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 for June 17 -- We’re Giving Away Books!

We're making room for some new titles so we are having a book giveaway at Heartland AEA this summer! PK-12 educators can choose from over 2,000 gently used professional and PK-12 books … for FREE! The dates are June 17-18, 2019 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Heartland AEA, 6500 Corporate Drive in Johnston. So come see us and pick up some awesome books for your classroom.

Educators Who Support EL Students: Gather Your Team and Head to the Our Kids Summer Institute!

Our Kids Summer Institute
15th annual event for ALL educators who support English Learner students

June 18-19, 2019
FFA Enrichment Center
1055 SW Prairie Trail Pkwy., Ankeny, IA
Registration: Our Kids Summer Institute 2019 (Course #180032)

Participants will receive a book from keynote speaker Diane Staehr Fenner titled, “Advocating for English Learners: A Guide for Educators”.   

PK-12 educators will have the opportunity to network with other educational professionals, discover new strategies for working with English Language Learners (EL) in Iowa and meet national and local experts to enrich practices for increasing EL achievement.

Conference topics include:

• Unlocking ELs potential to enhance academic success
• Preventing long-term English Learners
• Supporting strategies for English Learners in core content learning
• Approaches to address English Learner students at the Pre-K Level
• Distinguishing typical language development from special education needs
• Enhancing EL success using data through the MTSS/PLC process

For more information on learning topics and keynote presenters, visit 15th Annual Our Kids Conference Presenters and Topics.

Standards-based Learning, Including Grading and Reporting: Myron Dueck is Here to Help with Implementation Considerations on June 11

International author and educational leadership expert Myron Dueck will help participants explore the implementation considerations in a standards-based learning, including grading and reporting system. Items that will be discussed include, but are not limited to: zeroes, homework, multiple and varied forms of assessment opportunities (retakes), and professional learning.

Standards-based Learning, Including Grading and Reporting - Implementation Considerations
June 11, 2019
8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
FFA Enrichment Center 1055 SW Prairie Trail Pkwy, Ankeny, IA

Registration
Register at this link: http://bit.ly/2IQBD5Q with Course #180024
Registration fee $40
No credit activity

Target Audience
Teachers, Administrators, Instructional Coaches, District Office Staff

About the Instructor
Myron Dueck is SD67 District Vice-Principal for Communicating Student Learning in British Columbia. Over the past 22 years, he has worked as an educator in both Canada and New Zealand in subjects ranging from grades 4 to 12. Myron has developed a number of grading, assessment and reporting systems that give students a greater opportunity to show what they understand, as well as play a significant role in the reporting of their learning. He has also been a part of district groups, school committees and governmental bodies that have further broadened his access to innovative ideas. Through sharing his stories, tools and first-hand experiences with public, charter and international school educators around the world, Myron’s presentations have diverged to include global education trends and broader socio-economic realities that impact learning. Find Myron’s best-selling book, Grading Smarter, Not Harder: Assessment Strategies that Motivate Kids and Help Them Learn, and his other projects at www.ascd.org.

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

Summer’s Almost Here! Watch for a Heartland AEA Van to Pull Up to Your District Admin Building Twice a Week

Heartland AEA vans will deliver twice a week to each district administration building during the summer months. If you have summer school, professional development programs or intercessions and would like regularly scheduled deliveries to additional buildings, email Colleen Miller.

Schedule-to-date:

• Twice-a-week delivery to each district administration building runs June 19 to Aug. 8, 2019.
• Twice-a-week delivery will automatically continue to each building that has an extended year calendar.
• Regular fall van delivery resumes Aug. 12, 2019.

A note about printing:

• Heartland AEA will contact the district to arrange for special delivery of large printing orders during the summer.

Educators Who Support EL Students: Gather Your Team and Head to the Our Kids Summer Institute!

Our Kids Summer Institute
15th annual event for ALL educators who support English Learner students

June 18-19, 2019
FFA Enrichment Center
1055 SW Prairie Trail Pkwy., Ankeny, IA
Registration: Our Kids Summer Institute 2019 (Course #180032)

Participants will receive a book from keynote speaker Diane Staehr Fenner titled, “Advocating for English Learners: A Guide for Educators”.   

PK-12 educators will have the opportunity to network with other educational professionals, discover new strategies for working with English Language Learners (EL) in Iowa and meet national and local experts to enrich practices for increasing EL achievement.

Conference topics include:

• Unlocking ELs potential to enhance academic success
• Preventing long-term English Learners
• Supporting strategies for English Learners in core content learning
• Approaches to address English Learner students at the Pre-K Level
• Distinguishing typical language development from special education needs
• Enhancing EL success using data through the MTSS/PLC process

For more information on learning topics and keynote presenters, visit 15th Annual Our Kids Conference Presenters and Topics.

ESOL Network Meeting Dates for 2019-20

All public and nonpublic school districts in the Heartland AEA service area are encouraged to send a representative(s) to share their voices, receive updates and network with colleagues around topics related to English Learners and their families. All meetings are from 4 - 5 p.m. at the Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center (6500 Corporate Drive in Johnston). The 2019-20 schedule is as follows:

• Sept. 23, 2019 - Room 129
• Dec. 9, 2019 - Room 123
• Feb. 24, 2020 - Room 129
• May 4, 2020- Rooms 107A & 107B

Standards-based Learning, Including Grading and Reporting: Myron Dueck is Here to Help with Implementation Considerations on June 11

International author and educational leadership expert Myron Dueck will help participants explore the implementation considerations in a standards-based learning, including grading and reporting system. Items that will be discussed include, but are not limited to: zeroes, homework, multiple and varied forms of assessment opportunities (retakes), and professional learning.

Standards-based Learning, Including Grading and Reporting - Implementation Considerations
June 11, 2019
8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
FFA Enrichment Center 1055 SW Prairie Trail Pkwy, Ankeny, IA

Registration
Register at this link: http://bit.ly/2IQBD5Q with Course #180024
Registration fee $40
No credit activity

Target Audience
Teachers, Administrators, Instructional Coaches, District Office Staff

About the Instructor
Myron Dueck is SD67 District Vice-Principal for Communicating Student Learning in British Columbia. Over the past 22 years, he has worked as an educator in both Canada and New Zealand in subjects ranging from grades 4 to 12. Myron has developed a number of grading, assessment and reporting systems that give students a greater opportunity to show what they understand, as well as play a significant role in the reporting of their learning. He has also been a part of district groups, school committees and governmental bodies that have further broadened his access to innovative ideas. Through sharing his stories, tools and first-hand experiences with public, charter and international school educators around the world, Myron’s presentations have diverged to include global education trends and broader socio-economic realities that impact learning. Find Myron’s best-selling book, Grading Smarter, Not Harder: Assessment Strategies that Motivate Kids and Help Them Learn, and his other projects at www.ascd.org.

Get Ready for Something New in Tech Integration! Announcing the Heart of Innovation Summer Summit!

The Heart of Innovation Summer Summit on June 13 is a kick off to year-long blended learning opportunities as you pursue innovation in your classroom with support from Heartland AEA. Enjoy a day full of networking and learning alongside your education peers, featuring Jennifer Williams, Ed.D., and presentations from leaders in education!

Conference tracks include:

• Promoting Creativity in Every Classroom
• Communicating Student Learning and Guided Informed Action
• Building a Collaborative Learning Environment for All
• Fostering Curiosity to Empower Critical Thinking

Heart of Innovation Summer Summit
June 13, 2019
8 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston

This is a NO COST event for Iowa K-12 educators and administrators! Learn more and register at bit.ly/HeartofInnovation.

Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention Training Available for Iowa Educators Through AEA Learning Online

In response to Iowa’s new requirement that school districts provide at least one hour of annual training on suicide prevention, intervention and postvention, the Iowa AEA Directors of Special Education and AEA Learning Online have developed training that meets the state’s requirements. Information about AEA Learning Online’s Postvention Training and a link to additional training options are also noted below.

AEA Learning Online Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention Training
The AEA Learning Online Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention Training was developed by an Iowa AEA Suicide Prevention work group to support school districts in meeting the suicide prevention and postvention required training. This training is provided at no cost to districts.

Training Objectives

• Increase awareness of the problem of youth suicide
• Know the suicide warning signs and risk and protective factors
• Understand the role of a “Gatekeeper”
• Locate school and/or community resources for at-risk students and their families
• Understand the role of postvention
• Know school district suicide prevention and postvention policy and/or contact person

School staff may use their AEA Login to access the training. Individuals may register in the AEA Learning Online system if they do not have an existing account.

AEA Learning Online Postvention-only Training
The AEA Learning Online Postvention Training module was developed to support school districts in meeting the suicide postvention training content requirement. This is a postvention-only training module that is intended to be used with other training opportunities that do not include postvention, such as Kognito or Lifeguard training. Including this postvention-only module with such training opportunities would help ensure a district meets Iowa’s full suicide prevention and postvention training requirements. The online postvention training is offered at no cost to Iowa school districts and AEA staff.

Additional Training Options
This is an overview of additional training options that provide the required suicide prevention and postvention content.

District Teams Are Invited to Apply by May 31 to Attend National Postsecondary Strategy Institute

AEA PREP is excited to host a 2-day workshop for district teams in partnership with the National Postsecondary Strategy Institute (NPSI) from Chicago, to be held at Des Moines Area Community College on Sept. 23-24, 2019. The goal of this workshop is to help school districts develop their internal capacity to support every student toward attaining a successful postsecondary pathway. This will be done through a hands-on, action-oriented workshop focused on the integration of three critical components: a district postsecondary framework and strategy; a data strategy; and engagement of school counselors as leaders. Up to 27 district teams (approximately three per AEA) will be selected from across the state following the application period that is open May 3-31.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

NPSI - Iowa program overview and application instructions

NPSI - Iowa Online application link

NPSI is led by Greg Darneider, Joyce Brown, Ph.D. and Kelly Sparks. Darneider served as Senior Advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Education on the College Access Initiative, serving under President Obama's 2020 Goal and was the U.S. Department of Education representative on First Lady Michelle Obama's Reach Higher Initiative. Dr. Brown is president of Joyce V. Brown Consulting, a group of expert practitioner counselor leaders who specialize in training and coaching counselors and non-profit organizations working on the front lines of schools. Dr. Brown also provided technical support and served as a consultant to Reach Higher. Ms. Sparks is CEO of Maple Grove Objective, which helps organizations strategically use data to improve outcomes for youth and communities. She has over 20 years of experience in education, and is a national expert and innovator in data strategy.

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

AEAs Provide Programs Free Access to myIGDIs for 2019-20 Literacy Screening

Iowa’s AEA system is pleased to continue providing consistency with their preschool programs for the 2019-20 school year for districts and community partners in the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program (SWVPP) for 4-year-old children.

The AEA system will continue to cover the full cost ($3 per child) to access to the online data system and iPAD app for preschool programs that are currently using or are interested in starting to use the Individual Growth and Development Indicators (myIGDIs) for literacy screening for preschool learners during the 2019-20 school year.

Learn more about the options for administering myIGDIs at this link: myIGDIs Enrollment Communication.

Title III Funds Are Available for This Required Course to Earn the Paraeducator Concentration in English as a Second Language

This is the required course to receive the Paraeducator Certification Generalist II with the Area of Concentration: English as a Second Language (ESL). Participants will gain knowledge, skills and strategies to assist and support ESL students.

Title III funds will provide a stipend of $300 for all paraeducators who work with ELLs and who fulfill the course requirements and are currently employed by a public or non-public PK-12 school in the Heartland AEA service area. This option is not available for employees of Des Moines Public Schools. A reimbursement claim form will be available the last day of class.

Class dates are June 12-14 and 17-19, 2019
Heartland AEA, Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive in Johnston
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Registration (Course #179854)

Standards-based Learning, Including Grading and Reporting: Myron Dueck is Here to Help with Implementation Considerations on June 11

International author and educational leadership expert Myron Dueck will help participants explore the implementation considerations in a standards-based learning, including grading and reporting system. Items that will be discussed include, but are not limited to: zeroes, homework, multiple and varied forms of assessment opportunities (retakes), and professional learning.

Standards-based Learning, Including Grading and Reporting - Implementation Considerations
June 11, 2019
8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
FFA Enrichment Center 1055 SW Prairie Trail Pkwy, Ankeny, IA

Registration
Register at this link: http://bit.ly/2IQBD5Q with Course #180024
Registration fee $40
No credit activity

Target Audience
Teachers, Administrators, Instructional Coaches, District Office Staff

About the Instructor
Myron Dueck is SD67 District Vice-Principal for Communicating Student Learning in British Columbia. Over the past 22 years, he has worked as an educator in both Canada and New Zealand in subjects ranging from grades 4 to 12. Myron has developed a number of grading, assessment and reporting systems that give students a greater opportunity to show what they understand, as well as play a significant role in the reporting of their learning. He has also been a part of district groups, school committees and governmental bodies that have further broadened his access to innovative ideas. Through sharing his stories, tools and first-hand experiences with public, charter and international school educators around the world, Myron’s presentations have diverged to include global education trends and broader socio-economic realities that impact learning. Find Myron’s best-selling book, Grading Smarter, Not Harder: Assessment Strategies that Motivate Kids and Help Them Learn, and his other projects at www.ascd.org.

Registration is Open for a Summer Convening - “Learners at the Center: Are We Future-Ready?”

On July 28-29, 2019 The Center is hosting an annual convening where you will have the opportunity to visit the Waukee Innovation and Learning Center to learn about mastery learning, deeper learning, authentic assessment, and anytime/anywhere learning. The featured speaker at Learners at the Center: Are We Future-Ready? will be Anthony Kim who will speak about transforming education to increase community collaboration and increasing learner agency while moving beyond brick-and-mortar schools. This event is open to any PK-20 (teacher prep and admin prep) learner/educator/leader looking for ways to create learner-centered environments. Teams are encouraged to attend together! To register, click here: http://bit.ly/2Olowdy. If you are interested in presenting at the Summer Convening, click on this link for the Call for Proposals, and there are instructions and tips to make this process easier. The deadline for submission has been extended beyond May 17.

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 Vans Will Deliver to Your District During Summer Months

Heartland AEA vans will deliver twice a week to each district administration building during the summer months. If you have summer school, professional development programs or intercessions and you would like regularly scheduled deliveries to additional buildings, please email Colleen Miller at colleen_miller@heartlandaea.org.

Schedule-to-date:

• Twice-a-week delivery to each district administration building runs June 19 to August 8.
• Twice-a-week delivery will automatically continue to each building that has an extended year calendar.
• Regular fall van delivery resumes August 13.

A note about printing:

• Heartland AEA will contact the district to arrange for special delivery of large printing orders during the summer.

AEAs Provide Programs Free Access to myIGDIs for 2019-20 Literacy Screening

Iowa’s AEA system is pleased to continue providing consistency with their preschool programs for the 2019-20 school year for districts and community partners in the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program (SWVPP) for 4-year-old children.

The AEA system will continue to cover the full cost ($3 per child) to access to the online data system and iPAD app for preschool programs that are currently using or are interested in starting to use the Individual Growth and Development Indicators (myIGDIs) for literacy screening for preschool learners during the 2019-20 school year.

Learn more about the options for administering myIGDIs at this link: myIGDIs Enrollment Communication.

May 2019 Iowa AEA System Update for Superintendents

The May 2019 AEA System Update for Superintendents includes information about digital instructional resources and paper prices.

Teams Are Encouraged to Attend the 15th Annual Our Kids Summer Institute for ALL Educators Who Support English Learner Students

June 18 - 19, 2019
FFA Enrichment Center
1055 SW Prairie Trail Pkwy, Ankeny, IA

Registration for the Our Kids Summer Institute is open! You can use the following registration link: Our Kids Summer Institute 2019 (Course #: 180032) to get yourself and your team registered to attend our June learning together. We are also excited to offer each registered participant a book from our keynote speaker Diane Staehr Fenner titled, Advocating for English Learners: A Guide for Educators.

Our keynote presentation and breakout session topics are full of information for classroom teachers, EL teachers, administrators, instructional coaches and PK instructors. Your district team will have the opportunity to network with other educational professionals, discover new strategies for working with English Language Learners (EL) in Iowa and meet national and local experts to enrich practices for increasing EL achievement. Find more information on topic of learning and our keynote presenters at this link: 15th Annual Our Kids Conference Presenters and Topics!

We look forward to seeing you and your team in June!

Myron Dueck Presents: Standards-based Learning, Including Grading and Reporting - Implementation Considerations, June 11

International author and educational leadership expert Myron Dueck will help participants explore the implementation considerations in a standards-based learning, including grading and reporting system. Items that will be discussed include, but are not limited to: zeroes, homework, multiple and varied forms of assessment opportunities (retakes), and professional learning.

Standards-based Learning, Including Grading and Reporting - Implementation Considerations
June 11, 2019
8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
FFA Enrichment Center 1055 SW Prairie Trail Pkwy, Ankeny, IA

Registration
Register at this link: http://bit.ly/2IQBD5Q with Course #180024
Registration fee $40
No credit activity

Target Audience
Teachers, Administrators, Instructional Coaches, District Office Staff

About the Instructor
Myron Dueck is SD67 District Vice-Principal for Communicating Student Learning in British Columbia. Over the past 22 years, he has worked as an educator in both Canada and New Zealand in subjects ranging from grades 4 to 12. Myron has developed a number of grading, assessment and reporting systems that give students a greater opportunity to show what they understand, as well as play a significant role in the reporting of their learning. He has also been a part of district groups, school committees and governmental bodies that have further broadened his access to innovative ideas. Through sharing his stories, tools and first-hand experiences with public, charter and international school educators around the world, Myron’s presentations have diverged to include global education trends and broader socio-economic realities that impact learning. Find Myron’s best-selling book, Grading Smarter, Not Harder: Assessment Strategies that Motivate Kids and Help Them Learn, and his other projects at www.ascd.org.

Get Ready for Something New in Tech Integration! Announcing the Heart of Innovation Summer Summit!

The Heart of Innovation Summer Summit on June 13 is a kick off to year-long blended learning opportunities as you pursue innovation in your classroom with support from Heartland AEA. Enjoy a day full of networking and learning alongside your education peers, featuring Jennifer Williams, Ed.D., and presentations from leaders in education!

Conference tracks include:

• Promoting Creativity in Every Classroom
• Communicating Student Learning and Guided Informed Action
• Building a Collaborative Learning Environment for All
• Fostering Curiosity to Empower Critical Thinking

Heart of Innovation Summer Summit

June 13, 2019

8 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.

Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston

This is a NO COST event for Iowa K-12 educators and administrators! Learn more and register at bit.ly/HeartofInnovation.

Call for Presenters is Open Until May 15 - Join the faculty!
Educators love to learn from their peers! Have you done something you'd like to share? At our Heart of Innovation Summer Summit, we are looking for presentations that are aligned with our conference tracks. Submit a session proposal by May 15 at this link: http://bit.ly/2JLAyhZ.

Do you need support putting together a proposal for your presentation? Are you unsure how to turn your classroom experience into a session? Let us know! We would love to support you. Email us at haeatech@heartlandaea.org or contact your Heartland AEA Instructional Technology Consultant.

Registration is Open for a Summer Convening - “Learners at the Center: Are We Future-Ready?”

On July 28-29, 2019 The Center is hosting an annual convening where you will have the opportunity to visit the Waukee Innovation and Learning Center to learn about mastery learning, deeper learning, authentic assessment, and anytime/anywhere learning. The featured speaker at Learners at the Center: Are We Future-Ready? will be Anthony Kim who will speak about transforming education to increase community collaboration and increasing learner agency while moving beyond brick-and-mortar schools. This event is open to any PK-20 (teacher prep and admin prep) learner/educator/leader looking for ways to create learner-centered environments. Teams are encouraged to attend together! To register, click here: http://bit.ly/2Olowdy. If you are interested in presenting at the Summer Convening, click on this link for the Call for Proposals, and there are instructions and tips to make this process easier. The deadline for submission is May 17.

Save the Date for the Annual Summit on School Climate and Culture

Des Moines Public Schools presents the 4th Annual Summit on School Climate and Culture, Aug. 12-13, 2019. The Summit is designed help educators improve school climate and culture through professional development, skill building and application of best practices and research. This event will allow educators to engage with leading experts in education and school improvement on how a positive school climate and culture is key to student, school and district improvements. Featured Speakers include: Brittany Packnett, Pedro Antonio Noguera, Ph.D., Roberto Rivera and Bettina L. Love, Ph.D.

Des Moines is offering a discount for groups and an easy registration process. Ticket prices will be invoiced as follows:

• 0-10 = $350
• 11-50 = $325
• 51-100 = $300
• 101+ = $275

Benefits of registering using this process:

• All staff can register without submitting payment
• Easily track the number of registrations for your district
• Cap the number of registrations or stop registration at anytime
• Only one invoice will be sent to collect payment
• Easy day-of registration, as all of your staff will have a private registration area
• A Summit Liaison to help with any questions you may have from now until the event
• special pricing to district that register

To take advantage of the discount pricing or if you have any additional questions, contact Nyla Kenne, Des Moines Public Schools Culture, Climate and Community Coordinator, nyla.kenne@dmschools.org, (515) 242-7527.

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

HAA and SAC May 7 Meeting Reminders

Superintendents' Advisory Council (SAC)The Superintendents' Advisory Council will meet prior to the HAA meeting, from 8:00 -8:45 a.m. at Heartland AEA, 6500 Corporate Drive, Conference Room 109. An agenda will be emailed to council members soon.

Heartland Administrators' Association (HAA)The HAA meeting will be held from 9:00 -11:30 a.m. at Heartland AEA, 6500 Corporate Drive, in Conference Rooms 107A/B. This is the final spring meeting.
Click this link for the May 7 HAA Meeting Agenda

FINAL CHANCE to Register for FASTBridge 2019-20 with Option for Grades 7 and 8

This year Iowa’s AEAs again will be subsidizing the costs for schools to upgrade their DE-provided FAST subscriptions to include math and behavior assessments for the 2019-20 school year, and are expanding the potential grades available for schools. This year schools will have the option to use the expanded assessment suite in math and behavior for K-6, and will have the additional option to include grades 7 and 8. This option is available both to schools that purchased the expanded assessment suite in 2018-19 and those that want to use for the first time in 2019-20. Please refer to this FASTBridge program document for more information about pricing, registration, billing, training and ordering materials.

Kristin Orton Selected as New Regional Director in Region 7

Heartland AEA is pleased to announce the hiring of staff member Kristin Orton as a regional director for Region 7. Kristin will replace Kristi Upah on July 1, 2019, as Kristi assumes the new Chief Student Services Officer position within the agency.

Kristin will work closely with the Ames, Ballard, Collins-Maxwell, Gilbert and Roland-Story districts, as well as Ames Christian and St. Cecilia non-public schools.

Kristin’s 15-year Heartland AEA career has centered on serving students and educators in our service area. Since 2004, she has served as a:

• School Psychologist, 2004 – 2007
• Special Education Trainer, 2005 – 2007
• Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant, 2007 – 2014
• Instructional Coach, 2013 – present

In 2018 she also took on roles as a school psychology internship supervisor and as a member of the state Dyslexia Task Force, which will make recommendations to the Iowa legislature in Nov. 2019 regarding potential legislation related to dyslexia.

In June, Kristin will earn her PK-12 Principal/Special Education Director license from Drake University.

Amy Hanken Selected to New Supervisor of Special Education: Early ACCESS, Early Childhood and Related Services Position

Heartland AEA is pleased to announce the hiring of Heartland AEA staff member Amy Hanken as the Supervisor of Special Education: Early ACCESS, Early Childhood and Related Services, a position new to the Agency. Amy will join the agency’s leadership team on July 1, 2019, and will lead and coordinate our work related to Early ACCESS, early childhood and that of our related services groups (i.e., occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language, hearing and vision). She will also be a member of the Special Education Leadership Team.

Amy brings nine years of experience in education as a special education teacher and an AEA consultant. Her previous experience includes:

• Special Education Teacher, Hansen Elementary, Cedar Falls, 2010 - 2012
• Special Education Teacher, Denison Elementary, Denison, 2012 - 2015
• Early Childhood Special Education Consultant, Heartland AEA, 2015 - present

In her time at the Agency, Amy has also been a member of the Child Find Cadre Team, implementing professional learning with team members around best practices in the Child Find process; early childhood PBIS coach, delivering early childhood PBIS training to districts; Teacher Quality instructor; and a mentor to a student in the University of Northern Iowa’s special education consultant program, meeting with the student weekly and providing ongoing mentorship.

In July 2019 Amy will earn her PK-12 Principal/Special Education Supervisor certificate from the University of Northern Iowa. She earned her special education consultant endorsement from Morningside College, her master’s degree in special education and her bachelor’s degree in elementary education, both from the University of Northern Iowa.

AEAs Provide Programs Free Access to myIGDIs for 2019-20 Literacy Screening

Iowa’s AEA system is pleased to continue providing consistency with their preschool programs for the 2019-20 school year for districts and community partners in the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program (SWVPP) for 4-year-old children.

The AEA system will continue to cover the full cost ($3 per child) to access to the online data system and iPAD app for preschool programs that are currently using or are interested in starting to use the Individual Growth and Development Indicators (myIGDIs) for literacy screening for preschool learners during the 2019-20 school year.

Learn more about the options for administering myIGDIs at this link: myIGDIs Enrollment Communication.

District Teams Are Invited to Apply by May 31 to Attend National Postsecondary Strategy Institute

AEA PREP is excited to host a 2-day workshop for district teams in partnership with the National Postsecondary Strategy Institute (NPSI) from Chicago, to be held at Des Moines Area Community College on Sept. 23-24, 2019. The goal of this workshop is to help school districts develop their internal capacity to support every student toward attaining a successful postsecondary pathway. This will be done through a hands-on, action-oriented workshop focused on the integration of three critical components: a district postsecondary framework and strategy; a data strategy; and engagement of school counselors as leaders. Up to 27 district teams (approximately three per AEA) will be selected from across the state following the application period that is open May 3-31.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

NPSI - Iowa program overview and application instructions

NPSI - Iowa Online application link

NPSI is led by Greg Darneider, Joyce Brown, Ph.D. and Kelly Sparks. Darneider served as Senior Advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Education on the College Access Initiative, serving under President Obama's 2020 Goal and was the U.S. Department of Education representative on First Lady Michelle Obama's Reach Higher Initiative. Dr. Brown is president of Joyce V. Brown Consulting, a group of expert practitioner counselor leaders who specialize in training and coaching counselors and non-profit organizations working on the front lines of schools. Dr. Brown also provided technical support and served as a consultant to Reach Higher. Ms. Sparks is CEO of Maple Grove Objective, which helps organizations strategically use data to improve outcomes for youth and communities. She has over 20 years of experience in education, and is a national expert and innovator in data strategy.

Registration is Open for a Summer Convening - “Learners at the Center: Are We Future-Ready?”

On July 28-29, 2019 The Center is hosting an annual convening where you will have the opportunity to visit the Waukee Innovation and Learning Center to learn about mastery learning, deeper learning, authentic assessment, and anytime/anywhere learning. The featured speaker at Learners at the Center: Are We Future-Ready? will be Anthony Kim who will speak about transforming education to increase community collaboration and increasing learner agency while moving beyond brick-and-mortar schools. This event is open to any PK-20 (teacher prep and admin prep) learner/educator/leader looking for ways to create learner-centered environments. Teams are encouraged to attend together! To register, click here: http://bit.ly/2Olowdy. If you are interested in presenting at the Summer Convening, click on this link for the Call for Proposals, and there are instructions and tips to make this process easier. The deadline for submission is May 17.

Share This FINAL Networking Opportunity of the School Year with Your Parents and Caregivers of Students with Special Needs

Parents and caregivers of students with special needs: join us for “Conversation & Coffee,” our morning coffee group! Learn about community resources and upcoming events and network with parents who have similar experiences and challenges.

Conversation & Coffee
May 16, 2019
9:30 - 11 a.m.100th Street Corner Café in Urbandale

RSVP appreciated but not necessary: Kari Paulsen, Family & Educator Coordinator, Heartland AEA, at kpaulsen@heartlandaea.org or (515) 270-9030 ext. 14493.

DMACC Ankeny Surplus Available

DMACC Ankeny campus has the following surplus tables available:

• Qty of 9 - 59 1/2in x 23 1/2 tables
• Qty of 1 – 71 1/2in x 23 1/2 table

Contact jaklocke1@dmacc.edu if your school is interested.

May 2019 School Leader Update

The May 2019 School Leader Update from the Iowa Department of Education is now available.