learning how to be as smart and as good as they can be."

"Decades of research show that well-implemented social and emotional learning (SEL) programming improves students' behavior and academic performance," said Roger Weissberg, Board Vice-Chair of CASEL. "Recent national polls indicate that educators and parents believe that SEL should be an educational priority. It is critical to provide quality professional development for administrators and teachers so they provide the most beneficial programming for students."

A landmark meta-analysis of 213 SEL programs with a combined sample of more than 270,000 students clearly established the effectiveness of SEL programs across a number of areas critical to the success of students. Students scored 11 percentile points higher on standardized achievement tests, a significant improvement relative to peers not receiving SEL programming. The Academic, Social and Emotional Learning Act builds on this report and a large body of research proving that social and emotional programming has a positive impact on student learning.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), students who feel more connected to school are more likely to have positive health and education outcomes and that a close relationship between the emotional welfare and health of the student can create a safer and more secure environment for learning. The CDC recommends that schools "provide students with the academic, emotional, and social skills necessary to be actively engaged in school."

This legislation defines social and emotional learning (SEL) and amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) to allow funding for teacher and principal training and professional development to be used for SEL programming.

###

11 Feb 2015

Rivermont Students Present Living Biographies

By Jill Weitzel

A journalist/writer/activist, a professional baseball player, a Zulu King, a professional soccer player, a martial arts actor, a Nobel Prize winner, a war general and US president, a singer/songwriter, and a journalist and women's rights activist, - all come to life on stage at Rivermont! (See project list below.)

 

7th Grade Living Biographies

Student/Subject

  • Asha Alla (Nellie Bly (Elizabeth Jane Cochran) - Journalist/Writer/Activist)
  • Harrison Brown (Derek Jeter - Professional Baseball Player (former Yankees))
  • Christopher Cumberbatch (Shaka Zulu - Zulu King and Conqueror)
  • Chirag Gowda (Lionel Messi - Professional Soccer Player (FC Barcelona and Argentina national team))
  • Jacob Hansen (Bruce Lee - Martial Arts Instructor/Creator and Actor)
  • Dwira Nandini (Malala Yousafzai - Nobel Prize Winner/Activist)
  • Jozef Porubcin (Ulysses S. Grant - War General and US President)
  • Davis Priest (Barbra Streisand - Singer, Songwriter, Actress)
  • Grace Sampson (Barbara Walters - Journalist and Women's Rights Activist)
  • Anna Senjem (Margaret Thatcher - First Woman Prime Minister)
  • Genevieve Strasser (Susan Butcher - Iditarod Competitor/Victor (second woman to win first place))
# # #
11 Feb 2015

ILLINOIS NATIONAL GUARD RECRUITING COMMAND WORKS WITH POLAND

By Illinois National Guard PAO

WARSAW, POLAND (02/10/2015)(readMedia)-- Five Soldiers with the Illinois Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion in Springfield, Illinois travelled to Warsaw, Poland from 26 to 30 January for a workshop aimed at best practices between the partner nations at Poland's Armed Forces Operational Command.

Brig. Gen. Andrzej Tuz, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Armed Forces Operational Command, addressed the group on the opening day to share ideas and build upon the partnership between Poland and Illinois. The workshop focused on adapting Illinois' models for recruiting, retention, marketing, and attrition management to Poland's Armed Forces recruitment. In 2008, Poland ended mandatory conscription into its armed forces. Poland started its National Reserve Forces in 2010, and has experienced the challenges associated with recruiting.

"We see the same challenges here," said Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen Donaldson, of Chatham, Illinois, Recruiting and Retention Battalion Command Sergeant Major. "They understand where they are currently and where they want to go, but also understand that it will take time to get there."

Personnel from the Polish Armed Forces Operational Command gave a general overview of their force structure and function of not only the active component, but also the National Reserve Forces. Personnel discussed how Poland's Operational and General Commands operate as part of the Ministry of National Defense.

Aleksandra Szmitkowska and Grzegorz Romanski of the Ministry's Department of Education and Defense Promotion discussed recruiting ideas and campaigns and how they are seeking quality over quantity when it comes to recruits. Donaldson and Maj. Darren Horton, of Williamsville, Illinois, Recruiting and Retention Battalion Enlisted Accessions Officer in Charge, followed by giving a presentation on retention, sponsorship programs in the Illinois National Guard, and the importance and effectiveness of proper retention counseling.

Sgt. Maj. Allen Morrison, of Rochester, Illinois, Enlisted Accessions Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge, gave an overview of the Illinois National Guard's recruiting strategy and target audience. Lt. Col. Daniel Reichen, of Springfield, Illinois, Recruiting and Retention Battalion Commander, said his Polish counterparts were receptive to the idea of leveraging high schools and centers of influence within that demographic to increase recruiting.

"We sell ourselves as the component of choice. Our partners were very interested in how we take a 'community first, nation always' approach to marketing the Guard," said Reichen.

Reichen said the U.S. military, the Illinois National Guard, and Poland all face the same challenges.

"We're always trying to do the same three things: man, train, and equip the force. Our partners in Poland have the same goals and are looking for the best practices to do the same," he said.

Reichen said the workshop was successful and a great partnership opportunity, but said future opportunities to work with the Polish National Reserve Forces should not be limited to recruiting practices.

"I think that the next step is not only talking the recruiting piece, but how we man and train personnel in the reserve component, involving the personnel and operations branches in a workshop may be incredibly useful to our partners," he said.

11 Feb 2015

Dashawn Banks Named Distinguished Scholar at Rockford University

By Rockford University Communications Office

ROCKFORD, IL (02/10/2015)(readMedia)-- Dashawn Banks, a resident of Rock Island, IL, was announced as a Distinguished Scholar at Rockford University.

Full-time students attending Rockford University were named Distinguished Scholars for the fall 2014 semester who earned at least a 3.75 GPA with no grades below "C" and having completed all requirements for the semester.

Rockford University is a four-year, co-educational institution founded in 1847 offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional liberal arts and professional fields. The University offers approximately 80 majors, minors and concentrations, including the adult accelerated degree completion program for a B.S. in Management Studies. Through its Graduate Studies department, degrees are extended to include the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). Rockford University is home to one of only 11 Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) chapters in Illinois, the most prestigious honor society in the United States. Named by The Princeton Review as a Best Midwestern College and one of only 81 colleges in the nation as a "College with a Conscience," Rockford University currently serves approximately 1,280 full-and part-time students.

11 Feb 2015

ABC's The Bachelor Highlights Greater Des Moines; Watch Party Planned

By Rick Martin
DES MOINES, IA - A special episode of ABC's The Bachelor will air this Sunday, February 15 from 8 to 10 p.m. with a special one-hour segment prior to the show. The episode will feature the Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel, Des Moines Social Club with exhibits from local artist, Van Holmgren, RoCA, Wells Fargo Arena, West End Architectural Salvage and Rollins Mansion.

The episode was filmed throughout Greater Des Moines in October 2014, as confirmed previously by the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau and Greater Des Moines Partnership.

"Our number one goal in partnering with ABC's The Bachelor is to leverage the opportunity to showcase our city as the artful, hip and vibrant region it is," says Greg Edwards, President and CEO of the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau and Des Moines Area Sports Commission.

"This national and international exposure will put our region in the spotlight with millions of extremely passionate fans," adds Jay Byers, CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership. "This is a golden opportunity to illustrate our city's rich economic growth and prosperity."

The Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau and Greater Des Moines Partnership will host a red carpet Watch Party in conjunction with this Sunday's episode from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Admission to the Watch Party is free, with limited availability. Fans must secure a ticket to attend the event; more information is available at catchdesmoines.com/TheBachelor.

Potential Story Angles Surrounding the Watch Party
--Interview opportunities with:
Spokespeople from the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau on how this national exposure will impact Greater Des Moines.
Individuals from the locations featured in the episode.
Fans of the show.
--Visual opportunities including interactive games for the guests, with themes surrounding the show.
--Additional activities, crowd engagement and photo opps will be available at the event.

Catch Real-Time Updates
Fans should follow the hashtag #IowaBachelor on the following social media channels:
Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau
--Twitter: @catchdesmoines
--Facebook: Greater Des Moines Convention & Visitors Bureau
--Instagram: catchdesmoines
Greater Des Moines Partnership
--Twitter: @Downtown50309
--Facebook: Downtown Des Moines
--Instagram: Downtown Des Moines

About ABC's The Bachelor
On ABC's hit primetime reality series The Bachelor, one lucky man is offered the chance to find true love. Chris Soules, a native Iowan from Arlington, is the star of the 19th edition of ABC's The Bachelor. Hosted by Chris Harrison, The Bachelor is produced by Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Television. The following ABC social media channels will provide official updates:
Twitter
--The Bachelor: @BachelorABC and @TheBachelorTV
--Chris Soules: @C_Soules
--Chris Harrison: @ChrisBHarrison
Facebook
--The Bachelor: Facebook/TheBachelor
Instagram
--The Bachelor: @BachelorABC
--Chris Soules: @SoulesChris
--Chris Harrison: @ChrisBHarrison

For more information on ABC's The Bachelor, visit abc.com/TheBachelor

The Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote Greater Des Moines as a fun, vibrant and affordable destination statewide, nationally and internationally. Our focus increases visitors to our community through meetings, conventions, sports events, leisure travel, and group tours, thereby contributing to the local economy.

11 Feb 2015

MODERN WOODMEN PARK TO HOST 2015 DAVENPORT LITTLE LEAGUE REGISTRATION FEB. 21

By Marco LaNave
DAVENPORT, Iowa (Feb. 10, 2015) - For the seventh consecutive year, the Quad Cities River Bandits will host Davenport Little League baseball and softball registration indoors at Modern Woodmen Park. On Saturday, Feb. 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Little Leaguers from throughout the Davenport area will visit the ballpark to register for their upcoming season.
By centralizing the registration at Modern Woodmen Park, this event incorporates all the Davenport Little Leagues, regardless of age or level, into one central location and has greatly assisted organizers in streamlining the registration process the last six years.
"We again welcome these young athletes and their families to the Modern Woodmen Park experience, which is all about families creating memories that last a lifetime," said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "Kids and parents alike love incorporating Modern Woodmen Park and professional baseball into the Davenport Little Leagues, and we are thrilled to continue our support of the Little League programs and youth sports in the Quad Cities."
All the local leagues - including the North, Northwest, East, Southeast, West Softball, West Emeis, East Softball, Pony, Colt and Challenger Leagues - will hold registration on Feb. 21. Registration is required even if the child has previously played. At least one parent or legal guardian must be present with proof of residence and an original or state-certified copy of the child's birth certificate, which will be returned at the registration. Also, the leagues require a completed registration form, medical release form, and the fee for registration.
For children ages 14 and under attending the Little League registration, the River Bandits will also offer an exclusive, one-day special on 2014 Kids Club memberships. Normally $30 per child 14 and under, a Kids Club membership will be $25 at Modern Woodmen Park on Saturday, Feb. 21, only. A Kids Club Membership includes a free bleacher ticket good for all River Bandits 2015 regular season home games, a membership card, a drawstring backpack, a 10 percent discount off purchases in the team store, an email newsletter with exclusive special offers and much more.
The River Bandits will also have information about ticket plans and group outings at the ballpark this season. Families and individuals may also purchase or renew their season ticket packages for the 2015 season.
"As a community-based venue, Modern Woodmen Park is ideal for kicking off the Little League year," said River Bandits General Manager Andrew Chesser. "Kids will once again register at a professional ballpark within the same week the pros are reporting for spring training!"
Questions about the Feb. 21 registration can be directed to Denise Clark in the River Bandits front office at 563-324-3000.
11 Feb 2015

USB to Set Plan for Future at February Meeting

By United Soybean Board

Farmer-leaders of the United Soybean Board (USB) will meet in February to tackle a busy week of strategic planning for 2016.

This meeting includes setting strategic priorities in each of the four target areas - Communications, Domestic Opportunities, International Opportunities and Supply. Farmer-leaders will also make initial allocations for investing checkoff resources. Finally, USB's four action teams - Meal, Oil, Freedom to Operate and Customer Focus - will begin the process of putting those resources to work in projects to maximize profit opportunities for U.S. soybean farmers.

Throughout this strategic-planning process, farmer-leaders will use the results and input from the recent CONNECTIONS 2014 to take into account perspectives from throughout the industry.

USB welcomes all members of the media to attend all open sessions.

Wednesday, Feb. 11, from 8:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 12, from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
The Westin Savannah Harbor
1 Resort Dr.
Savannah, GA 31421
11 Feb 2015

Branstad, First Lady, Reynolds, students unite for campaign to end bullying in Iowa

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa
(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad, First Lady Chris Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today rallied with over 100 Iowa students at the Iowa State Capitol to call for passage of the Bully Free Iowa Act of 2015. The students and Sioux City School District Superintendent Dr. Paul Gausman joined the governor and lt. governor for a statehouse press conference, launched a new Bully Free Iowa web video and were scheduled to meet with legislators on the important issue of bullying in schools. The full Bully Free Iowa Act of 2015 can be read here.
"Every Iowa child deserves a safe and respectful learning environment. Together we can send a strong message to our children that bullying - whether it is in the school yard or on social media - is unacceptable," said Branstad. "The time to act is now, and let's act while students are still in school to send a message that their voices were heard."
"As a mother and grandmother, it troubles me to know that students are being bullied in Iowa schools and action hasn't been taken to prevent it," said First Lady Chris Branstad. "I was touched by the stories of Iowa students and teachers as we traveled the state on the anti-bullying listening tour. It is my hope that this is the year that we stand up to the bully and pass meaningful anti-bullying legislation in Iowa."
"Ensuring that Iowa students have access to a world-class education has been a priority of our administration since taking office," said Reynolds. "But if we are to continue to work to improve our schools, we must also act to provide a safe and secure learning environment that is free of bullying. Let's work together to give educators, students and school districts the tools to better address bulling in Iowa schools."
11 Feb 2015

Cara Hahn Named to Buena Vista University Dean's List

By Jill Heisterkamp

STORM LAKE, IA (02/10/2015)(readMedia)-- Cara Hahn, from Muscatine, was named to the Dean's List for the Fall 2014 semester at Buena Vista University. Students named to the Dean's List must have a minimum grade point average of 3.5 for the semester, based on a 4.0 grade point system, and must have taken at least 12 hours of coursework.

Founded in 1891, Buena Vista University offers 43 majors and 15 pre-professional programs that blend liberal arts with real-world applications, preparing students for lifelong success. Its quality academic programs, faculty, facilities, and technology result in 97 percent of BVU's recent graduates being employed or enrolled in graduate/professional schools within six months of graduation, based on a 98 percent survey response rate. Generous merit and need-based financial aid programs, and support for academic travel, research, and internships, make BVU an affordable option for all students and, combined with its academic programs, has led U.S. News & World Report to rank BVU as the third best value school among Midwest Regional Colleges and to an A stable rating from Standard & Poor's.

11 Feb 2015

4 Rules For Hiring & Retaining Your Best Employees

By Ginny Grimsley
Veteran Entrepreneur Says The Best Teacher Is Experience

Exorbitant student loans constitute just one reason why young people eager to experience the world may want to reconsider college, says Ed Basler, a veteran entrepreneur.

There is now $1.2 trillion worth of college debt in the United States and the average borrower will graduate $26,600 in the red, according to The Institute for College Access and Success (TICAS) Project on Student Debt.

"None of this guarantees a job or even that a college grad will be job-ready," says Basler, CEO of E.J. Basler Co., (www.ejbasler.com).

"After four weeks of business school I, the son of a businessman, had realized that the professor had no real-life experience running a business and that I wouldn't learn the practical principles necessary to succeed. But I stuck with business school for two years until I dropped out, and I haven't had any regrets 40 years later. Hands-on experience trumps a degree all the time."

Factor in the fact that necessary business skills evolve faster than the time it takes to earn a degree and the overall lack of preparation for the real world provided by college and the choice to save time and money is a no-brainer, says Basler.

Business owners and hiring managers should see past the college degrees of potential employees, or lack thereof, and focus on the content of an applicant's skills and character, says Basler, who offers, in his own words, the following tips for hiring.

•  Do not accept any bad attitudes. A bad attitude spreads like the flu, and if you don't stop it, it'll make your whole team sick. Good attitudes will spread too, so look to hire people with a positive nature. Is the prospective hire full of complaints about previous employers? Don't be surprised if you become the next target of such whining. No one is indispensable. I have interviewed people who were clearly bright and skilled. Yet, afterward, I felt like telling them not to let the door hit them on the way out. I've never regretted my decision to insist on good attitudes.

•  Hire friends very cautiously. They can become your best employees. Often, however, they are your worst, and they're hard to fire. Hire family members even more cautiously. Let them know the ground rules and expectations up front. And treat them like the rest of your employees. I hear horror stories all the time from business people who are suffering because of family involvement. But it can also work very well - it has worked out well for me.

•  Hire not only for skills but also for potential. Leaders can be made if trained and motivated properly. I've seen many a young person with no previous experience or knowledge of my business learn a trade or skill and prosper and excel. Many times, it's even an advantage to start from the beginning with someone who does not have the baggage of bad habits or practices from a previous employer.

•  Put people in the right positions. Test them for their personality and skill sets. There are many tests - one good one is the Meyers Briggs and the DISC profile. It's hard, sometimes, to understand where people fit, which is why we try to use testing to learn about their particular skills.

"A college degree is a generic qualification and is by no means the ultimate criteria by which you should hire talent," Basler says.

About Ed Basler

Ed Basler is a longtime entrepreneur and CEO of E.J. Basler Co., (www.ejbasler.com), which provides precision-machined parts and solutions to companies worldwide. He is a sought-after motivational speaker and president of Fresh Eyes Coaching, a firm that helps small businesses identify profit opportunities and obstacles. Ed and his wife, Cathi, also founded and ran a nationally recognized not-for-profit youth organization for 15 years. He is the author of "The Meat & Potatoes Guide to Business Survival: A Handbook for Non-MBA's & College Dropouts."

Pages

more

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

    

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Real Astrology and RCR Crossword every week?) 

Subscribe!

* indicates required

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.

 
 

Meetings Calendar

Kids Calendar

Eat & Drink Calendar