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
Heartland AEA is beginning year two of the online Request for Transportation Approval process.
Chapter 285.9(3) of the Iowa Code requires the Area Education Agency Board of Directors to approve all bus routes outside the boundaries of the school district operating the buses. This has been interpreted to mean regular routes and regular special education routes, not bussing for field trips or activity trips. The Code requires you to request permission from neighboring district(s) before any bus routes cross district boundaries.
Last year the process was completed for the first time using an online submission process. Please review the instructions and timelines to complete the process for 2016-17, including the updated video tutorials.
Districts are asked to begin the process this month and to complete step III by April 30.
For more information, contact Jenny Ugolini at (515) 270-0405 ext. 14441.
Each day, the Heartland AEA Communications Department provides links to local and national education news headlines to those who have signed up for our “News Clips” email list. If you would like to be added to the News Clips list, contact the Communications Department at comms@heartlandaea.org.
Have you followed Heartland AEA on social media yet? If yes, great—now tell a friend! If not, what are you waiting for?
K-12 social studies teachers are invited to attend the 2016 Best Practices in Social Studies Institute, June 20-21 at the State Historical Museum in Des Moines. The Institute is entirely FREE to attend and license renewal credit will be available.
Time will be devoted during the event to discuss the process for writing the draft of new social studies standards. Elementary teachers will also have the opportunity to attend the statewide elementary social studies professional development. In addition, sessions are planned for history content, a Supreme Court update, psychology, technology and much more.
View the at-a-glance schedule here.
Register here by May 10.
For more information, contact Stefanie Rosenberg Wager with the Iowa Department of Education at (515) 725-7842.
Heartland AEA’s Parent & Educator Connection is hosting transition fairs in April to link families of students with special needs to community and agency resources. Parents, students ages 14+, educators and AEA staff are invited to attend these fairs to gather information that will be of assistance for students with special needs who will be transitioning from high school to postsecondary pursuits.
April 5
Heartland AEA Ames Office
April 11
ADM High School
Do you have a student that loves technology? Someone who likes to talk about new products, security and encryption, driverless cars and reliable broadband in schools?
The Iowa Communications Network (ICN) has a wonderful opportunity for your technology savvy student!
The ICN is looking for 10th-12th grade students with powerful voices to share their perspectives on technology and broadband. Applications are now being accepted by April 11 for the Statewide Youth Broadband Advisory Council (SYBAC) for the 2016-2017 school year.
The SYBAC will be made up of 11 young leaders from across Iowa who will identify effective strategies to improve broadband connectivity and community environments, which could assist in advocacy efforts for rural Internet connectivity.
To apply for the Council, students can visit the SYBAC website or contact Lori Larsen at lori.larsen@iowa.gov.
Ever wish you could contact Apple and get support without waiting on the phone for a customer service representative? Do you enjoy learning tips and tricks about Apple’s products and apps? If you answered yes to both these questions, we have a great new customer service resource for you to explore.
Apple has launched a new Twitter account, @AppleSupport, dedicated to providing customer support. Customer service staff are already fielding questions about Apple Music and Apple IDs and tweeting out tips on how to use Apple products. Apple reps are available every day to answer your questions, from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. CST. Check it out!
Thousands of talented Iowa educators lead and inspire their students, but only one is chosen annually as the state’s top teacher.
The award recognizes an exceptional Iowa teacher who is helping to redefine education. The Teacher of the Year serves as an ambassador to education and as a liaison to primary and secondary schools, higher education and organizations across the state.
Nominations will be accepted from anyone, including students, parents, school administrators, colleagues, college faculty members and associations. Nomination forms can be found on the Iowa Department of Education’s website and are due by April 25. The 2017 Teacher of the Year will be announced this fall.
