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

Oct. 6 HAA Meeting Cancelled

The regular Heartland Administrators' Association (HAA) meeting on Oct. 6 has been cancelled. The HAA will meet via Zoom on Oct. 7 at 10 a.m. as scheduled.

NEW! OSEP COVID-19 Q&A: Implementation of IDEA Part B Provision of Services in the Current COVID-19 Environment

The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services’ Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) released a Questions and Answers (Q&A) document in response to inquiries concerning implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B provision of services in the current COVID-19 environment: IDEA Part B Provision of Services. 

OSERS/OSEP will continue to work with state and local leaders to identify any additional areas where it can provide information to support stakeholders in their important work. For more information about COVID-19, visit ED COVID-19 Information and Resources and U.S. Government COVID-19 Information and Resources.

DE Releases New Preschool Programming Guidance

The Iowa Department of Education has released new preschool programming guidance. The guidance addresses frequently asked questions regarding attendance, programming and services, and the use of different Return-to-Learn educational delivery models for Statewide Voluntary Preschool Programs, Early Childhood Special Education and Shared Visions Preschool Programs.

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 the previous Zoom sessions can be found on their YouTube channel or COVID-19 Webinar Recordings for PK-12 School Administrators in Iowa webpage (along with PowerPoint slides as applicable).

Alternate Assessment Updates for 2020-21

For Teachers: If you are teaching students who are on the alternate assessment, you must complete student profiles and certification training. This document contains the deadlines, new information and links to the state commencement letter, training sites, office hours and other resources.

For Administrators: All teachers who have students on the alternate assessment must be certified as strategist II ID and complete certification training. Administrators are responsible for creating teacher accounts for the ELAA system, as well as creating rosters for DLM. This document contains deadlines, new information, and links to the state commencement letter, training sites, office hours and other resources.

COVID Recovery Iowa Offers FREE Counseling and Other Services to Any Iowan Who Has Been Affected by COVID-19

COVID Recovery Iowa is a grant that Iowa received in order to offer services and supports to individuals and families who have been impacted by COVID-19. COVID Recovery Iowa provides support groups, crisis counseling, educational and supportive information to those in need over email, phone, zoom and social media. Share this information with your colleagues and friends!


Helpful Links:

COVID Recovery Iowa website

COVID Recovery Iowa Facebook

COVID Recovery Iowa Instagram

COVID Recovery Iowa Twitter

Narrated Books on YouTube

Oct. 2020 School Leader Update Available

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