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

Meet the New Superintendents

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

Dennis McClain
Adair-Casey Guthrie Center

What is your education background?

• Buena Vista College: BA - PE/Health
• Jones International University: MEd - Educational Leadership
• University of Northern Iowa: ASC - Superintendent

What is your past work experience?

• Clay Central-Everly: Superintendent/Elementary Principal
• Stanton: K-12 Principal

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at this district?
AC & GC are progressive districts with outstanding academic and CTE opportunities. I have enjoyed working with multiple communities in my previous position and look forward to continuing this work in the AC/GC communities.

What is your vision for your district?
I want to continue to develop school-community relationships to expand programming and opportunities for students and our communities.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I am a lifelong learner and enjoy music, sports, and reading.


Eric Trager
Audubon / Coon Rapids-Bayard

What is your education background?

• Iowa State University: BS - Agriculture Education
• Drake University: Masters and Specialists degrees

What is your past work experience?

• Davis County in Bloomfield: Agriculture Education teacher
• Audubon: Agriculture Education teacher, 5-12 principal and shared superintendent with Coon Rapids - Bayard

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at this district?
I decided to pursue the superintendency as it was time for a new challenge for me. For me there is no more important work than the work we do in public education and I wanted an opportunity to guide the work of the districts from a central office position.

What is your vision for your district?
My vision is that every person that graduates from our districts does so with all of their doors wide open; that they have the underlying skill set necessary to successfully pursue whatever is next for them. I think we do this by providing excellent faculty and staff, and excellent environment in terms of climate and culture, and the resources our people need to be successful. I also think slow steady progress toward a clearly defined set of goals provides the consistency and continuity necessary for sustainable improvement. It is my job to create conditions for that to happen and I’m excited for that challenge.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
In my free time I enjoy 4-wheeling in my Jeep, woodworking, and most importantly, spending time with my four grandkids.


Casey Berlau
Carroll

What is your education background?

• Iowa State University: Bachelor’s degree - Political Science with a secondary teaching endorsement
• Drake University: Masters, Specialist and Doctorate degrees in Educational Leadership

What is your past work experience?

• Seymour: Junior High Social Studies Teacher and Head Boys Basketball Coach
• Elk Horn-Kimballton: High School Principal, Superintendent
• Nodaway Valley: Superintendent and shared Superintendent serving Nodaway Valley and CAM CSD

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at this district?
Carroll is a community that I have held in high regard. It is a healthy community that offers a great deal to its citizens as well as to the region. My wife and I saw Carroll CSD as a great opportunity for our family as well as for me to grow professionally. The community is supportive of the educational opportunities that exist for students and that was attractive to me. I look forward to working with students, staff and the community to continue to move the district forward.

What is your vision for your district?
My vision is to build strong relationships within our school district and to work collaboratively to ensure that we are continuing to grow and improve as a school district.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my wife and kids. I also enjoy the outdoors. We spend time camping and boating in the summer and I also enjoying hunting in the fall, winter and spring.

Erik Anderson
Colfax-Mingo

What is your education background?

• University of Northern Iowa: Undergraduate, Masters, Specialists degrees

What is your past work experience?

• Council Bluffs: Middle School Math Teacher, Coach
• Pocahontas: High School Math Teacher, Coach
• Cedar Rapids Prairie High School: High School Math Teacher, Coach
• Prairie High School: Teacher on Special Assignment, Associate Principal, High School Principal

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at this district?
Professional and personal fit. I was looking for a district that is passionate about their students’ overall well-being, while also having a strong history in academics. Personally, my wife and I wanted to move to a district that is closer to our daughter in Minneapolis and to family in the Des Moines area. Colfax-Mingo fit our family personally and professionally.

What is your vision for your district?
First, I need to learn all that I can about the people, programs and facilities of Colfax-Mingo. Then we will build a common vision around Colfax-Mingo's established collective commitments that reinforces Colfax-Mingo as a high-quality destination for families.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my two dogs, Thor and Zuzu. I also enjoy golfing, working in the yard and being on the water.


Scott Bridges
Melcher-Dallas

What is your education background?

• Simpson College: Bachelor of Music - Music Education
• University of Phoenix: Master of Arts in Education - Administration and Supervision
• University of Northern Iowa: Superintendency Preparation

What is your past work experience?

• Prairie City Monroe: High School Administrator, High School Band Director
• Melcher-Dallas: 5-12 Band Director

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at this district?
I was excited about the opportunity to serve in a leadership capacity in the district in which I started my career.

What is your vision for your district?
To provide a positive learning environment for students that challenges them to realize their full potential. As an educational leader, I also see it as my role to help teachers realize their full potential as instructors in the classroom. If I'm looking back on what we have accomplished in five years, I hope to say that we have become a true PLC school, that we have a fully implemented MTSS program K-12, and that our students are reaping the benefits of our efforts.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
Spending time with family, golfing, hunting, fishing and playing guitar and drums for the church worship team.


Brad Buck
Waukee

What is your education background?

• University of Northern Iowa: BA - Biology (Secondary Education)
• Iowa State University: M.Ed. - Educational Leadership
• Iowa State University: Ph.D. - Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

What is your past work experience?

• Cedar Rapids Community School District: Superintendent
• Iowa Department of Education: Director
• Saydel CSD: Superintendent
• Middle School Principal and Middle School Science Teacher

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at this district?
Waukee CSD is a vibrant, dynamic district with a reputation for excellent staff members, supportive families and communities, and a mindset of innovation. In addition, the academic results here are very strong and the activity and athletic opportunities are top notch. I previously worked in Waukee for 10 years and had a great experience. Three of our six children graduated from Waukee High School and we are excited to return to the Des Moines area.

What is your vision for your district?
I have been away for eight years so my early intentions have been and are to meet with a number of stakeholders to understand what people desire to preserve about our district as well as what they are interested in improving. From there, I plan to continue to work closely with the Board and others to design a strategic plan that retains those identified points of preservation and further strengthens and improves an already amazing school district.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
Taking in activities in which my school-aged children participate. Vacation/travel with my wife. Cheering on the Hawkeyes and Vikings and whomever is playing the Cyclones and Bears. Reading.


Matt Adams
Woodward Granger

What is your education background?

• Iowa State University: BS - Elementary Education
• Drake University: MS degree - Educational Leadership; Ed.S. - Educational Leadership; and Ed.D.

What is your past work experience?

• Des Moines Public Schools: Elementary Teacher
• Seymour CSD: Teacher
• Lynnville-Sully CSD: K-8 Principal
• Ankeny CSD: Elementary Principal, Chief Operations Officer

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at this new district?
I was very interested in finding a superintendency that demanded a strong focus on academics and continual improvement. During my research and during the interview process it was clear the community was looking for an instructional leader to guide the district in school improvement. In addition, there is a lot of growth potential at Woodward-Granger CSD. My experience at Ankeny has afforded me the opportunity to respond to growth strategically.

What is your vision for the district?

Quite simply, I want a tremendous school experience for all of the students served by the district. That means we provide a rigorous and challenging curriculum and our instruction aligns to the individual needs of each and every student. It means we connect deeply with our students and provide a safe and predictable environment for them to learn. Last, it means we are preparing them for something big beyond K-12.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?

I really enjoy fishing, hunting and gardening. Last summer I learned to can salsa and vegetables out of the garden and enjoy sharing my bounty with others!

Heartland AEA is Hosting Consolidated Application Training on Sept. 23

Updated: The DE has cancelled this training. More information will be coming.

The Iowa Department of Education will be hosting Consolidated Application Training on Sept. 23 at Heartland AEA. The purpose is to train district superintendents, central office personnel and school business officials on the use of the claims process in the Consolidated Application in CASA. This is NEW functionality and all districts are urged to attend. Department staff will also assist districts with funding flexibility transfers as needed.

Consolidated Application Training
Sept. 23, 2019
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston

Register at this link with course #181117

New Teacher Orientation to Heartland AEA Video

New teachers: Heartland AEA is here for you! This video describes a number of the ways Heartland AEA provides support to educators in our service area. As a new teacher, it's hard to know everything that's available -- we hope this video gives you an idea of the many services that are available to you.

Sept. 2019 Iowa AEA System Update for Superintendents

The Sept. 2019 Iowa AEA System Update for Superintendents includes information about its new executive director, FutureReady Clearinghouse, AEA Purchasing, Ch. 103 conversations and meeting the requirements of recent mental health legislation.

Iowa’s AEAs: Did you know we did all that?

We are focused every day to ensure all students have lifelong access to high-quality educational opportunities and resources. We also provide tools for educators to grow professionally and reach students. Learn more about what AEAs do every day!

Additional Information About New Consent to Receive Electronic Communication Procedures

With the new special education procedures for Consent to Receive Electronic Communication, many questions have surfaced. In addition to the information on pages 30-32 in the Area Education Agency Special Education Procedures, the statewide Procedural Governance Group (PGC) has created a Q & A document and an At-a-Glance document as a resource for AEA and district staff. If you have additional questions, contact the Heartland AEA Regional Director who serves your district.

Level I and II Section 504 Trainings for Public School Staff Coming This Fall

Heartland AEA will offer Level I Section 504 trainings to districts in the fall of 2019 in Johnston. Trainings are at now cost and are 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 new staff and to have access to their district 504 manual (plan). Class size is limited so register early!

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

Level 1: Section 504 Training for Public School Staff (Choice of two dates)
Sept. 9, 2019
Register at this link, using course #181101 and section #272534
9 a.m. - Noon
Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston

Or

Sept. 16, 2019
Register at this link, using course #181101 and section #272535
9 a.m. - Noon
Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston

Level 2: Section 504 Training for Public School Staff
Back by popular demand, Heartland AEA will also host a Level II Section 504 training for those who write 504 plans. A prerequisite for this class is attendance at a Level I training with Heartland AEA within the last five years. This is a practical application class. No walk-ins will be accepted due to the limited class size so please register early. Class size is limited so register early!

Topics to be covered include:

• Processing 504 evaluation data
• How to consider and include outside expert reports
• Determining whether or not a plan is needed
• Eligible but not in need of a plan, how to manage?
• Linking physical and mental health disabilities to the right accommodations
• Resources available to assist districts to spark accommodation planning
• How to construct an inclusive 504 plan
• Implementing a 504 plan with integrity
• Determining whether or not a 504 plan is effective
• Annual reviews and 3 year reevaluations

Register at this link, using course #180762 and section 272635
Oct. 1, 20199 a.m. - NoonHeartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston

Seats Are Still Available Next Tuesday! Frances Stetson is the First Presenter in the New SEBMH Leadership Series Presented by Heartland AEA

Frances Stetson, Ph.D., works with schools with a focus on inclusive practices, closing the achievement gap, differentiated instruction and quality standards for instruction and leadership. She will present two workshops on Sept. 3; a morning session for superintendents and an afternoon session for all educators.

Morning Session for Superintendents and Administrators
Quality Standards for Inclusive Practices: A Working Session for Assessing Your Current Status and Identifying Your Next Improvement Targets
Dr. Stetson will lead participants through an inclusive school assessment guide. For each standard, participants will learn cutting-edge strategies for achieving it and receive practical tools and resources to make the journey easier. Standards such as a commonly-held belief system and vocabulary, an objective, individualized process for deciding the most appropriate services for each student, effective staffing options, scheduling techniques and many more topics will be presented. Register at no cost at this link with course #180602.

Afternoon Session for All Educators
Reviewing Effective Staff Utilization: New Lessons for Doing More with Less!
Dr. Stetson brings her extensive experience from staffing studies, program evaluations, and on-site technical assistance to a practical working session to demonstrate that doing more with less can actually mean just that! Such challenges as making certain that in-class support in inclusive classrooms truly results in benefits that reflect two adults versus a ‘visitor on the side of the room’; making decisions regarding the need for paraeducator services on the basis of student needs versus adult preference; using an objective process for staffing and scheduling that results in improved student outcomes and other related issues will be discussed. Register at no cost at this link with course #180603.

Sept. 3, 2019

AGENDA
9 - 10 a.m. Regular Heartland Administrators' Association Business Meeting and Partner Updates
10 - 11:30 a.m. Superintendent Session with Frances Stetson, Ph.D.
11:30 - 12:30 p.m. Lunch on your own
12:30 - 3:30 p.m. Afternoon Session for all Educators

LOCATION
Des Moines Area Community College Student Center, Bldg 5 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny

*Allow extra time for parking on the DMACC campus

Registration is Open for Clayton Cook, Oct. 1: Nurturing and Responsive Environments that Promote Social and Emotional Wellbeing

Clayton Cook, Ph.D., consults with school systems on designing, implementing and sustaining MTSS frameworks that target promoting children’s mental health, and his research focuses on school-based mental health according to a multitiered system of support.

Nurturing and Responsive Environments that Promote Social and Emotional Wellbeing
Dr. Cook will support participants in understanding the development, implementation and evaluation of evidence-based practices to improve youth access to needed social, emotional and behavioral supports in schools within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). The session will also focus specifically on implementation science and the understanding of factors and strategies that impact the successful development, delivery and sustainment of evidence-based practices as part of service delivery within schools. This work is intended to address the longstanding science-to-practice gap.

Oct. 1, 2019

AGENDA
9 - 10 a.m. Regular Heartland Administrators' Association Business Meeting and Partner Updates
10 - 11:30 a.m. Superintendent Session with Clayton Cook, Ph.D.
11:30 - 12:30 p.m. Lunch on your own
12:30 - 3:30 p.m. Afternoon Session for all Educators

REGISTRATION
Register at no cost at this link with course #180604. Select a section to attend.

LOCATION
Des Moines Area Community College Student Center, Bldg 5 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny

*Allow extra time for parking on the DMACC campus

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 Administrators' Association Sept. 2019 Meeting

The Heartland Administrators’ Association (HAA) will have its first meeting of the 2019-20 school year on Sept. 3 at DMACC in Ankeny. This will also be the kickoff to the 2019-20 Heartland AEA Social, Emotional, Behavioral, Mental Health Speaker Series and will be led by Frances Stetson, Ph.D. Dr. Stetson will lead learning on quality standards for inclusive practices for superintendents and administrators in the morning. Her afternoon session on effective staff utilization is designed for all educators. Register for the sessions at this link.

All of the HAA meetings will take place on the first Tuesday of the month and will follow the same basic format:

• 8 - 9 a.m. Superintendent Advisory Council (currently scheduled for Sept., Nov., Jan., April and May)

• 9 - 10 a.m. Regular HAA Business Meeting and Partner Updates from Heartland AEA, DE, SAI, IASB, BOEE and DMACC

• 10 - 11:30 a.m. Superintendent Session with Guest Presenter

Bookmark the HAA Google Site to stay informed of all HAA events, agendas and materials.

Heartland AEA Curriculum Network Meeting Will Be Held On Sept. 6

The Heartland AEA Curriculum Network meets from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on the first Friday of every month, Sept. through May, at the Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center (6500 Corporate Drive). A Zoom option is also available for those who can't attend in person.

2019-20 Meeting Dates

• Sept. 6, 2019
• Oct. 4, 2019
• Nov. 1, 2019
• Dec. 6, 2019
• Jan. 3, 2020
• Feb. 7, 2020
• March 6, 2020
• April 3, 2020
• May 1, 2020

For meeting agendas, handouts and other important documents, visit the Curriculum Network Google Site. For more information or questions, contact the Regional Director who serves your district or Kevin Fangman, Chief Academic Officer, at (800) 255-0405 ext. 14374.

Message for Iowa Schools that Purchased the Expanded FAST Assessment Suite

As you kick off your school year, Iowa’s AEAs want to ensure that buildings and administrators that requested the expanded FAST assessment suite have access as expected and understand the billing structure for the suite. Please refer to this document for more information about FASTbridge billing, training, ordering and more!

Join Us for Our First Framework Friday of the 2019-20 School Year On Sept. 6!

Nine EdCamp-style workshops will be held throughout the 2019-20 school year to provide additional learning, collaboration and conversation for those interested in Standards-Based Learning (SBL) including Grading and Reporting. The workshops coincide with specific strands of the Standards-Based Learning Framework developed by Heartland AEA. These workshops will be participatory, hands-on, collaborative sessions. Participants will walk away with ideas, information, articles, activities and videos that can be used immediately with an SBL guiding team or building team. You can attend whatever sessions are of interest to you; you do not need to attend all nine. Curriculum directors, principals, TLC leaders, Professional Learning leaders and members of SBL guiding teams can benefit from attending these sessions.

Framework Friday Dates
(All sessions 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.)

• Sept. 6, 2019
• Oct. 4, 2019
• Nov. 1, 2019
• Dec. 6, 2019
• Jan. 3, 2020
• Feb. 7, 2020
• March 6, 2020
• April 3, 2020
• May 1, 2020

Learn more about the learning opportunities and register at Heartland AEA Framework Fridays.

RESOURCE: IEP Team Member Roles & Responsibilities

As the school year begins, and we plan all of those IEP meetings, here's a document that describes the roles and responsibilities of each member of the IEP team to ensure we develop the needed programming and supports for each student with a disability. If you have questions, contact the Heartland AEA Regional Director who serves your district.

Have You Registered? Frances Stetson to Open the NEW Heartland AEA SEBMH Fall Leadership Series on Sept. 3

The new Heartland AEA SEBMH Fall 2019 Leadership Series for superintendents and education leaders begins on Sept. 3 with guest speaker Frances Stetson, Ph.D.. Dr. Stetson works with schools with a focus on inclusive practices, closing the achievement gap, differentiated instruction and quality standards for instruction and leadership. Superintendents and administrators are invited to the morning session on quality standards, and all educators are invited to attend the afternoon session on effective staff utilization.

Morning Session for Superintendents and Administrators: 

Quality Standards for Inclusive Practices: A Working Session for Assessing Your Current Status and Identifying Your Next Improvement Targets 

Dr. Stetson will lead participants through an inclusive school assessment guide. For each standard, participants will learn cutting-edge strategies for achieving it and receive practical tools and resources to make the journey easier. Standards such as a commonly-held belief system and vocabulary, an objective, individualized process for deciding the most appropriate services for each student, effective staffing options, scheduling techniques and many more topics will be presented.

Register at no cost at this link with course #180602.


Afternoon Session for All Educators:

Reviewing Effective Staff Utilization: New Lessons for Doing More with Less!

Dr. Stetson brings her extensive experience from staffing studies, program evaluations, and on-site technical assistance to a practical working session to demonstrate that doing more with less can actually mean just that! Such challenges as making certain that in-class support in inclusive classrooms truly results in benefits that reflect two adults versus a ‘visitor on the side of the room’; making decisions regarding the need for paraeducator services on the basis of student needs versus adult preference; using an objective process for staffing and scheduling that results in improved student outcomes and other related issues will be discussed.

Register at no cost at this link with course #180603.

AGENDA
9 - 10 a.m. Regular Heartland Administrators' Association Business Meeting and Partner Updates
10 - 11:30 a.m. Superintendent Session with Frances Stetson, Ph.D.
11:30 - 12:30 p.m. Lunch on your own
12:30 - 3:30 p.m. Afternoon Session for all Educators

LOCATION
Des Moines Area Community College Student Center, Bldg 5 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny

*Allow extra time for parking on the DMACC campus

Join Drake University’s Continual Improvement Network - Learn and Network with Other School Leaders

The vision of the Drake University Continual Improvement Network is to transform education in Iowa in order to restore joy in learning, teaching and leading in Iowa’s schools. The network provides opportunities to learn and work together to solve real problems of practice through the process of systemic continual improvement. The network provides a way of supporting others to increase knowledge and skils so that education leaders can continue to meet the ever growing demands of K-12 education, and exceed expectations.

The network will meet throughout the 2019-20 school year via face-to-face meetings, virtual learning opportunities and podcasts, all at no cost to participants. License renewal credit is available.

Please consider sending the Drake University Continual Improvement Network flyer to your administrative team members and any teachers who may be interested, for the concepts apply at the classroom, building and district levels.

Interested? Contact:

Dr. Doug Stilwell
Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership
Drake University
doug.stilwell@drake.edu
515-271-1993 (Office)
515-418-5363 (Cell)

Who is a school leader?
Anyone who leads a system (classroom, program, department, school, district, etc.).

Nominations Sought for STEM Teacher Awards

The Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council, in partnership with Kemin Industries in Des Moines, has launched the sixth year of the I.O.W.A. STEM Teacher Award and will be accepting nominations through Oct. 4. The award recognizes one full-time, licensed PK-12 teacher from each of the state’s six STEM regions for their passion in motivating students to develop a lasting interest in science, technology, engineering and math both in and out of the classroom. Each of the six teachers selected will receive an award of $1,500 for personal use, and an additional $1,500 for their classrooms. Once nominated, each teacher will fill out an application to be assessed by a panel of judges who will select the six award recipients. Honorees will be announced in January 2020. To nominate a teacher, click here.

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

Transition in Heartland AEA Region 6 Leadership Assignments

Nikki Roorda, current Heartland AEA Region 6 regional director serving the Ankeny Community School District, has accepted a position as the Executive Director of Teaching & Learning for the Johnston Community School District. We have been working closely with our leadership team to ensure a smooth transition for everyone. I am confident in our transition plans as Nikki departs Heartland AEA.

As the new school year begins, the following assignments will be in place in Region 6:

• Karla Jones, who is currently the regional director for the Urbandale Community School District, will move to the Ankeny Community School District and will provide leadership for K-12 Special Education services and supports.
• Charlie Johnson, a retired Heartland AEA regional director, will provide leadership for Early ACCESS/Early Childhood supports and general education/curriculum for Ankeny. He will also serve as the contact for non-public schools in Ankeny.
• Keri Steele, current regional director for the Saydel Community School District, will add the Urbandale district to her assignment and will continue to serve Saydel as well.

We ask that you share this information as you see fit with your administrators and staff. If you have any questions, please contact me at jsheldahl@heartlandaea.org or (800) 255-0405 ext. 14314. Have a great 2019-20 school year!

Jon Sheldahl
Chief Administrator
Heartland AEA

Heartland Administrators' Association Sept. 2019 Meeting

The Heartland Administrators’ Association (HAA) will have its first meeting of the 2019-20 school year on Sept. 3 at DMACC in Ankeny. This will also be the kickoff to the 2019-20 Heartland AEA Social, Emotional, Behavioral, Mental Health Speaker Series and will be led by Frances Stetson, Ph.D. Dr. Stetson will provide learning on quality standards for inclusive practices for superintendents and administrators in the morning. Her afternoon session on effective staff utilization is designed for all educators. Register for the sessions at this link.

All of the HAA meetings will take place on the first Tuesday of the month and will follow the same basic format:

• 8 - 9 a.m. Superintendent Advisory Council (currently scheduled for Sept., Nov., Jan., April and May)
• 9 - 10 a.m. Regular HAA Business Meeting and Partner Updates from Heartland AEA, DE, SAI, IASB, BOEE and DMACC
• 10 - 11:30 a.m. Superintendent Session with Guest Presenter

Bookmark the HAA Google Site to stay informed of all HAA events, agendas and materials.

District Administrators, We Value Your Opinion; Take This Short Survey About Social Work Services

Several school districts in the Heartland AEA service area employ social workers. We would like to gather information about social workers and the services that are provided. This information will help us offer districts professional learning or technical assistance throughout the year.

STOP: Before You Take the Survey:
Select ONLY ONE representative from your district to complete the survey. Your district representative will click here to participate in the survey. Thank you!

Heartland AEA Is Offering Learning Sessions for Teachers Who Administer Alternate Assessment

This is a reminder that any teacher supporting students with intellectual disabilities needs to be certified to administer an alternate assessment. The Early Literacy Alternate Assessment (ELAA) is for teachers of students with significant intellectual disabilities in K-6 who use the alternate assessment rather than the FAST. The Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) is the statewide assessment for students with significant intellectual disabilities in Grades 3-11 for whom alternate assessment has been designated by an IEP team.

Certification information should have been sent to district facilitators. The certification process for both tests is completed through self-directed online trainings in AEA PD Online Learning System. Districts decide how best to certify teachers. Most districts have teachers complete training early in the school year on district time in individual or small group sessions.

Heartland AEA will host two learning sessions for teachers of students with significant intellectual disabilities who participate in either the ELAA or DLM. AEA staff will support technical troubleshooting and answer questions. There is no formal training beyond the self-study.

Training Opportunities

Alternate Assessment Certification Training for K-6 ELAA
Sept. 5 or Sept. 26, 2019
8:30 a.m.
Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center

(Repeat session, teachers choose one or the other)
Register at this link using course #180545

Teachers must pass certification prior to administering the ELAA. State procedures require evidence to be collected starting the first week of school. Teachers who wait until Sept. 26 to be certified must familiarize themselves with and follow the evidence gathering requirements.

Alternate Assessment Certification Training for DLM grades 3-12
Sept. 5 or Sept. 26, 2019
12:30 p.m.
Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center

(Repeat session, teachers choose one or the other)
Register at this link using course #180544

Teachers must pass certification prior to administering the DLM. The first testing window closes Nov. 1, 2019.

Additional information on Alternate Assessment can be found on the Heartland AEA website or at the Iowa Department of Education website. The Iowa Department of Education will be sending district alternate assessment contacts more information via email.