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 First Meeting of the Curriculum Network is Sept. 1

The first Curriculum Network Meeting of the year will be Sept. 1 at Heartland AEA in Johnston. The meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude by 11:30 a.m. The agenda can be found here.

Be sure to mark your calendars for the 2017-18 meeting dates:

2017
Sept. 1
Oct. 6
Nov. 3
Dec. 1

2018
Jan. 5
Feb. 2
March 2
April 6
May 4

If you have any questions, contact Kevin Fangman, Heartland AEA Chief Academic Officer at kfangman@heartlandaea.org or (800) 255-0405 ext. 14374.

Heartland Administrators' Association Meetings Resume Sept. 5

The monthly Heartland Administrators’ Association (HAA) meetings resume Sept. 5, 2017, with the first meeting being held at the Ankeny DMACC Campus. DMACC has offered to sponsor the first meeting and superintendents are invited to stay for lunch immediately following the meeting. For those wishing to participate electronically, a Zoom option will be made available. To view the agenda, campus map and Zoom option, visit the HAA Google Site. If you have any problems accessing the information, contact Jennifer Ugolini, Heartland AEA Board Secretary/Executive Assistant at jugolini@heartlandaea.org or (515) 270-9030 ext. 14441.

Heartland Administrators' Association

Sept. 5, 2017
9:00 - 11:30 a.m., with lunch to follow

DMACC Ankeny Campus
2006 South Ankeny Blvd., Ankeny
Building 5, Student Center
Room 1240D

Meet the New Superintendents

We would like to introduce you to some new faces. Below are new superintendents starting this year in Heartland AEA's service area.



Jon Hueser
Ogden Community School District

Education
Wayne State College - B.A.E
Drake University - M.S.E
Drake University - Ed. S

Past Work Experience
I spent 14 of my years teaching, coaching and serving as technology director and then six years as principal in the East Greene Community School District. I served as principal and superintendent at Corwith-Wesley and Lu Verne, and the past two years I have been with Lu Verne Community School District as both the elementary principal and superintendent. This year I am being shared in my superintendent position with Ogden.

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?

I have spent most of my career in a district that shared a common boundary with Ogden. I have always admired the amount of support and commitment that the Ogden community has had for its schools and thought it would be a great opportunity to help lead a forward thinking district into the 21st century.

What is your vision for your district?
We want to inspire our students to be the next generation of innovative thinkers to persevere and succeed in meeting tomorrow's opportunities.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
My wife and I have five children who keep us very active. In my free time I love to ride motorcycles, go camping and do woodworking.

Clark Wicks
Perry Community School District

Education
Luther College - BA
Drake University - MS
Iowa State University - Superintendent Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS)

Past Work Experience
I was a superintendent for four years at Orient-Macksburg. I invested 23 years as an elementary principal at Perry and two years at Rockwell City. I also taught and coached at Johnston and Panorama School Districts.

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
I love the community of Perry and the Perry School District. My 23 years as Perry’s Elementary Principal were exciting and fulfilling. Our three kids graduated from Perry High School. The support and strong relationships that we have in Perry were a difference maker to wanting to be the next superintendent. It is great to be a Bluejay again!

What is your vision for your district?
To work as partners with the board, staff and community to create a vibrant culture for learning and to have synergistic relationships with all those associated with the Perry Schools. Our theme this year is One Team, One Purpose. I want to help develop a strong team atmosphere with the focus of one purpose … student success.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
My wife and I love spending time with our grandkids (one who starts preschool in Perry!), golfing, biking and cheering on the Bluejays.

New Name! AEA Learning Online

A new name, a new look, and the same great services and products for Iowa educators and students. On Oct. 1, 2017, AEA PD Online will transition to the new name: AEA Learning Online. This new name better reflects all of the products and services provided to Iowa educators and K-12 students. The transition to AEA Learning Online began in August with updated banners and brochures. Emails, websites and social media accounts will follow in October 2017 with current links automatically redirecting users. As the the transition moves forward, watch for details via their current and new social media accounts as well as post updates on the website. If you have any questions about the transition, contact Evan Abbey at eabbey@aeapdonline.org or Deborah Cleveland at dcleveland@aeapdonline.org.

New Professional Learning Opportunity Offers Additional Preparation for In-service Teachers of English Learners

The University of Iowa Baker Teacher Leader Center and Heartland AEA have developed a professional learning opportunity in response to a growing need by in-service teachers and teacher leaders to receive additional preparation in serving an increasing English Learner (EL) population.

The In-service Educator of ELs Certificate Program is open to 40 interested in-service educators (non-ESOL endorsed and might not prefer the full ESL endorsement) who are currently serving ELs while potentially feeling underprepared to meet the linguistic, cultural and academic needs of their students.

The program includes face-to-face sessions and follow-up field experiences. The first session begins on Oct. 5, 2017 and the program ends with a culminating event/celebration on May 5, 2018. Participants successfully completing the program will receive the following benefits/incentives:

• Five licensure renewal credits

• A credential verifying enhanced in-service educator of ELs expertise

• Reimbursement of all registration fees ($625), plus

• An honorarium of $500

For more detailed information, please see the following flyer. For detailed program information and to register online, visit The University of Iowa Baker Teacher Leader Center.

In addition, please note that this program is a refinement of one previously advertised in the spring of 2017 to better the needs of an in-service educator audience.

Registration for the 2017 Iowa Culture and Language Conference is Now Open

The annual Iowa Culture and Language Conference (ICLC) will take place on Nov. 6-8, 2017 at the Coralville Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Coralville, Iowa. There will be a Pre-Conference on Nov. 6, followed by the regular conference on Nov. 7-8. All current information about this conference is posted at the ICLC website. Title III support is available for districts in the Heartland AEA service area who send individuals/teams to reimburse registration and sub costs and partial travel expenses. See the 2017 ICLC Flyer for further details related to the schedule, registration and Title III support for districts.

Would Your Science Teachers Like to Use a STARLAB Planetarium? Get Them Signed Up for Training

At Heartland AEA, we have Classic and Digital STARLAB portable planetarium domes available for checkout. Teachers must receive training to use the domes. Our next training is Sept. 25 in Ames. More details are below. Click here to learn more about our STARLABs.

Digital STARLAB Training
Sept. 25, 2017, 8:30 - 11 a.m.
Stonebrook Church, 3611 Eisenhower Ave., Ames
Registration

The Digital STARLAB portable planetarium projects high-resolution images of celestial bodies of the night (and daytime) sky. The Digital STARLAB consists of an inflatable dome that can hold about 30 children or 25 adults. Inside is a digital projector (with speakers) that can display celestial images and even movies onto the dome. The seasons, the solar system (including the sun, planets, moon, constellations, etc.), as well as numerous other celestial bodies can be observed. There are mythology, weather and biological cell cylinders included with the software, as well.

This training addresses the care and use of the Digital STARLAB planetarium. Participants will learn how to setup and take down the STARLAB, as well as learn the basic functions of the software (Starry Night Small Dome) that powers the Digital STARLAB. If you are new to the Digital STARLAB, you need to attend the training. Returning users need not attend but are welcome if a refresher course is needed. If you are unable to attend this session and would like to use the Digital STARLAB in the future, contact Peggy Christensen at pchristensen@heartlandaea.org or (800) 255-0405 ext. 14553.

Classic STARLAB Training
Sept. 25, 2017, 12:30 - 3 p.m.
Stonebrook Church, 3611 Eisenhower Ave., Ames
Registration

Classic STARLAB consists of an inflatable room which can hold about 30 children or 25 adults. Inside is a novel projector, which can show the night sky with very realistic stars, planets and the moon. By changing the projection cylinder, the projector can also produce constellation outlines, a globe of the Earth or a diagram of a human cell. For astronomy, the changing motions of the sun, moon, planets and stars can be shown with a whole year condensed into a few minutes.

This training addresses the care and use of the Classic STARLAB portable planetarium. Participants will learn how to setup and take down the STARLAB, as well as learn the basic functions of the variety of cylinders available with the Classic STARLAB. If you are new to the Classic STARLAB, you need to attend this training. Returning users need not attend but are welcome if a refresher course is needed.

Get Geared Up For This IPI Session

Heartland AEA is hosting an Instructional Practices Inventory (IPI) Workshop for teachers who want to enhance their practice of collecting and collaboratively studying student engagement. The workshop will be facilitated by Jerry Valentine, IPI Developer and Lead Trainer.



During the workshop, participants will develop the skills to document student engagement through the use of technology and learn how to use the profiles to engage faculty in collaborative learning conversations about engagement, instructional change, technology integration and school-wide instructional goals.

This workshop is appropriate for administrators, teacher leaders and teachers who are participating in collaborative efforts to improve instruction within a building and have successfully completed the IPI Level I Workshop with an accuracy score of .80 or higher.



Instructional Practices Inventory Technology Workshop

Oct. 5, 2017

8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Heartland AEA, Johnston Regional Education Center
Register at this link

Updated Statewide AEA Special Education Procedures Manual Now Available

Information related to creating, reviewing and revising a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) or Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) that was included in the July 1, 2017, Area Education Agency Special Education Procedures and Release Notes reflected the best understanding at that time of how the Web IEP system would work for FBAs and BIPs during 2017-18 school year. Due to changes in programming, that information is now incorrect. Please use this corrected document as a guide for creating, reviewing and revising FBAs and BIPs.

The Special Education Statewide Procedures Manual and Release Notes are posted on the Iowa IDEA website as well as on the Heartland AEA website under Special Education Services > Guidance Documents. They are currently posted on the front page of the IDEA website, in addition to their permanent location under the IEP drop down menu > Statewide Special Education Procedures > Manual.

If you have any questions regarding the content, contact your Heartland AEA Regional Director.

Good News! A Second Section of 504 Training has Opened for School Staff Who Are Involved in Evaluation and Eligibility Determination for Students

Due to heavy enrollment, a second section of Level 1 Section 504 Training for Public School Staff is being offered Oct. 30 from 9 a.m. to Noon at the Heartland AEA Regional Education Center in Johnston. No additional sections will be offered until fall of 2018. This class is designed for administrators, counselors, and school nurses involved in evaluation and eligibility determination for students.

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

Level 1 Section 504 Training for Public School Staff
Oct. 30, 2017
9:00 a.m. - Noon
Heartland AEA, Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston

Registration Information
Register at this link

The class is free for school districts residing within the service area of Heartland AEA. Class size is limited to 70 persons and first priority is given to districts within the service area of Heartland AEA.

Nominate a STEM Teacher Who Goes Above and Beyond to Engage Students In and Out of the Classroom

Nominations are now open for the 2018 I.O.W.A. STEM Teacher Award sponsored by Kemin Industries. The award, offered by the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council, celebrates teachers whose leadership and dedication to STEM in Iowa increases students’ interest and awareness in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. One teacher from each of the six STEM regions will receive a $1,500 award along with an additional $1,500 to be used in their classroom. Deadline for nominations is Oct. 6, and recipients will be announced in Jan. 2018. The nomination process is simple and open to everyone, including fellow teachers, school administrators, students and parents. Visit www.stemaward.fluidreview.com to submit a nomination and learn more.

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

Welcome Message from Heartland AEA Chief Administrator

Jon Sheldahl
Chief Administrator
Heartland AEA

Hello school leaders and welcome to the 2017-18 school year! I want to introduce myself and wish you an outstanding school year. I have had the pleasure of meeting many administrators and educators in the Heartland AEA service area over the years and I look forward to meeting many more of you in the very near future.

This is my first year at Heartland AEA as chief administrator, but for the past 16 years, I've served as both associate superintendent and superintendent of the Ottumwa Schools, before becoming the chief administrator at Great Prairie AEA in 2011. Prior to this, I spent two years in the Heartland AEA area as the superintendent at Stuart-Menlo/West Central Valley. Prior to that experience, I was an elementary and middle school principal in Arizona and in Burlington. I began my teaching career in 1982, teaching language arts and reading in Carroll. I attended Luther College and later graduated from the University of Iowa. I did my master's and doctoral studies at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Ariz, and I grew up in Carlisle (Class of '78).

I like to use the term “service agency” when I refer to AEAs because it reminds us all of the reason for our existence. We exist to serve you. Please know that we are committed to partnering with you to the greatest extent possible and that we want you to think of Heartland AEA as a resource that is always just a call or email away. Effective communication and positive relationships are critical to our ability to provide new services and to improve upon those existing services to which you have become accustomed. Your regional director and local AEA consultants will continue to call on you as they have in the past, and we will continue to provide network opportunities as well but we also want you to reach out whenever you feel the need. We will continue to take formal steps to gauge local district needs, but good communication runs two ways and we always want to hear from you.

Have a great year and know that you have a staunch advocate in your AEA administrator. Nothing is more important or more noble than the work you are doing for the children and families of Iowa and I am honored to have the opportunity to partner with you in that endeavor.

Jon Sheldahl
Chief Administrator
Heartland AEA
jsheldahl@heartlandaea.org
(515) 270-9030 ext. 14314

Heartland Administrators' Association Meetings Resume Sept. 5

The monthly Heartland Administrators’ Association (HAA) meetings resume Sept. 5, 2017, with the first meeting being held at the Ankeny DMACC Campus. DMACC has offered to sponsor the first meeting and superintendents are invited to stay for lunch immediately following the meeting. For those wishing to participate electronically, a Zoom option will be made available.

Look for an agenda and Zoom details soon!

Heartland Administrators' Association
Sept. 5, 2017
9:00 - 11:30 a.m., with lunch to follow

DMACC Ankeny Campus
2006 South Ankeny Blvd., Ankeny
Building 5, Student Center
Room 1240D
Campus Map Here

Take Note of These Important Updates to English Learner Assessments

For the 2017-18 school year, schools should continue to make placement decisions using the TELPA. There will be a switch to the ELPA21 screener for the 2018-19 school year, beginning with screening for incoming kindergarten students in May. Online training to administer the ELPA21 screener will be available next spring.

For the 2017-18 school year, schools should continue reporting TELPA scores for their students to the Iowa Department of Education. Please use this new, updated Score Reporting spreadsheet and discard any earlier versions you may have. The DE has been working with the EdInsight team to get screening scores added to the data warehouse, but the first step is to ensure that data is complete and accurate. Schools no longer need to include screening results in the SRI data elements, so the spreadsheet is the only way the Department can document compliance with this expectation from the Title III corrective action plan.

Current information on EL assessments can also be found on the ELPA21 page of the DE website and in the TELPA online training materials.

ELL Training Announcements for 2017-2018 School Year

TELPA training has been updated for the 2017-18 school year and is now available at the AEA Learning System. The method and timelines for reporting student scores on the TELPA has also been updated in the training. ELPA21 training modules will be announced when they become available.

There is now a way to earn re-licensure credit with the ELP Standards modules. (Note: If you have completed some or all of the modules, you would not need to redo them.) For more information about this course offering, click this link.

If you are unsure what trainings are available around serving ELs, click this link for a list of trainings and how to access them.

Get Geared Up For IPI Sessions This Fall

Heartland AEA is hosting two Instructional Practices Inventory (IPI) Workshops for teachers who want to enhance their practice of collecting and collaboratively studying student engagement. Both workshops will be facilitated by Jerry Valentine, IPI Developer and Lead Trainer.



Instructional Practices Inventory Level I Workshop

The IPI workshop will begin with an overview of the IPI categories and the protocols for data collection and transitions to a local school to make observations in a classroom setting.


Oct. 4, 2017

8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Van Meter Community School District, 520 First Ave., Van Meter

Registration

Instructional Practices Inventory Technology Workshop

During the workshop, participants will develop the skills to document student engagement through the use of technology and learn how to use the profiles to engage faculty in collaborative learning conversations about engagement, instructional change, technology integration and school-wide instructional goals.



Oct. 5, 2017

8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Heartland AEA, Johnston Regional Education Center
Registration

A Message from the Chief Administrator and Acting Director of Special Education of Heartland AEA

As you know, this summer a decision by an Iowa Administrative Law judge called into question aspects of Iowa’s procedures for determining how students qualify for special education. The final outcome of this hearing is currently under appeal.

The judge’s conclusions affirm many of our practices at Heartland AEA, as well as provide us with an opportunity to improve others. As an agency, we have already begun work to clarify and sharpen our practices to be fully aligned with expected state practices.

Heartland AEA is committed to serving the needs of our students, families, schools and communities. We firmly believe that students in our schools should expect to have their educational needs met. We recognize that, as unique individuals, each child deserves to have their needs determined accurately and reliably. In this effort, we recognize that there are times when we need to make decisions, as part of an evaluation team (including parents and representatives from the AEA and the school), to recommend special education services. As well, there will be times when we need to assure that students who are not disabled or do not require special education because of a disability are not erroneously considered to be or treated as if they are.

Moving forward, we trust our Heartland AEA system and processes to address the needs of all students whether or not they have a disability. In all cases, our goal is to promote student success. We continue to work diligently to address all concerns brought to our attention and will continue to partner with our colleagues from our local schools, the Iowa Department of Education and our communities.

As your AEA, we will continue to provide you with updates related to the judge’s decision and will inform you of related learning opportunities that will be made available to you and your staff.

As always, we encourage you to contact your Heartland AEA regional director with any questions or concerns. It takes the effort of all of us to meet the many challenges involved in student success.

Randy Allison
Acting Director of Special Education
Heartland AEA

Jon Sheldahl
Chief Administrator
Heartland AEA

Updated Statewide AEA Special Education Procedures Manual Now Available

Information related to creating, reviewing and revising a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) or Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) that was included in the July 1, 2017, Area Education Agency Special Education Procedures and Release Notes reflected the best understanding at that time of how the Web IEP system would work for FBAs and BIPs during 2017-18 school year. Due to changes in programming, that information is now incorrect. Please use this corrected document as a guide for creating, reviewing and revising FBAs and BIPs.


The Special Education Statewide Procedures Manual and Release Notes are posted on the Iowa IDEA website as well as on the Heartland AEA website under Special Education Services > Guidance Documents. They are currently posted on the front page of the IDEA website, in addition to their permanent location under the IEP drop down menu > Statewide Special Education Procedures > Manual.

If you have any questions regarding the content, contact your Heartland AEA Regional Director.

Energy Educational Grants Available From Halvorson Trane - Apply Today!

Halvorson Trane, one of Iowa’s longest-established HVAC companies, is offering five, $500 grants to K-12 Iowa schools within the service areas of Heartland AEA, Grant Wood AEA and Central Rivers AEA. Grant monies are to be used to fund an energy education project on school grounds (projects can be inside or out). See the Halvorson Trane website for more information about the grants and view last year’s winners. Apply by Oct. 6, 2017.

Reminder: FASTBridge K-6 Literacy Training is Underway

The Iowa Department of Education is transitioning to a new statewide data system for K-6 literacy through FASTBridge Learning. To help school districts with this transition, comprehensive training via webinars and regional face-to-face meetings are being offered now through the end of October. These training slots are limited and information needed to register for the training is being distributed to district participants by their principals or superintendents.
Here are a few key answers to recent questions the DE has received about the training and the transition:

• The DE has the capacity to train a few people from each school or district, and the expectation is that the people who receive training will use the available resources to help train others in their building.
• The DE is still considering how to collect screening data from schools not using the FAST system.
• The screening windows for 2017-2018 for all schools (other than the three Iowa year-round schools) are defined by the IDOE and shall not be changed by the district:

Fall: Sept. 11 to Oct. 6
Winter: Jan. 15 to Feb. 9
Spring: April 23 to May 18

The Department will provide ongoing communication and support throughout this important transition. District staff who are interested in more frequent updates can sign up to receive regular Early Warning System email updates.

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

Mark Your Calendars: Heartland Administrators' Association (HAA) Meetings Resume in September

The monthly HAA meetings will resume Sept. 5, 2017, with the first meeting being held at the Ankeny DMACC Campus. DMACC has offered to sponsor the first meeting and superintendents are invited to stay for lunch immediately following the meeting. For those wishing to participate electronically, a Zoom option will be made available.

Look for an agenda and Zoom details soon!

Heartland Administrators' Association

Date: Sept. 5, 2017
Time: 9:00 - 11:30 a.m., with lunch to follow

Location:
DMACC Ankeny Campus
2006 South Ankeny Blvd., Ankeny
Building 5, Student Center
Room 1240D
Campus Map

Northwest Iowa AEA Leadership Academy with Will Richardson is Aug. 18 - Registration is Still Open!

Kick off the school year with Will Richardson at Moving from Old Schools to Bold Schools: Making the Jump from Traditional to Modern Learning. Participants will spend the day discussing the paths that a number of “bold schools” are taking to fundamentally redefine their value as places of learning, not of content and teachers, including:

• The challenges of remaining an “old” school
• The main characteristics of “bold” schools
• Schools that are already bridging the gap
• Relevant “bold” conversations around real change in our own schools and communities

Who Should Attend?
School board members, superintendents, principals, curriculum directors, innovation directors, technology coordinators/integrationists, instructional coaches, teachers, parents, students, postsecondary educators, and business and community members

Learn more about the event at this link.

Moving from Old Schools to Bold Schools: Making the Jump from Traditional to Modern Learning

Date: Aug. 18, 2017
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Emmetsburg High School, 205 King Street, Emmetsburg

Registration
$75 per person
Register at this link

Have You Registered for This English Learner Professional Development Opportunity for Teachers of English Learners?

Join presenter Fern Westernoff Ed.D., M.H.Sc., Reg. CASLPO, in exploring compelling reasons for incorporating culturally and linguistically relevant practices into your work in education, whether you are a teacher, administrator or school support staff. Using Jim Cummin’s model for an intercultural orientation to education, participants will explore positive and sensible strategies regarding educational practices, pedagogy, parent involvement and assessment. Key research, helpful tips and useful resources will be highlighted.

Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Practices in Education: Preventative, Practical, Positive!

Date: Aug. 17, 2017
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Includes 1-hour lunch and two 15-min. breaks)
Location: FFA Enrichment Center, 1055 SW Prairie Trail Parkway, Ankeny

Registration
Register at this link
District teams are encouraged to attend.

EL Bridge Online Workshop is Going Live Aug. 30

Superintendents: Please distribute this information widely among all teachers who have ELs in their classrooms.

The EL Bridge Online Workshop, offered by the College of Education at the University of Iowa, is designed to help math, science, ELL or special education teachers develop skills in addressing the needs of English Language Learners (ELLs). This completely online, 15-week professional development workshop begins Aug. 30 and ends Dec. 12. Earn one license renewal credit. View the complete course details in this flyer. To register, contact the EL Bridge Online Workshop team at el-bridge@uiowa.edu or (319) 335-5261.

Districts are Invited to Attend the 2017-18 Heartland AEA ESOL Advisory Network Meetings

All Heartland AEA area districts are invited to send a representative(s) to the quarterly ESL Advisory Networking meetings. Participants identify professional development needs and provide input on Title III support for the school year. They also find out firsthand about mini grant opportunities for implementation in their districts. Meetings are held from 4:00-5:00 p.m. at the Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center (6500 Corporate Drive). The 2017-18 schedule is the following:

• Sept. 26, 2017: Room 107B
• Dec. 11, 2017: Room 129
• Feb. 13, 2018: Room 109
• May 1, 2018: Room 107A

For more information, contact Janet Eichenberger Hiatt at (800) 255-0405 ext. 14022 or Stephaney Jones-Vo at (800) 255-0405 ext. 14680.

Send Your District Team to The Fall 2017 Level I Section 504 Training for Public School Staff

Heartland AEA is offering one, Level I Section 504 training in the fall of 2017 at its Regional Education Center in Johnston. The training is open to all schools within the Heartland AEA service 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 course is designed for those who are new to the role of coordinator, building representative or evaluator under Section 504.

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 not accessible from Heartland AEA’s website

Date: Sept. 25, 2017
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston

Registration
Register at this link

August 2017 Iowa Board of Educational Examiners Newsletter Now Available

The August 2017 issue of the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners newsletter is now available.

UPDATED - CANCELLED Collaborating for Iowa's Kids, Educator Quality Conference is Next Month - Take a Team!

Update: This event is cancelled due to low registration numbers.
Join teachers, teacher leaders and administrators from across the state to learn and plan for students' future success and achievement. This conference will engage and unite educators from superintendents to the classroom teacher. Teachers in their first or second year, TLC leaders and EL leaders/teachers are encouraged to attend.

Date: Sept. 11, 2017
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Simpson College, 701 North C Street, Indianola

Registration
Register at this link by Sept. 1, 2017
Registration includes a t-shirt and lunch

August 2017 School Leader Update Now Available

The August 2017 issue of the School Leader Update from the Iowa Department of Education is now available.

Reminder: FASTBridge K-6 Literacy Training is Underway

The Iowa Department of Education is transitioning to a new statewide data system for K-6 literacy through FASTBridge Learning. To help school districts with this transition, comprehensive training via webinars and regional face-to-face meetings are being offered now through the end of October. These training slots are limited and information needed to register for the training is being distributed to district participants by their principals or superintendents.

Here are a few key answers to recent questions the DE has received about the training and the transition:

• The DE has the capacity to train a few people from each school or district, and the expectation is that the people who receive training will use the available resources to help train others in their building.
• The DE is still considering how to collect screening data from schools not using the FAST system.
• The screening windows for 2017-2018 for all schools (other than the three Iowa year-round schools) are defined by the IDOE and shall not be changed by the district:

Fall: Sept. 11 to Oct. 6
Winter: Jan. 15 to Feb. 9
Spring: April 23 to May 18

The Department will provide ongoing communication and support throughout this important transition. District staff who are interested in more frequent updates can sign up to receive regular Early Warning System email updates.