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

Research Shows Virus Undetectable on Five Highly Circulated Library Materials After Three Days

In the first phase of a project to disseminate and develop science-based information about how materials can be handled to mitigate exposure to staff and visitors, scientists have found that the virus SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19 is not detectable on five common library materials after three days.

The findings are part of the REopening Archives, Libraries, and Museums (REALM) Project designed to generate scientific information to support the handling of core museum, library, and archival materials as these institutions begin to resume operations and reopen to the public. The first phase of the research is focusing on commonly found and frequently handled materials, especially in U.S. public libraries.

Read more about the findings here and follow along with the REALM project here.

Special Education Return to Learn Resources Released

The documents below were released on June 25, 2020 on the Return to Learn google site (Special Education). Since there was not any formal Return to Learn webinar describing these materials, links and descriptions of the resources are included below.

FERPA, IEPs, and Virtual Learning - This document is intended to answer common questions regarding obligations to meet FERPA requirements while serving learners with disabilities through virtual learning (i.e., Continuous Learning).

Electronic Signatures: E-Signatures for Informed Consent for Services in Special Education - This support document provides reminders of when consent is needed for IDEA administrative procedures and suggestions for ways to obtain the electronic signature. The information provided here is not to be confused with consent to receive electronic information or privacy requirements for provision of teleservices.

Considerations for Acquiring Technology to Ensure Access of Students Receiving Special Education - This document contains technology acquisition considerations developed to assist administrators in planning for the need and acquisition of instructional and assistive technology, ensuring that all learners have the tools they require to participate and make progress in the Iowa Core Standards. The following are a series of checklists organized by end user or grade level:

Technology Skills Checklist: PK-2 Learners with Disabilities with Family/Caregiver Support

Technology Skills Checklist: Grades 3-12 Learners with Disabilities

Technology Skills Checklist: Grades 3-12 Family/Caregiver Support of Learners with Disabilities

Technology Skills Checklist: Special Educator

Technology Skills Checklist: General Educator

Technology Skills Checklist: Paraprofessional

This first release of documents listed above is focused on equitable access to technology and special education. A second release of documents is scheduled for July 9 and will focus on resources for IEP Teams. A third and final release of documents is planned for late July/early August that will focus on resources that will be helpful for teachers serving students in special education.

Preschool Programs & Services Return to Learn Resources Released

The documents below were released on June 25, 2020 on the Return to Learn google site (Preschool). Since there was not any formal Return to Learn webinar describing these materials, links and descriptions of the resources are included below.

Preschool Resources for Return-to-Learn - This document supports district and community preschool partner locations implementing Iowa Quality Preschool Program Standards (IQPPS) in preschool programming and services for young children and families in their local communities.

Considerations for Preschool Programs and Services for Return-to-Learn - This document provides suggestions and recommendations for districts and their community partners to consider as a local Return-to-Learn plan is designed in the local community context. While considerations representing IQPPS are provided, many topics and concepts may also inform programs implementing other approved preschool program standards and applicable programming requirements.

Instructional Tech PD & Learning Opportunities Announced for Summer and Fall

Heartland AEA Educators, are you looking for virtual learning opportunities over the summer or this Fall? Check out our new Instructional Technology Virtual Learning/Hybrid Learning Guide.

Personalizing Your Professional Learning with Digital Connections
Featuring a webinar with Sarah Thomas, Ph.D., Regional Technology Coordinator, Loyola University. Begins July 5. Register at this link: https://bit.ly/2NmIjKi

Check out all of the summer courses!

Need help?Contact our Instructional Tech team!

Wellness Weekly, a Shareable Resource for Districts

In an effort to support the well-being of districts, educators, students and families, Heartland AEA is pleased to bring you, "Wellness Weekly," a weekly series dedicated to all things wellness and well-being.

Check out the Wellness Weekly site every week for well-being resources, tips and fun and share with colleagues and families!

This week features:

• 5 Natural Ways to Boost Your Mental Health During Stressful Times
• 8 Steps to Combat Video Conference Fatigue
• Apps & Other Stuff: How to Tame Stress and Eliminate Reactivity in Less Than 8 Weeks
• Funnies: Returning to Work After Quarantine

COVID Recovery IOWA Offers Free Counseling to Any Iowan Affected by COVID-19

The State of Iowa has received nearly $1 million in funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to offer free, virtual counseling to any Iowan who has been affected, in any way, by the COVID-19 public health emergency. COVID Recovery Iowa is available via video, chat or phone to Iowans of all ages and also provides groups online to find support and learn new strategies to cope with the effects of the pandemic in a variety of creative ways.

The program also offers a number of activities, including yoga, cooking classes, parent resources and more. Virtual support groups are available for parents and for pre-teens. Parents, your group will meet via Zoom on Wednesdays at 5 p.m. The pre-teen support group will meet via Zoom on Mondays at 4:30 and Thursdays at 1. Find out more by emailing Chelsea.Siefken@pathwaysb.org.

Iowans can access services through the following options:

• Call (800) 447-1985 to connect with a counselor specializing in rural issues and agriculture 24 hours a day, seven days a week
• Call the Iowa Warm Line at (844) 775-9276 to connect with a peer counselor or request to get in touch with a COVID Recovery Iowa counselor
• Visit www.COVIDrecoveryiowa.org and complete a contact form and a counselor will get back to you

Facebook Twitter Instagram: COVID Recovery Iowa

DE Guidance: District Responsibilities to English Learners During COVID-19, Reopening Districts and School Activities July 1

District Responsibilities to English Learners During COVID-19

The Iowa Department of Education is releasing two new documents related to state and district responsibilities to English learners (ELs) during the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as a parent notice template. The details of each of the documents are described below.

Providing Services to English Learners (ELs) During the COVID-19 Outbreak Fact Sheet - Builds on the U.S. Department of Education’s May 18, 2020 fact sheet regarding the roles of states and districts in providing services to ELs during COVID-19-related school closures.

Home Language Survey Follow-Up Interview for Provisional Identification of ELs - Provides a protocol for provisionally identifying students as ELs during the COVID-19-related school closures.

2019-20 EL Program Provisional Identification and Placement Parental Notification Template - Provides a customizable template for districts to use when notifying parents and/or legal guardians about provisional placement decisions and related instructional services and supports.

Reopening Districts and School Activities July 1

New reopening guidance has been created in partnership between the Iowa Department of Education and the Iowa Department of Public Health as a resource for administrators to safely open districts and nonpublic schools and resume all school activities starting July 1. The guidance outlines health and safety requirements, illness reporting procedures and school district closure authority if the Governor proclaims a public health disaster. In addition, new Return-to-Learn supports are available on the Return-to-Learn Google site. You can find new items under special education, data, health and safety, and preschool.


The DE will continue to keep you informed of any new updates. All current guidance is included on the COVID-19 Guidance and Information page on their website with translated versions of documents available on the Translated COVID-19 Guidance and Information Documents page. In addition, recordings of the previous Zoom sessions can be found on their YouTube channel or on their COVID-19 Webinar Recordings for PK-12 School Administrators in Iowa webpage (along with PowerPoint slides as applicable). 

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 Stands Against Racial Injustice

As a valued partner of Heartland AEA, we want you to know that we stand against racial injustice. Please see the message from our chief administrator Jon Sheldahl.

Wellness Weekly, a Shareable Resource for Districts

In an effort to support the well-being of districts, educators, students and families, Heartland AEA is pleased to bring you, "Wellness Weekly," a weekly series dedicated to all things wellness and well-being. 

Check out the Wellness Weekly site every week for well-being resources, tips and fun and share with colleagues and families!

This week features:

• Good and Bad Stress: Do You Know the Difference?
• Six Ways to Strengthen Your Health Circle
• Funnies: The Cast of Schitt's Creek Salutes Teachers

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 Van Delivery to Start in July

Due to restrictions related to COVID-19, Heartland AEA vans will start summer van delivery to district administration buildings in July. This is a change from previous years. Van delivery will include library materials. Library materials should be returned to Heartland AEA on the van. 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:

• Once-a-week delivery to each district administration building runs July 6 to Aug. 7, 2020.
• Twice-a-week delivery will automatically continue to each building that has an extended year calendar.
• Regular fall van delivery resumes Aug. 10, 2020.

As a reminder, Heartland AEA offices are closed to the public until at least Aug. 1, 2020.

Heartland AEA Plans a Phased Approach to Return to Workplaces

Agency leaders have been developing a plan in recent weeks for staff to begin to return to workplaces. Returning to work in phases allows our organization to maintain productivity while minimizing the spread of COVID-19 by keeping employees farther apart. In the first two phases of our three-phase approach, most staff will continue to remote work and then return to workplaces in phases. Here’s a closer look at how we’re planning a phased approach: Phases of Returning to Workplaces.

Schedule Science Into Your Professional Learning Activities This Summer

The Heartland AEA Science Consultants are facilitating a wide array of online summer professional learning opportunities at no cost to educators or districts. Choose from topics, such as:

• Mystery Science
• Defined Learning
• Iowa Phenomenon Project
• NGSS Science Standards
• Science in Early Childhood
• OpenSciEd Curriculum Resource and Instructional Model

Sessions are held over Zoom for approximately 30-45 min. Check out our entire list of learning activities. For more information, contact the science consultant who serves your district.

Meeting the Needs of All Students During COVID-19 - Supporting Students & Families in Underserved Communities Online Event

This community engagement event creates an opportunity for education stakeholders in urban, suburban and rural communities to convene online to discuss equity implications for addressing students' educational, social and emotional needs during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. During this Café, we will engage in dynamic discussion and share ideas for solutions to identified challenges in historically underserved communities, as school communities prepare for recovery, reentry and reimaging teaching and learning in a new landscape. Featuring these selected topics:

• Mental Health/Socio-emotional Wellness
• Family/Community Care
• Leadership
• Supporting Diverse Students in Distance Learning

June 22, 2020
1:30 - 3 p.m. CST
Online
No Cost

Registration Information

Wellness Weekly, a Shareable Resource for Districts

In an effort to support the well-being of districts, educators, students and families, Heartland AEA is pleased to bring you, "Wellness Weekly," a weekly series dedicated to all things wellness and well-being.

Check out the Wellness Weekly site every week for well-being resources, tips and fun and share with colleagues and families!

This week features:

• Feeling Overwhelmed by Media? You Aren't Alone
• Disconnect From Work Stress
• 100 Staycation Ideas for This Summer
• Funnies: These Memes Sum Up the First Half of 2020

ISPRA Releases RTL Communication Plan for Districts

The Iowa School Public Relations Association (ISPRA) has released its sample Return to Learn Communication Plan for all districts in Iowa. The plan is designed to help raise awareness about the need to prepare for face-to-face learning disruptions in the fall of 2020 and to establish the “why” for using this opportunity to rethink teaching and learning in order to garner support. The plan includes a number of templates as well as surveys for families, staff and teachers. Additional helpful communication resources for districts are available on the Iowa School Public Relations Association website. Remember also to utilize the numerous resources and surveys on the Iowa Department of Education’s Return to Learn Google site.

USDA Ensures All Kids Can Get Free Meals This Summer as Nation Reopens

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced a nationwide extension of another key flexibility for USDA’s child nutrition programs. This waiver allows local partners, who have been working overtime serving meals to kids during the health crisis, the ability to continue serving free meals to all children – regardless of where they live – for the remainder of the summer. This action is part of USDA’s ongoing commitment to making it as easy as possible for local program operators to get food to children impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. To learn more, visit www.fns.usda.gov/coronavirus and follow FNS on Twitter at @USDANutrition. 

DE Revised Guidance: Summer Sports, Learning & Activities, Use of School Facilities; IDPH Guidance on Summer Sports

The Iowa Department of Education is releasing revised guidance on summer sports, summer learning and activities, and use of school facilities. The Department believes the revisions are warranted following new proclamations from Governor Reynolds, feedback from the field about the initial guidance, and our desire to allow school leaders to best respond to the strengths and needs of their local communities. The changes are summarized below.

The revised Summer Sports Guidance adds a statement that refers people to the Use of School Facilities Guidance for information on the use of school facilities for activities other than baseball and softball.

The revised Summer Learning and Activities Guidance adds a statement that any school district, nonpublic school, or governing association may begin offering summer activities in consultation with public health and local law enforcement. This includes extracurricular activities and co-curricular activities, but no sports other than those expressly permitted by Department guidance or a proclamation of the governor.

The revised Use of School Facilities Guidance adds a statement that the Department defers to local districts, public health, the IHSAA, IGHSAU, and other associations that support school activities to determine when and how activities will resume. The Department continues to exercise general supervision over and provide guidance about the use of school facilities in accordance with Iowa Code and the governor’s proclamations.

The Iowa Department of Public Health has also released new guidance today regarding potential COVID-19 exposures on baseball and softball teams. This guidance supplements our summer sports guidance.

Please know that the DE will continue to keep you informed of any new updates. All current guidance is included on the COVID-19 Guidance and Information page on their website. In addition, recordings of previous Zoom sessions can be found on their YouTube channel or on their COVID-19 Webinar Recordings for PK-12 School Administrators in Iowa webpage (along with PowerPoint slides as applicable). Return-to-Learn supports can be found on the Return-to-Learn Google Site.

DE Guidance: Continuous Improvement, PD, Mitigation Survey

The Iowa Department of Education is releasing guidance on new Return-to-Learn resources addressing continuous improvement processes (Leadership B1), professional development (Infrastructure C1-C2), the mitigation survey and student/family connection log. All Return-to-Learn supports can be found on their Return-to-Learn Google site. The Department established a partnership with UnboundEd to provide educators with standards-based professional learning opportunities that align with the Return-to-Learn support document (overview document).

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

COVID-19 Health and Wellness Graphics for Buildings

The Heartland AEA Creative Services team has been working hard to support districts during these unprecedented times. We’re offering some essentials to combat the spread of COVID-19 and help you to maintain a healthy environment in your buildings. Our collection of posters can be used to provide critical information for your staff, students and visitors. We will be adding more resources like directional arrows for floor or walls, footprints, etc. We are also happy to discuss any additional materials you need. Contact Creative Services. To order posters, go to Creative Services Online, enter COVID and browse. Remember, you need to log in to place an order.

AEA Learning Online Opt-In Fee and Heartland AEA Support

AEA Online Learning services are provided at a low price for Iowa school districts. AEA Learning Online has an annual opt-in fee for districts to help support many programs and services they provide. For years, AEA Learning Online has been able to maintain the same low cost for districts, in large part through revenue from required Mandatory Reporter training. By charging individual employees for completing this required training, AEA Learning Online was able to lower costs to districts.

In the summer of 2019, legislation was passed requiring the use of one Mandatory Reporter curriculum from the Iowa Department of Human Services. While this has the advantage of lowering the cost for educators to renew their own licenses, it also meant AEA Learning Online would not be able to rely on that revenue to lower costs for districts. As a result, the opt-in fee will be going to $1 per enrolled student in the 2020-21 school year.

Heartland AEA has always paid the opt-in fee for districts in our area. For 2020-21, the agency will continue our current funding level of support for our districts of .$50 per enrolled student, and the remaining $.50 will be invoiced to districts by AEA Learning Online.

Beginning July 1, 2020, AEA Learning Online is pleased to offer Mandatory Reporter trainings for Child Abuse and Dependent Adult Abuse at no cost for district employees in the AEA Learning Online Training System. Teachers will no longer need to go to the DHS site to complete their training, meaning: 1) they will now have the active phone and help-ticket support that the AEAs provide, and 2) districts will have access to their records of completion.

Refer to this AEA Learning Online document for complete details of AEA Learning Online, the opt-in program and how Heartland AEA supports districts.

Soak in These Online Science Professional Learning Activities This Summer

The Heartland AEA Science Consultants are facilitating a wide array of online summer professional learning opportunities at no cost to educators or districts. Choose from topics, such as:

• Mystery Science
• Defined Learning
• Iowa Phenomenon Project
• NGSS Science Standards
• Science in Early Childhood
• OpenSciEd Curriculum Resource and Instructional Model

Sessions are held over Zoom for approximately 30-45 min. Check out our entire list of learning activities. For more information, contact the science consultant who serves your district.

Jessica Minahan to Present Live Webinar: Practical Strategies for Reducing Anxiety and Challenging Behavior

With up to one in three children struggling with anxiety in this country, overwhelmed adults require a new approach as well as a practical and easy-to implement toolkit of strategies that work. In the time of COVID19, and the subsequent societal changes, anxiety has become ever-present in students of all ages. It is probable that during a pandemic that heavily impacts everyday life, levels of anxiety in children and teens are even higher, and the possibility of subsequent trauma greater. Through the use of case studies, humorous stories and examples of everyday challenging situations, participants will learn easy to implement preventive tools, strategies and interventions for reducing anxiety, increasing self-regulation, accurate thinking, and self- monitoring in students. Virtual classroom and traditional classroom examples will be shared.

Practical Strategies for Reducing Anxiety and Challenging Behavior
Featuring: Jessica Minahan, MEd, BCBA
Live Webinar
When: June 18, 11:00 a.m. - 2:15 p.m. (CST)
Where: Online
CE Hours: 3
Cost: $60

Registration information

Educators May Be Interested in the Educational Excellence for the Blind & Visually Impaired Summer Institute

Summer Institute’s design provides a variety of sessions to help prepare paraeducators, general education and special education teachers from school districts to support students with visual impairments. Sessions address literacy, math, STEM, assistive technology, students with additional disabilities including blindness, transition (Part B to C and age 14) and general sessions about working with students having visual impairments.

Sessions presented by Iowa Educational Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired consultants, staff and outside presenters range in time from 90 minutes to 3 hours. The 2020 Summer Institute will provide sessions virtually to allow for participation during restrictions related to COVID-19. Summer Institute will not be offering license renewal or ACVREP credit this year. Educational staff wishing to attend who are not currently working with a student having a visual impairment and those wishing to attend only specific sessions will be able to do so.

You can find more information about the Summer Institute on the Iowa Educational Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired website.

Summer Institute 2020 Registration

Summer Institute 2020 Agenda

If you have any questions, contact Cindy Bryan.

Des Moines Roosevelt Student Council Presents 2020 Youth Voice Forums

In order to empower Iowa students with a greater voice amid national unrest, Roosevelt’s Student Council plans to host a series of ‘Youth Voice Forums’ over Zoom starting next week. These sessions will serve as Q&As between students and Iowa’s elected officials and political figures.

Students will have the ability to submit their questions online, and may listen to leaders address them from the comfort of their homes. At such an unprecedented time in our country, youth are strongly encouraged to ask about current events, for advice, and about the experience of each individual speaker. Each Zoom session will feature an independent guest, and will last 45 minutes to 1 hour long.

The following speakers will participate:

• Senator Charles Grassley (June 8 at 2:30 p.m.)
• Fmr. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack & Fmr. First Lady of Iowa Christie Vilsack (June 10 at 2:30 p.m.)
• Eric Branstad, Iowa Director of Trump 2016 Campaign (June 12)
• Misty Rebik, Iowa Caucus Director of Bernie Sanders 2020 Campaign (Date TBD)
• Janice Rottenberg, Iowa Caucus Director of Elizabeth Warren 2020 Campaign (Date TBD)

DMPS students are strongly encouraged to submit questions, and can register for free through the following link: bit.ly/youthvoiceforum.

Please be sure to register by June 4 for more information on each forum — only registered students will be admitted into each session. Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram with any questions!

Instagram: @veltcouncil
Facebook: @DSMRoosevelt

Wellness Weekly, a Shareable Resource for Districts

In an effort to support the well-being of districts, educators, students and families, Heartland AEA is pleased to bring you, "Wellness Weekly," a weekly series dedicated to all things wellness and well-being.

Check out the Wellness Weekly site every week for well-being resources, tips and fun and share with colleagues and families!

This week features:

• New State Program Offers Free Counseling & Stress Relief Resources
• How to Love Yourself to the Core
• Avoid Burnout While Working from Home During COVID-19
• Apps: 7 Self-Care Apps to Help You Stay Balanced
• Hopscotch Learning!
• Funnies: Comics Perfectly Capture the Struggle of Working from Home with Kids

June 2020 School Leader Update

The June 2020 School Leader Update from the Iowa Department of Education is now available.

DE Guidance on Counting Students Attending Virtually in the Fall

The Iowa Department of Education has been asked the question that if a parent decides to not send their child to school in the fall because of perceived safety issues, but wishes to take advantage of the district’s ability to provide learning virtually, does the district count that student as a resident, full-time student. The DE has responded that the student would be counted if they otherwise meet the definition of resident and are in attendance on count date. The decision about whether the child's absences are excused or not is a local decision. The parent always has the option to homeschool and dual enroll.