Our Mission
To provide services and leadership, in partnership with families, schools and communities, that improve the learning outcomes and well-being of all children and youth.

Our Goals
• Increase learning growth for students
• Decrease the gap in achievement
• Increase annual graduation rates
• Increase gateways to post-secondary success 

Districts Can Now Access Required Notifications and Postings from AEA Website

School districts know they are required by state and federal law to post or send out a number of notifications to keep parents, teachers, other staff and the public informed. Districts now have a one-stop-shop they can access to find a compilation of these required postings and notifications.
 
Iowa's Area Education Agencies (AEAs) are pleased to add a “Required Notifications and Postings” page to their website where districts can access these important documents.
 
The notifications and postings categories include:
•    Facility
•    ESEA Title 1 Part A
•    ESEA Title IX, Section 9532
•    Human Resources
•    Federal
•    Business Office
•    Students
•    Childhood Nutrition

This online repository will be in a continuous state of modification, and district personnel are encouraged to provide input on additional items for inclusion or needed modifications to the existing documents.

Development of the Required Notifications and Postings was facilitated through the work of Dr. Clifford Ehlinger, a former Grant Wood AEA executive director.

If you have any questions, contact Valerie Taylor Hill, Grant Wood AEA public information specialist, at vhill@gwaea.org (319) 399-6824.

Have you Certified Your Transportation Agreement?

This is a reminder that several districts have yet to certify their Transportation Agreements. Transportation agreements were completed this spring, however several districts still need to certify. (See step 4 of the attached instructions.) If you're unsure if you have certified, please email Jennifer Ugolini, Board Secretary at jugolini@heartlandaea.org or (515) 270-9030 ext. 14441.

Heartland AEA PEC Sponsoring Parent Book Club to Begin This Fall

Do you know a child who has trouble switching gears? Are her reactions bigger than the situation calls for? What about losing track of information and details? 

If this sounds familiar, the child may struggle with executive functioning. Executive functioning issues aren’t a disability on their own--they’re weaknesses in a key set of mental skills that help the brain organize and act on information. Learn more about executive functioning by viewing this infographic. 

“Difficulties with executive function are typical in childhood and adolescence, but they are especially pronounced in children who are diagnosed with disorders such as autism, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Conduct Disorder and phenylketonuria (PKU),” Philip David Zelazo, Ph.D., professor at the University of Minnesota Institute of Child Development, says. Executive functioning can be improved through tools and strategies that help kids move toward independence. 

Is this something you think a parent you know would want to learn more about? Then encourage him or her to join a new virtual book club, hosted by Kate Boonstra, parent coordinator for the Agency’s Parent & Educator Connection (PEC). 

Parents will read The Impulsive, Disorganized Child: Solutions for Parenting Kids with Executive Functioning Difficulties and meet periodically via videoconferencing for discussion and support. Parents can sign up using this form. The first 20 to sign up will be able to participate. 

If you need more information or have questions, contact Kate Boonstra at kboonstra@heartlandaea.org or ext. 14625.

August 2015 School Leader Update

The Iowa Department of Education’s August 2015 School Leader Update is now available. In this issue, read what, in part, motivates Director Ryan Wise to ensure quality education for all of Iowa’s children. Attorney Nicole Proesch will catch you up on everything related to back to school. And read about a conference that is geared for your data groups.

Teach Iowa Certification Training Coming Soon!

Are you interested in learning more about using the Teach Iowa system? Please see this brochure and FAQ about an upcoming training opportunity.

The Iowa Department of Education is bringing an AppliTrack trainer to the Des Moines area at the end of September to conduct a Certification Training! Whether you've never been trained on the system or would just like a refresher course, you can benefit from learning what features are available to you. A two-day training session will be held for stand-alone district accounts. A one-day session will be held for all Iowa consortium members consisting of most public school districts, non-public schools, AEAs, colleges, universities and community colleges.

Please have your account set up in advance of arrival, bring a web accessible device with you.  Lunch will be on your own and there is no charge for this training. If you have questions, contact Marietta Rives at Marietta.Rives@iowa.gov or (515) 281-6038 or Kelly Hart at Kelly.hart@iowa.gov or (515) 281-3061.

Lau Plan Workshop Scheduled for Sept. 3

Administrative teams with questions remaining about  your district's Lau Plan for meeting needs of English Learners (available for upload this year with your district C-Plan), are invited join us for this workshop for additional support prior to the upload. Remember that this year, the C-Plan approval is contingent upon the Lau Plan approval.

Lau Plan Support
Date: Sept. 3, 2015
Time: 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Register by Activity Number: ES009292111601

Please email your current Lau Plan by Aug. 26 to allow Title III consultants time to review your plan with meaningful feedback, to: sjonesvo@heartlandaea.org and jhiatt@heartlandaea.org

Arrive promptly at 8:30 a.m. for announcements and coffee, with feedback and individual consultation provided as needed.

Title III consultants Stephaney Jones-Vo and Janet Hiatt will be available for consultation and guidance to ensure a smooth approval process when you upload your plan with your district's C-Plan. Remember, this 2015-16 school year will be the first year that C-Plan approval can be stalled pending the approval of your Lau Plan.

TELPA Has a New Home!

The TELPA (Iowa’s state-required language screener) now has a new home on AEA PD Online's Learning System. Access the system at training.aeapdonline.org.

Once you are there, log into the system, select "catalog", and keyword search for "TELPA".

The TELPA updates will make it easier to print certificates of completion, and will allow the AEA PD Online system to maintain an electronic record of those who have completed TELPA training for accountability purposes.

Save the Date: Iowa Culture & Language Conference

Iowa Culture & Language Conference
Nov. 9-11, 2015
Coralville-Marriott Hotel and Conference Center

Visit the Iowa Culture & Language Conference website or see the attached flyer for more information.

Iowa BOEE August 2015 Newsletter

The Iowa BOEE's August 2015 newsletter includes topics such as conditional licensure, substitute teaching, BOEE rule changes and more!

Obama Administration announces Rural IMPACT Demonstration

The White House Rural Council in February launched “Rural Impact,” a sustained campaign to enhance quality of life and upward mobility for children in rural and tribal places. Through this effort, the Obama Administration aims to build upon the progress already made in reducing rural poverty by leveraging technology, forging new partnerships, and exploring new models of program delivery, to ensure that all kids have an opportunity to succeed.

In support of Rural Impact, the Obama Administration is announcing a new technical assistance demonstration initiative: Rural Integration Models for Parents and Children to Thrive (IMPACT) Demonstration. The Rural IMPACT Demonstration will focus on providing technical support for rural and tribal communities to incorporate a two-generation approach, with the goal of reducing child poverty.

The Demonstration will be administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and will be implemented in collaboration with a broad range of Federal agencies, including the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Education, and Labor, and the Corporation for National and Community Service. HHS has cooperative agreements with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Community Action Partnership (CAP), to administer the demonstration and provide technical assistance to participating rural and tribal communities. By embedding a two-generation approach in programs and systems, HHS and its partners anticipate improvements in service delivery, participation, and outcomes for low-income families in rural and tribal communities. 

The Rural IMPACT Demonstration will provide technical assistance and other supports for up to 10 rural and tribal communities that have vision, capacity, and assets to develop innovative two-generation strategies.

Through Rural IMPACT’s two-generation approach, HHS and its partners will work with rural and tribal communities to address concurrently the needs of both vulnerable children and parents, with a goal of increasing parents’ employment and education and the well-being of their children and families.

August 31, 2015: Deadline for communities to submit their statement of interest

For more information, find the invitation letter or contact: RuralIMPACT@aap.org

Searching for Students to be Active with Broadband

The Iowa Communications Network (ICN) is sponsoring an opportunity for students with powerful voices to share their perspectives on technology and broadband. The Statewide Youth Broadband Advisory Council (SYBAC) complements state efforts to gain input from various stakeholders that are passionate about broadband, technology, and apps that require robust broadband to provide the required high-speed Internet. The SYBAC will be made up of twelve (12) young leaders from across Iowa. 

The council’s goal is to gather useful information on what high school students feel could impact high-speed Internet in their schools and in their communities. Students will identify effective strategies to improve broadband connectivity and community environments, which could assist in advocacy efforts for rural Internet connectivity.

Ric Lumbard, ICN Executive Director says, “This initiative allows high school students to help steer the broadband and technology conversations. Our goal is to hear from the next generation.”

Students enrolled in 10th - 12th grades from public and nonpublic schools in Iowa may apply for membership. Meetings will take place monthly, beginning in October 2015 through May 2016, via video conference, teleconference, and/or in-person. Council members also will communicate via e-mail.

ICN is the executive agency sponsor with support from Iowa Department of Education and Iowa Economic Development Authority.

Students interested should visit the ICN website or the Broadband Matters website. Applications can be submitted between August 24-September 14. 

The dissemination of information from external organizations by Heartland AEA does not imply sponsorship or endorsement of the information. It is being passed on to our stakeholders for its educational value.

Model Code of Ethics for Educators Released This Summer

Over the past 12 months, a National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC ) task force, comprised of a diverse group of teachers, principals, superintendents (including Craig Menozzi, former Southeast Polk superintendent), paraprofessionals and state department officials, has developed the first Model Code of Ethics for Educators (MCEE). 

The MCEE was launched on June 25, 2015, at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. It should be noted that the members of the task force are all working educators who were nominated by national stakeholder groups; therefore, this is a document that has been developed, vetted and endorsed by those in the profession.

The purpose of the MCEE is to serve as a shared ethical guide for future and current educators who are faced with the complexities of PK-12 education. The code establishes principles for ethical best practice, mindfulness, self-reflection, and decision-making, setting the groundwork for self-regulation and self-accountability. There are five principles, which broadly define critical dimensions of ethical practice expected of the professional educator, each followed by performance indicators that more specifically define aspects within each principle. You can read more about the MCEE at the links below.

Rationale for the MCEE
Model Code of Ethics for Educators (MCEE) Documents

The MCEE will remain as a living document that will adapt and respond to emerging issues in the education profession by maintaining resources that support continuous public comment and review. Toward this objective, the NASDTEC Executive Board established the National Council for the Advancement of Educator Ethics (NCAEE) at its June 2015 meeting to further the intentional focus on ethics across the profession and establish an ongoing group to administer the code. This critical work will lead to an increased emphasis on ethical preparation at national, state and local levels.

You can review and consider possible uses for this historic document in your work. NASDTEC is making no attempt to press organizations to adopt the document as a whole, and its purpose is not to supplant current state and provider codes currently in use. Rather, the MCEE should be seen as a guide and a tool for your organization as it considers how to assist current and future educators in dealing with an area which grows more murky and complex on a daily basis.

The dissemination of information from external organizations by Heartland AEA does not imply sponsorship or endorsement of the information. It is being passed on to our stakeholders for its educational value.

Know a Great School Counselor? Nominate Him/Her for Iowa School Counselor Association Award

Award applications can be found on the Iowa School Counselors Association website. Applications are due by September 15, 2015.

ISCA 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award Nominations
This recognition is given to an individual who has made major contributions to the school counseling profession in the state of Iowa.  Nominate someone who has made a substantial and long-term commitment to the school counseling profession.

Gary Henrichs Award/Grant
The Iowa School Counselor Association invites K-12 school counselors to apply for this award. It has been established by the family of Gary Henrichs to acknowledge outstanding elementary school counselors in Iowa. This award/grant may be used by the recipient in any way he/she sees fit to help continue his/her work with the school children of Iowa. This award/grant will be presented at the annual ISCA Conference.

John L. Thompson Award/Grant
The Iowa School Counselor Association invites K-12 school counselors to apply for the John L. Thompson Award for Excellence in School Counseling. The award program is designed to recognize counselors who have developed exemplary programs to help students grow in academic and/or life skills.

Questions can be directed to Troy Bergmann at tbergmann@north-cedarstu.org or (563) 452-3179.

The dissemination of information from external organizations by Heartland AEA does not imply sponsorship or endorsement of the information. It is being passed on to our stakeholders for its educational value.

DMACC Surplus

Surplus Board Room tables are available at DMACC Ankeny Campus. These items are at no cost. Please contact Julie Klocke in the Purchasing Department at jaklocke1@dmacc.edu if you are interested.
  

The dissemination of information from external organizations by Heartland AEA does not imply sponsorship or endorsement of the information. It is being passed on to our stakeholders for its educational value.

Is Your Staff Prepared to Manage a Medical Emergency?

In 2012 a group of educational professionals developed the Iowa School Safety Guide. This document is available on the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management website. The guide references a medical emergency response team (MERT). However, the original manual did not provide guidance as to how this team should be developed.

The purpose of a MERT team is to provide a coordinated response in the event of a medical emergency for students, staff and visitors. Last spring MERT guidelines were developed to supplement the Iowa School Safety Guide. It provides instructions for districts to develop a MERT team, an emergency response bag supply list, as well as suggestions for team selection and training.

Section 504 Training for Public School Staff Coming this Fall

Heartland AEA will offer Section 504 trainings to districts this fall. Sites will include Ames, Johnston, Adel and Colfax. Trainings are open to all schools within the Heartland AEA area, but the primary standard taught will be free and appropriate public education. Districts are encouraged to send teams consisting of counselors, administrators and school nurses and to bring their district 504 manual (plan).  The courses are offered at no charge to Heartland AEA districts.

Topics to be covered include:

• Changes to the interpretation of Section 504 since the ADAA 2008
• How to review and update your district-wide Section 504 Plan
• The interaction of a Section 504 plan and an Individual Health Plan
• Review of obligations under the Child Find and grievance procedures
• Evaluation requirements
• Eligibility determination and eligible but not in need of a plan
• Section 504 vs. IDEA 2004, understanding the distinction
• Resources available to assist districts including, access to a Section 504 Google Site

Choice of Location and Dates (Space is limited so register soon):
Colfax
Colfax Historical Building (1720 IA 117, Colfax)
September 15
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Activity Number: NU002599991601

Ames 
Heartland AEA Ames Office, Iowa Main Conference Rooms (511 S. 17th St.)
September 17
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Activity Number: NU002592111601

Johnston
Heartland AEA Johnston REC, Rooms 107 A&B (6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston)
September 22
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Activity Number: NU002592111602   

Adel
Heartland AEA Adel Office (602 Visions Parkway, Adel)
September 29
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Activity Number: NU002592111603
 

Questions can be directed to MaryAnn Strawhacker MPH, RN, Section 504 Consultant and Special Education Nurse Consultant at mstrawhacker@heartlandaea.org.

Grant Wood AEA Offering PLC Learning Opportunities in September

Grant Wood AEA is offering two PLC workshops in September and is inviting anyone who is interested to attend. See this flyer for more information. If you have any questions, contact Sherry Sines, Professional Development Coordinator at Grant Wood AEA, at ssines@gwaea.org.

Updated Statewide Special Education Publications Now Available

The Special Education Statewide Procedures Manual (July 23, 2015 version), Release Notes (July 1, 2015 version), Parental Rights Summary (July 2015 version), Procedural Safeguards Manuals for Parents (Translations), Educational Evaluation Reports (Translations) and IEP Forms (Translations) are now posted on the Iowa IDEA website. These documents are currently posted on the front page of the IDEA website in addition to their permanent location under the IEP dropdown menu > Statewide Special Education Procedures > Manual.

Please read the Release Notes for updated information in the Special Education Statewide Procedures Manual. If you have any questions regarding the content, please contact your Regional Director.