Our Mission
To improve the learning outcomes and well-being of all children and youth by providing services and leadership in partnership with families, schools and communities.
Our Goals
- Increase learning growth for students
- Decrease the gap in achievement
- Increase annual graduation rates
- Increase gateways to post-secondary success
The Heartland AEA Administrators Association (HAA) will meet April 4, 2017 from 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. at Heartland AEA, 6500 Corporate Drive, Rooms 107 A/B. For up-to-date meeting information and agenda, refer to the HAA Google Site.
Heartland AEA is beginning year three 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.
Please review the instructions and timelines to complete the process for 2017-18, including the video tutorials. Districts are asked to begin the multi-step process this month. For more information, contact Jenny Ugolini at jugolini@heartlandaea.org or (515) 270-0405 ext. 14441.
Call for presentations is now open for the Iowa Culture and Language Conference (ICLC) that will be held on Nov. 7-8, 2017 at the Coralville Marriott Hotel & Conference Center in Coralville, Iowa. The ICLC Abstract Proposal Submission is open until June 5, 2017. Read more and submit your proposal at this link.
TechCon is two days of teacher sharing, learning and networking. Each day kicks off with an insightful and motivating keynote presentation. Participants may attend sessions throughout the day, with multiple offerings during each session period. In between sessions, there will be built-in time to ask questions, try out new skills, network with peers, get 1:1 help and have fun. Expect to leave with tools, lessons and ideas you can use in your role in the upcoming year! To learn more and register for the event that will be hosted at Hoover High School in Des Moines, click on this link.
Household Hazardous Materials (HHM) products make our lives easier. However, these products require special care when using, storing and disposing of residual product. Non-hazardous products serving the same purpose as HHM products are finding their way to retail shelves in ever increasing quantity and variety. The purpose of the HHM Education and Awareness Grant Program is to raise Iowans’ awareness of these concerns and provide opportunities for HHM education. Grant applications are being accepted until April 3, 2017. Proposed projects must have as their primary focus, raising the awareness of the public about HHMs or providing education regarding HHMs. Grants provide up to $5,000 for HHM related projects or education activities or supplies. For more information, download the grant information and application or contact Kathleen Hennings, Environmental Specialist Sr., Iowa Department of Natural Resources, at (515) 725-8359 or kathleen.hennings@dnr.iowa.gov.
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.
The Kregel Windmill Factory Museum, in conjunction with the Kimmel Foundation, American Groundwater Trust, Groundwater Foundation, and Water for Food Institute is hosting a teacher's workshop on May 31-June 1, 2017 on the topics of Nebraska groundwater, natural resources and conservation. This workshop qualifies for professional development credit. The event will be held at the Kimmel Education & Research Center in Nebraska City, Nebraska. To register, complete the form on the Kregel Windmill Factory Museum website.
In addition, the Kregel Museum will host the "Power of Wind" art show this spring. The event is co-sponsored with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Kimmel Education and will be on display from Earth Day until Arbor Day 2017 at the Kimmel Education & Research Center in Nebraska City, Nebraska. Art Show Categories include drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, and stories and poems. To register for the "Power of Wind" art show, complete the form on the Kregel Windmill Factory Museum website.
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.
The Iowa Department of Education’s April 2017 Each and Every Child newsletter is now available. A child who is on the autism spectrum frequently feels disconnected from his peers. So what happens when you put his peers in charge of teaching social skills? Great things. Check out what this school is doing in this issue of Each and Every Child.
Our Mission
To
improve the learning outcomes and well-being of all children and youth
by providing services and leadership in partnership with families,
schools and communities.
Our Goals
- Increase learning growth for students
- Decrease the gap in achievement
- Increase annual graduation rates
- Increase gateways to post-secondary success
Jim Knight and his colleague Ann Hoffman will deliver instructional coaching trainings throughout 2017 and into 2018. These trainings are offered by Iowa’s Area Education Agencies and therefore, educators and administrators are welcome to attend in any of these locations.
Knight and his colleagues have identified six essential domains (knowledge and skills) that need to be in place for instructional coaches to succeed. When any of these is missing, a coach’s chances for success are significantly diminished. The domains are:
1. Understanding how to work with adults
2. Understanding the coaching cycle
3. Understanding high-impact teaching practices
4. Understanding how to gather data and use video as a part of coaching
5. Effective communication skills
6. Effective leadership skills and systems thinking (what principals need to know about coaching)
See this flyer for more information and how to register.
Stefanie Rosenberg Wager, Social Studies Consultant, from the Iowa Department of Education provides an update of all things social studies.
This week the Iowa Department of Education announced the launch of the Iowa Core Literacy Resources subject pages on IowaCore.gov under the Educator Resources tab. The Statewide Literacy Leadership Team, made up of members from AEAs, LEAs and Institutes of Higher Education, collaborated to select the content of these pages with resources in the areas of ELA/literacy instruction, assessment and professional development that support all students in meeting Iowa's academic expectations. Please share and promote this valuable resource!
Our Mission
To improve the learning outcomes and well-being of all children and youth by providing services and leadership in partnership with families, schools and communities.
Our Goals
- Increase learning growth for students
- Decrease the gap in achievement
- Increase annual graduation rates
- Increase gateways to post-secondary success
The ELP Standards Module 5 is now available at AEA PD Online. After logging in, search the catalog for ELP Standards Module 5 or ELP Standards. As a reminder, this google document is updated as modules and trainings become available for both the ELP Standards and the ELPA21 Assessment.
Registration is now open for this professional learning opportunity that provides collaborative principles for participants to practice with school-based teams, explore student’s performance from an English Learner (ELs) and special education perspective, practice culturally and linguistically responsive solution-seeking process for ELs, and examine use of a framework to build a more culturally and linguistically responsive Multi-Tiered System of Supports for ELs.
Special Education Considerations for English Language Learners
Date: May 8, 2017
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Where: FFA Enrichment Center, 1055 SW Prairie Trail Parkway, Ankeny
Register at this link by May 1, 2017
Registration is free! Title III will provide district reimbursement for substitute teacher costs.
To celebrate Earth Week, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ Trees for Kids program is offering free seedlings to schools and communities across Iowa. Trees for Kids offers a no-cost create-a-packet of 200 bare-root tree or shrub seedlings through the State Forest Nursery for every municipality and school building in Iowa. There are very few requirements for this packet, just complete this form and email to laura.wagner@dnr.iowa.gov. These seedlings may be planted on school grounds, at parks or on city property, or given to students or residents to plant in their yard. The deadline for submitting the free seedling request is April 1, 2017, and packet orders will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis until all 200 packets have been allocated. For more information, visit the DNR website.
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.
Our Mission
To improve the learning outcomes and well-being of all children and youth by providing services and leadership in partnership with families, schools and communities.
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 three 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.
Please review the instructions and timelines to complete the process for 2017-18, including the video tutorials. Districts are asked to begin the multi-step process this month. For more information, contact Jenny Ugolini at jugolini@heartlandaea.org or (515) 270-0405 ext. 14441.
The Drake Continual Improvement Network will pilot a program to coach up to 10 school principals during the 2017-18 school year, at no cost, in order to support principals for the purpose of improving results.
The program consists of:
- Summer orientation seminar
- 9, 60-min. coaching sessions focused on cycles of improvement, leadership acumen and topic areas of interest
- 2 leadership improvement seminars
- Culmination experience seminar
Participating principals may earn two license renewal credits (30 hours contact time).
For more information, contact Dr. Doug Stilwell, Assistant Professor, Educational Leadership, Drake University at doug.stilwell@drake.edu or (515) 418-5363.
Des Moines Public Schools and Drake University are teaming up to bring you Transforming Systems Through Standards-Based Learning on June 22 at the Iowa Events Center. Topics covered include implementing standards-referenced learning, including grading and reporting, over a large district, specific learning sessions for administrators, small school strategy on system transformation and aligning student information systems with standards-based learning.
The conference is designed for secondary and elementary educators who are starting authentic standards-based learning (including grading & reporting), teachers who are trying things on their own, and those who are looking for new ideas to try.
Transforming Systems through Standards-Based Learning
Date: June 22, 2017
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Location: Iowa Events Center, 730 3rd St, Des Moines
Registration Link
The U.S. House of Representatives introduced a bill this week that would change Medicaid’s structure and impact the ability of students with disabilities and students in poverty to receive many critical health services in schools that enable them to learn. It’s anticipated that the bill will be out of Committee and onto the floor of the House by Monday. Then, it will be the Senate’s turn to act and Senate GOP officials are saying that they hope to have it to the President’s desk by mid-April. Because they are using Budget Reconciliation, only a simple majority is needed in both chambers. You are encouraged to call your U.S. Representatives to express your comments on this legislation. The Association of Education Service Agencies and AASA, The School Superintendents Association have provided a Federal Advocacy Toolkit and Snapshot of Children’s Coverage for your use.
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.
University of Northern Iowa's Center for Energy & Environmental Education and a team of UNI students are launching a statewide public education campaign to significantly reduce the cosmetic use of pesticides and weed killers on school grounds, parks and childcare centers. Diverse lawns are healthy, protect child health and local streams, provide habitat for pollinators and cost less. They present compelling evidence that these common weedkillers work in opposition to early childhood education. UNI will gladly assist school districts that are interested to consider their options and plan toward significant reduction. For more information, contact Kamyar Enshayan at Kamyar.Enshayan@uni.edu or (319) 273-7575.
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.
All Iowa public school teachers and administrators are encouraged to provide feedback on a Teacher Leadership and Compensation (TLC) survey. The findings from the survey will allow the Iowa Department of Education to determine if TLC is making progress toward achieving its intended goals. In addition, feedback will be used by the Commission on Educator Leadership and Compensation and the Statewide TLC Support Group to determine support for districts and to make recommendations on the system as a whole. Participation in the survey is voluntary, but highly encouraged. The survey closes April 7.
Our Mission
To improve the learning outcomes and well-being of all children and youth by providing services and leadership in partnership with families, schools and communities.
Our Goals
- Increase learning growth for students
- Decrease the gap in achievement
- Increase annual graduation rates
- Increase gateways to post-secondary success
Heartland AEA will host its 3rd annual Education Career Fair next Wednesday! School districts will be on-site to meet with job candidates for any and all types of education careers. Candidates will also have the chance to attend classes to learn how to navigate a career fair, have a successful interview and write a top-notch resume. We look forward to this opportunity to serve the education community and hope teachers and college students alike will be able to attend this event! If you have any questions, contact the Heartland AEA Human Resources Dept. at (800) 362-2720. This is a FREE event for both school districts and job candidates!
Heartland AEA is beginning year three 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.
Please review the instructions and timelines to complete the process for 2017-18, including the video tutorials. Districts are asked to begin the multi-step process this month. For more information, contact Jenny Ugolini at jugolini@heartlandaea.org or (515) 270-0405 ext. 14441.
Iowa’s AEAs have received reports that some school administrators have been emailed a flyer advertising a four-day “all-expenses paid training” sponsored by the Iowa AEAs, Iowa Department of Education and the Iowa State Education Association. The registration link appears to send the user to a known phishing site. If you receive an email of this nature – do not click on the link and please notify Heartland AEA’s Communications Team at comms@heartlandaea.org. We are working as a state system with the DE and other authorities to address and remedy the situation.
The 13th Annual Our Kids Summer Institute for teachers and administrators of English Learners is set to take place at Waukee High School in Waukee on June 13-14. This local conference, which features national and local experts presenting on K-12 strategies specific to English Learners, includes strands for both teachers and administrators. Drawing around 500 educators statewide, the conference encourages attendance by school teams with an emphasis on non-ESOL educators in order to build much-needed capacity.
This year’s impressive line-up includes:
- Trudy Arriaga, EdD - The first female superintendent of Ventura Unified School District for 14 years and co-author with well-known Corwin equity and cultural proficiency expert, Randall Lindsey, Ph.D.
- Amy Hewett-Olatunde, EdD. - Minnesota’s 2015 Teacher of the Year and an English Learners teacher at LEAP High School
- Fern Westernoff, Ed.D. - A speech-language pathologist with almost 30 years of experience working with children and families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in the Toronto District School Board
We invite you to join us at Waukee High School in June for this excellent learning opportunity and a few surprises designed to support English Learners and their families in a variety of ways.
One licensure renewal credit will be available. Registration coming soon!
Des Moines Public Schools and Drake University are teaming up to bring you Transforming Systems Through Standards-Based Learning on June 22 at the Iowa Events Center. Topics covered include implementing standards-referenced learning, including grading and reporting, over a large district, specific learning sessions for administrators, small school strategy on system transformation and aligning student information systems with standards-based learning.
The conference is designed for secondary and elementary educators who are starting authentic standards-based learning (including grading & reporting), teachers who are trying things on their own, and those who are looking for new ideas to try.
Transforming Systems through Standards-Based Learning
Date: June 22, 2017
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Location: Iowa Events Center, 730 3rd St, Des Moines
Registration Link
Heartland AEA will be offering a second learning opportunity for teachers of students with significant cognitive disabilities. Improving Literacy Instruction for Students on Alternate Assessment focuses on early literacy skills for students with significant cognitive disabilities. The concepts and strategies apply to any student with significant disabilities (level 3) who has emerging literacy skills (non-readers) K-12.
This course was previously taught in Dec. 2016 and Feb. 2017 but under a different name. If interested in attending, register early as seating is limited to 35 participants. For more information, contact Pam Childers at pchilders@heartlandaea.org or (515) 270-9030 ext. 14457.
Improving Literacy Instruction for Students on Alternate Assessment
Date: July 24-25, 2017
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston
Registration Link
Parents, students ages 14+, school administrators, AEA staff, counselors and educators who are preparing individuals to transition from high school to postsecondary pursuits are invited to Heartland AEA’s Transition Resource Fairs in March and April.
Visit with representatives from agencies that serve students with disabilities in the areas of living, working and learning including:
- Vocational resources
- Assisted living
- College opportunities
- State and county resources
- Assistive technology
- Camps and leisure pursuits
- Finances
- Disability support resources
Upcoming Transition Resource Fairs:
March 7, 2017 in Ames
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Heartland AEA, 511 S. 17th Street, Ames
April 10, 2017 in Van Meter
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Van Meter High School, 520 1st Ave, Van Meter
Registration is not required, but families are encouraged to let their child’s school counselor/special education teacher know that they plan to attend.
Fast-Track Iowa's Future, a conference featuring education-workforce innovations emerging across Iowa, will engage stakeholders in dialogue on how to grow and improve school-business partnerships, especially in STEM. The conference goal is to equip attendees with the knowledge, connections and resources to build school-business partnerships in home communities.
Fast Track Iowa's Future Conference: A Future Ready Iowa Conference to Make Work-Based Learning and STEM Work for You
Date: June 21, 2017
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Iowa Events Center, 730 3rd Street, Des Moines
Registration: Adults: $30, Students: $10
Registration Link
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.
The Iowa Department of Education’s March 2017 Each and Every Child Newsletter is now available. Read how this school incorporates technology designed to give hands-on experience at a wealth of different career options. The goal? To ensure hard-to-fill, good-paying jobs have a ready supply of job candidates who in the past were often overlooked.
The Iowa Department of Education March 2017 School Leader Update is now available.
