Our Mission
To improve the learning outcomes and well-being of all children and youth by providing services and leadership in partnership with families, schools and communities.
Our Goals
- Increase learning growth for students
- Decrease the gap in achievement
- Increase annual graduation rates
- Increase gateways to post-secondary success
The March 3 Heartland Administrators' Association meeting will feature guest speaker, Hamish Brewer. This engagement was opened up to other educators who might also enjoy his "Be Relentless" presentation. Superintendents are encouraged to stay after Brewer’s session for AEA and other partnership updates.
Be Relentless with Hamish Brewer
March 3, 2020
Des Moines Area Community College, Student Center, 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd. Ankeny, IA
9 - 10 a.m. Keynote Message
10 - 10:30 a.m. Q&A
10:30 - 11 a.m. Book Signing (Mr. Brewer will be personally autographing his book, Relentlesss: Changing Lives by Disrupting the Educational Norm. Be sure to purchase the book in advance to get your copy signed!)
Superintendent Session
10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Heartland Administrators’ Association Partnership Updates
The Heartland AEA Library & Digital Resources Library & Digital Resources newsletter is now available. Make sure to follow the newsletter and share it with your colleagues! In this issue…
- HS Lesson Plans: Deepfake Videos
- Top 10 Sites to Check Your Facts
- Political Ad Analysis Worksheet
- Verify Social Media Info in Real-Time
- AASL Standards and Crosswalks
Heartland AEA is hosting EdCamp-style workshops throughout the school year to provide additional learning, collaboration and conversation for those interested in Standards-Based Learning (SBL) including Grading and Reporting. No matter what stage of SBL someone is in, they will walk away with ideas, information, articles, activities and videos that can be used immediately with an SBL guiding team or building team. The workshops coincide with specific strands of the Standards-Based Learning Framework developed by Heartland AEA.
The next Framework Friday is March 6 from 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Learn more and register at Heartland AEA Framework Fridays. Come spend an afternoon focused on SBL and celebrate and see the nexxus in the work everyone is doing.
The Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Program, developed by the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI), is a one-day training that provides an opportunity for educators to obtain initial certification in CPI's Nonviolent Crisis Intervention program. Participants will receive an introduction to crisis prevention focusing on nonphysical strategies, including nonverbal, paraverbal, and verbal techniques that can be used to assist in de-escalating behavior. Participants will receive instruction, role-playing, practice and feedback in using personal safety techniques, such as blocking, moving and releasing, to avoid or minimize injury when interacting with an individual who is escalated.
INITIAL CPI Training
April 6, 2020
8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston
Register at this link: http://bit.ly/2YFocds (course #180648)
Intended Audience: District staff in the Heartland AEA service area who work with individuals 3-21 years who engage in problem behaviors that have the potential to result in injury to self or others.
Join this special event with Anthony Muhammad, Ph.D., to explore the dynamics of school culture from a sociological, psychological, anthropological, political, historical and economic lens, using the Transforming School Culture framework.
Dr. Muhammad has been a practitioner of education for 20 years, serving as a middle school teacher, assistant principal and high school principal as well as an author and educational consultant. He is recognized as a leading expert in school culture and developing strong PLC schools.
Dr. Muhammad is a best-selling author of the books:
- Time for Change: The Four Essential Skills of a Transformational School Leader
- Overcoming the Achievement Gap Trap: Liberating Mindsets to Effect Change
- The Will to Lead and the Skill to Teach
- Transforming Schools at Every Level
- Transforming School Culture: How to Overcome Staff Division
Transforming School Culture: Understanding and Overcoming Resistance to Necessary Change Featuring Anthony Muhammad, Ph.D.
April 23, 2020
8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Hilton Garden Inn
8600 Northpark Drive Johnston, IA
Registration
Register by April 20, 2020 at this link: http://bit.ly/2MEyMyA using course #181933
$50 per person. Lunch included.
Registration is limited to 125. There is no waiting list for this event.
All educators are invited!
Parents and caregivers of students with special needs: Join us for “Conversation & Coffee,” our monthly morning coffee group! Learn about community resources and upcoming events and network with parents who have similar experiences and challenges. Mark your calendar for these 2020 meeting dates!
- March 12, 2020
- April 16, 2020
- May 21, 2020
Conversation & Coffee meets from 9:30 - 11 a.m. at the 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.
Couldn’t attend Matt Miller's webinar?
No worries! We recorded it for you!
Are You Ready for Something New in Tech Integration? Announcing the Heart of Innovation Summer Summit!
Are you ready for something new in tech integration? The Heart of Innovation Summer Summit 2020 is a full day of learning and networking with your fellow educators. John Spencer, co-author of Launch. Using Design Thinking to Boost Creativity and Bring Out the Maker in Every Student and Empower. What Happens When Students Own Their Learning will keynote this exciting event, and a variety of breakout sessions will follow. Don't miss out on this fabulous opportunity to learn how you can bring innovative practices to your classroom! 1 license renewal credit available. $10 registration includes a full day of learning and networking and lunch. Now accepting session proposals! Check it out! Heart of Innovation Summer Summit 2020
Join us for Google Expedition Training!
Heartland AEA has two Google Expedition kits (one set of 15 devices and headsets and one set of 30 devices and headsets). To check out the kits for the 2020-21 school year you must attend our half-day training. More information and registration here
Many of you are receiving questions from parents and community members about how schools are preparing for the potential spread of the coronavirus. To help you navigate local planning and conversations, the following resources are available:
- A webinar for school administrators and school nurses is scheduled for March 2, from 1-2:30 p.m. The webinar will be hosted jointly by IDPH and the Iowa Department of Education. Register here. The webinar will be recorded, and a link will be sent to all who register.
The Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) recommends districts review appropriate policies on communicable diseases. IASB has provided the following sample policies as reference. The attached samples reflect no changes from those previously issued by IASB. For assistance, contact Siobhan Schneider, IASB Policy/Legal Services Director.
IASB Sample Policy 507.3 – Communicable Diseases – Students
IASB Sample Policy 403.3 - Communicable Diseases – Employees
IASB Sample Regulation 403.3R1 - Universal Precautions Regulation
The DE will share more information on this issue as it becomes available. For more information, contact Melissa Walker, DE school health consultant.
The March 2020 School Leader Update from the Iowa Department of Education is now available.
