Thursday, September 30, 2021

 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 Meeting Reminder - Oct. 5

Reminder!
The next regular meeting of the Heartland Administrators' Association (HAA) will be held on Oct. 5 from 9 -11:30 a.m. at the Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, in Johnston in Rooms 107AB. The meeting will also be available via Zoom at https://heartlandaea.zoom.us/j/708115455.

Agenda Link

The agenda will feature guest speaker, Noelle Ellerson Ng, AASA Assoc. Director of Policy and Advocacy, who will provide a legislative update. Ms. Ellerson Ng joined the AASA Public Policy staff in 2007 as a policy analyst. In that time, she has focused on leveraging the voice of school administrators in all aspects of federal education policy through member networks, outreach, policy analysis and involvement in the legislative process. Her work involves research and analysis supporting AASA’s advocacy work for public education as well as representing AASA advocacy priorities on Capitol Hill. Ellerson handles AASA’s survey and data programs and maintains AASA’s advocacy network and social media, including AASA’s advocacy blog and Twitter. She regularly speaks on federal education policy to school leaders across the country.

Heartland AEA ELL/Diversity Newsletter is Now Available

What I know about my ML
The new Heartland AEA ELL/Diversity SMORE is published and available today.

Many of our schools have enrolled increased numbers of students this fall who are new to the U.S. Each year we see different demographics among our newest Iowa residents, and this year is no different. With the recent events in Afghanistan, Iowa has begun to welcome new Afghan students and families, or will continue to welcome these families throughout this school year.

This edition offers some information and supports that may help your work with our Newcomer students and families.

Please feel free to reach out to your Heartland AEA EL/Diversity consultant for additional support for your school.

​​Join the Heartland AEA Future Ready Network at its Next Meeting on Nov. 4

Save the date Heartland AEA Future Ready Network
Join your local colleagues to learn and share about all things Future Ready!

First Thursday of the month
Beginning Nov. 4, 2021, 9 - 11 a.m.
Zoom Link

For more information, contact Sue Schirmer and visit https://bit.ly/AEAFRN.

We Need Your Feedback! AEA Customer Feedback Survey Open Oct. 1-18

Let us know your feedback
Iowa's Area Education Agencies have partnered with Hanover Research to administer and analyze a survey regarding your perceptions of your AEA’s services. Your responses and the results of this survey will help your AEA better understand and shape service offerings.

Hanover Research is an independent research firm based in Washington, D.C., and is in no way affiliated with any other entity or organization. Your responses are anonymous and will be kept confidential, so please be as open and honest as possible. The survey should take approximately 10 minutes to complete.

If you have any questions, email Victoria Ledford

Hanover Research takes protecting your personal information seriously. We use your data for research and analysis purposes. A full disclosure of our Privacy Policy is at https://www.hanoverresearch.com/privacy-policy/ where you may learn how we collect and process your data.

Jerry Valentine to Lead Instructional Practice Inventory Workshops on Oct. 26-27

Jerry Valentine, Ph.D.
Jerry Valentine, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus from the University of Missouri, will be leading an Instructional Practices Inventory (IPI) Basic Workshop in the Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District on Oct. 26 and an IPI-Technology Advanced Workshop (IPI-T) on Oct. 27.

IPI Workshop Details

Title 

Date/Time 

Prerequisite 

Level I Basic Workshop 

Oct. 26, 2021

8 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

N/A 

IPI - Technology Advanced Workshop

Oct. 27, 2021

8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m

Level 1 Basic Workshop


Location: 2405 W 1st Street, Grimes, IA 50111--DCG Administrative Offices

Cost: The per participant cost for each workshop will be $175. Dr. Valentine will invoice the school/district for that fee of $175 per person.

Registration: Each workshop is limited to 20 participants. Contact Dr. Valentine directly at ValentineJ@Missouri.edu before Oct. 20. He will process your registration request in the order in which they are received and invoice you as appropriate.

Overview: The IPI is a process for profiling school-wide student cognitive engagement during class time. The IPI process is implemented by a team of certified teachers who serve as the data collectors, the organizers of the data for faculty study, and the leaders of the faculty study of the data. School administrators should not serve as data collectors, but they do need to understand the IPI Process so they can support the team of teachers who lead the Process. The IPI Process is a stimulus for goal-setting and professional development relating to increasing student engagement in higher-order/deeper forms of thinking while simultaneously decreasing disengagement during learning time.

Additional Details:
  • Each workshop will include a mid-morning and mid-afternoon break and a 30-minute lunch break between 11:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. It is recommended that participants bring their own lunch because there will not be time to leave the workshops setting to have lunch.
  • All participants should plan to be in attendance from the start to completion of the workshop in order to obtain certification to use the IPI and/or IPI-T Process.
  • All participants should bring and plan to use, as needed, a face mask to mitigate the impact of COVID on others during the workshop activities. The mask will be needed at varied times during the day, particularly during the guided practice observations that will take place in real classrooms.

Required Course to Earn the Paraeducator Certification Generalist II with Early Childhood Concentration Begins Nov. 15

young learners
This is the required course to receive the Paraeducator Certification Generalist II with the Area of Concentration: Early Childhood.

Participants will gain knowledge, skills and strategies to assist, support and maintain the positive social, emotional and behavioral development of early childhood students and special needs early childhood students. The focus of this course will be on early childhood birth to grade 3 with an emphasis on ages 3-5.

This class may also be part of a staff development plan for teaching assistants with an Associates degree or two years of college in fields other than early childhood addressing how early childhood expertise is being provided to guide the curriculum.

Paraeducator Area of Concentration: Early Childhood
Prerequisite: Participants must hold a Paraeducator Generalist Certificate
Zoom sessions will be held on Nov. 15 and Dec. 21, 2021; Jan. 18, Feb. 15, March 8 and April 12, 2022, from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Additional coursework will be completed online by April 19, 2022
Cost: $180
Registration Link
Course #180188

Restorative Practices Training Begins Next Week, Are You Registered?

two teachers learning together
"Restorative practices is an emerging social science that studies how to strengthen relationships between individuals as well as social connections within communities." (IIRP.edu)

In the Introduction to Restorative Practices & Using Circles Effectively 2-day course, participants will learn fundamental theory and practices for engaging in a restorative way. Topics include setting high expectations while being supportive, providing direct feedback and asking questions that foster accountability, and effective methods to resolve common conflicts. Participants will also learn how to facilitate circles, an essential process for creating a positive learning environment and school culture. Circles may be used to build community, engage during instruction, resolve social problems and respond when harm occurs. This course is offered for 1 License Renewal Credit.

Training Dates & Registration Links

Oct. 4-5, 2021 -- Heartland AEA, Adel -- #202346 HL - Introduction to Restorative Practices and Using Circles Effectively


Oct. 23 & Nov. 6, 2021 -- Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, Johnston -- #202380 HL - Introduction to Restorative Practices and Using Circles Effectively


Save the Date: Feb. 7-8, 2022 -- Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, Johnston -- Registration link to come.

Thursday, September 23, 2021

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 Meeting Reminder - October 5

Reminder!
The next regular meeting of the Heartland Administrators' Association (HAA) will be held on Oct. 5 from 9 -11:30 a.m. at the Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, in Johnston in Rooms 107AB. The meeting will also be available via Zoom at https://heartlandaea.zoom.us/j/708115455.

Agenda Link

The agenda will feature guest speaker, Noelle Ellerson Ng, AASA Assoc. Director of Policy and Advocacy, who will provide a legislative update. Ms. Ellerson Ng joined the AASA Public Policy staff in 2007 as a policy analyst. In that time, she has focused on leveraging the voice of school administrators in all aspects of federal education policy through member networks, outreach, policy analysis and involvement in the legislative process. Her work involves research and analysis supporting AASA’s advocacy work for public education as well as representing AASA advocacy priorities on Capitol Hill. Ellerson handles AASA’s survey and data programs and maintains AASA’s advocacy network and social media, including AASA’s advocacy blog and Twitter. She regularly speaks on federal education policy to school leaders across the country.

Join the Heartland AEA Future Ready Network at its Next Meeting on Nov. 4

Save the date Future Ready Network
Join your local colleagues to learn and share about all things Future Ready!

First Thursday of the month
Beginning Nov. 4, 2021, 9 - 11 a.m.

Zoom Link

For more information, contact Sue Schirmer and visit https://bit.ly/AEAFRN.

Did You Miss the Recent Parent Session on Executive Functioning? No Problem, We have the Recording!

Peg Dawson
Heartland AEA’s Family & Educator Partnership recently hosted a virtual parent session on Executive Functioning, facilitated by Peg Dawson, Ed.D. You may view the session recording here and share it with your colleagues and families: https://youtu.be/SdVZT1h7NLQ.

Saturday, September 18, 2021

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

Sept. 2021 Iowa AEA System Update for Superintendents

Superintendent reads  to elementary students
The Sept. 2021 Iowa AEA System Update for Superintendents is now available. In this update:
  • Substitute Authorization Reminder
  • Is Your District Interested in Cybersecurity Assistance?
  • Assistance with Redistricting on the Horizon
  • Update on ACHIEVE System Rollout
  • AEAs Developing Options for Learning Around New Iowa Standards for School Leaders
  • AEAs Supporting Mental Health in Iowa Schools with Website of Resources

Iowa’s AEAs Ready to Assist School Administrators in Learning About Iowa Standards for School Leaders

Iowa's AEAs

Iowa’s Area Education Agencies are ready to help district administrators in learning about and implementing the Iowa Standards for School Leaders (ISSL 2021). We’ve put together three different options so administrators can choose the learning that best fits their needs. By partnering as a system, Iowa’s AEAs can establish common outcomes, resources, and learning opportunities for school leaders around the new school leader standards.
  • Asynchronous Modules
  • Micro-Learning Opportunities
  • Face-to-Face Sessions
Refer to this document for more information or contact Amy Wichman, Director of Instructional Services.

Heartland AEA Math Minutes Newsletter is Now Available

Unfinished learning
The Heartland AEA Math Minutes Newsletter is now available. Make sure to follow the newsletter and share it with your colleagues! In this issue…
  • Addressing Unfinished Teaching with Just in Time Learning
  • Now Available at Creative Services: Numeracy Project Material Masters and Activities
  • Whats New in Our Heartland AEA Library?
  • Heartland AEA Math Consultants
  • Follow us on Twitter
Contact the Heartland AEA Math Team if you need any assistance!

Registration is Open for Restorative Practices Trainings

restorative practices in the classroom
"Restorative practices is an emerging social science that studies how to strengthen relationships between individuals as well as social connections within communities." (IIRP.edu)

In the Introduction to Restorative Practices & Using Circles Effectively 2-day course, participants will learn fundamental theory and practices for engaging in a restorative way. Topics include setting high expectations while being supportive, providing direct feedback and asking questions that foster accountability, and effective methods to resolve common conflicts. Participants will also learn how to facilitate circles, an essential process for creating a positive learning environment and school culture. Circles may be used to build community, engage during instruction, resolve social problems and respond when harm occurs. This course is offered for 1 License Renewal Credit.

Training Dates & Registration Links

Oct. 4-5, 2021 -- Heartland AEA, Adel -- #202346 HL - Introduction to Restorative Practices and Using Circles Effectively

Oct. 23 & Nov. 6, 2021 -- Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, Johnston -- #202380 HL - Introduction to Restorative Practices and Using Circles Effectively

Save the Date: Feb. 7-8, 2022 -- Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, Johnston -- Registration link to come.

Arts Integration: Creative, Rigorous and Meaningful Learning

Students displaying art in  hallway
Students in arts-integrated classrooms have higher levels of engagement and fewer disciplinary referrals, resulting in higher academic achievement. Why? Because creative processes help students find personal relevance and meaning in their learning. During this course, discover how to embed accessible (and fun!) arts-based strategies into your lessons to promote critical thinking, inquiry, reflection and social-emotional intelligence. Develop rich, culturally responsive essential questions that excite intrinsic curiosity. Examine how arts experiences can be used as formative and summative assessment tools. Participate in interactive experiences that promise to reinvigorate your own creativity and passion for teaching!

Heartland AEA
Oct. 16 & 23, 2021
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Register at this link
Course #201882

Heartland AEA Instructional Technology Newsletter Now Available

kids at laptop and pencil and paper
The Heartland AEA Instructional Technology newsletter is now available. In this issue:
  • PearDeck Premium Access
  • Seesaw For Schools Partnership
  • Defined Learning Access
  • HAEA Comp Sci Update
  • HOI Course Registration
  • Girls Who Code Partnership Update

Drake ABA Program Accepting Applications for Fall 2022

Drake University
To help meet the growing need for behavior analysts across Iowa, Drake University launched a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program in 2017. The program is now in its fifth year and is currently recruiting students to join the Fall 2022 cohort.

The ABA program prepares students for careers working with children and adults, including individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Coursework and supervised practicum experiences include opportunities for students to assess and treat severe problem behavior, develop and implement programming to teach communication, social, academic, independent-living, and vocational skills, supervise and train school personnel and caregivers, and collaborate with colleagues and other professionals. Individuals who are employed with ABA providers can complete their practicum hours at their places of employment with Drake support. More information can be found on the program website.

The Iowa Department of Public Health currently has funds available to help support students who are attending school to become BCBAs. Interested individuals can obtain more information regarding grant opportunities by going to the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA/BCaBA) Grants website.

Additionally, Drake’s ABA program will be hosting a Virtual Open House on Oct. 20 at 6:00 p.m. This will be a great time to connect with faculty and current Drake students and to ask questions about the opportunities Drake’s ABA program has to offer. Registration for the open house can be found at this invitation link.

Drake will begin reviewing applications in January with interviews scheduled for Feb. 12. Applications will also be accepted throughout the summer of 2022. Any questions, please email Maria Valdovinos.

Friday, September 10, 2021

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

Explore & Implement the Iowa Standards for School Leaders

AEA Iowa's Area Education Agencies

Iowa’s Area Education Agencies are ready to help you and your district administrators in learning about and implementing the Iowa Standards for School Leaders (ISSL 2021). We’ve put together three different options so you can choose the learning that best fits your needs. By partnering as a system, we establish common outcomes, resources, and learning opportunities for school leaders around the new school leader standards.
  • Asynchronous Modules
  • Micro Learning Opportunities
  • Face-to-Face Sessions
Refer to this document for more information or contact Amy Wichman, Director of Instructional Services, for assistance.

Heartland AEA Literacy Newsletter is Now Available

Adult helping student read
The Heartland AEA Literacy newsletter is now available. Make sure to follow the newsletter and share it with your colleagues!

In this issue:
  • Updates from the State around FASTbridge
  • Data-based Decision Making
  • Putting the Science of Reading into Practice
  • Learning Bit by Bit
  • Books we recommend
  • Professional Learning Opportunities

MTSS Elementary and Secondary MTSS Academies, Coming Soon!

Three hands
An Academy for Elementary Schools: MTSS

Are you seeking clarity on how to be more efficient and effective in building a system of supports for all students and staff? The Academy is designed to provide leadership teams with the knowledge and resources to improve academic and behavior outcomes for ALL students. You will develop a common understanding of the Five Essential Components of a Multi-tiered System of Supports. In an era of accelerating student learning and providing for student well-being, Iowa schools need a school improvement framework to guide this work. Teams will focus on developing action plans to fully implement MTSS at the building level. Ongoing supports will be provided.

Class dates are Sept. 30 & Oct. 11, 2021, from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at Heartland AEA 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston.

Registration Link
Course #182253 HL

Elementary leadership teams to include administrators, classroom teachers, teacher leaders, school counselors, interventionists, special education teachers.


An Academy for Middle Schools and High Schools: Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports
Are you seeking clarity on how to be more efficient and effective in building a system of supports for all students and staff? The Academy is designed to provide leadership teams with the knowledge and resources to improve academic and behavioral/social-emotional outcomes for ALL students. You will develop a common understanding of the Five Essential Components of a Multi-tiered System of Supports. In an era of accelerating student learning and student well-being, Iowa schools need a school improvement framework to guide this work. Teams will focus on developing action plans to fully implement MTSS at the building level. Ongoing supports will be provided.

Class dates are Oct. 15 & 22, 2021, from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at Heartland AEA, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston.

Registration Link
Course #181277 HL 

Middle school and high school leadership teams to include administrators, content teachers and teachers who support systems work (TLC, Counselor, At-Risk, ALT).

Universal Protocol for Accommodations in Reading Available to Iowa Schools at No Cost

Iowa’s AEAs and the Department of Education are pleased to announce that
we are providing access to uPAR, Universal Protocol for Accommodations in Reading, at no cost to schools. uPAR is an online screening tool that can be administered to groups of students to capture data showing how each student learns best.

Benefits of uPAR:
  • Set up a group of students in minutes
  • Administer to up to 30 students in one class period
  • Evaluations can occur virtually or in the classroom
  • Automatic scoring
  • Individual and group data can easily be sorted
Getting Started
  1. Complete this form to request implementation of uPAR at your school. 
  2. Review the uPAR Implementation Guide.
For more information, contact Wendy Robinson, Director of Instructional Services, or a member of your school’s support team for further assistance.

Support for Students with Significant Intellectual Disabilities & Iowa Alternate Assessment

Iowa Department of Education
The Iowa Department of Education (DE) has sent out information about the 2021-22 Alternate Assessment Requirements and timelines. To be added to the DE emails and Google Site of resources, contact Jennifer Denne. A summary of timelines, some additional resources for teachers, and 2021-22 Professional Development opportunities through Heartland AEA are available here.

Scholarship Alert for Graduating Iowa Seniors: USJCI Foundation Senate Scholarship Applications are Now Being Accepted

United States JCI Senate
Applications are now being taken for the United States Junior Chamber International Senate Foundation Scholarship Program. Graduating high school seniors in Iowa are eligible to apply. Each year $1,000 national grants will be awarded to graduating high school seniors in the United States, who plan to continue their education at accredited post-secondary colleges, universities or vocational schools.

The Iowa JCI program will be honoring three high school seniors with at least a $100 scholarship and send the top two forward to USJCI national judging, where the top 33 national seniors will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship.

Applications must be postmarked by Jan. 14, 2022. For more information, see this scholarship program flyer and application checklist or contact John Buttolph at (515) 290-0383.

Friday, September 3, 2021

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

Reminder: Heartland Administrators' Association Meeting, Sept. 7

Reminder
The next regular meeting of the Heartland Administrators' Association (HAA) will be held on Sept. 7 from 9 -11:30 a.m. at the Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, in Johnston in Rooms 107AB. The meeting will also be available via Zoom at https://heartlandaea.zoom.us/j/708115455.

Agenda Link

This month’s agenda will feature updates from the Iowa Department of Education with Director Dr. Ann Lebo, as well as a session on Learning and Leading for Equity with guest speakers, Lee Teitel, Ed.D., and Circe Stumbo, Ed.M. Dr. Teitel is the founding director and senior consultant for the Reimagining Integration: Diverse and Equitable Schools (RIDES) project at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He currently supports teams from more than 50 schools and districts around the country in equity improvement work, and has co-founded a new nonprofit supporting this work, SchoolsTransforming.org. Ms. Stumbo is president of West Wind Education Policy, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

Heartland AEA Service Spotlight: Data & Assessment Services for Schools

Two adults working at a table with a tablet
Heartland AEA assessment consultants help schools and districts assess that instructional practices and curriculum are working for students on the individual-, grade- and school-level. Learn more from these resources:

Assessment page of our website

Download the Data & Assessment Services document for further objectives and examples.
Contact a member of the Heartland AEA team or your regional director when you have questions or need support regarding these service areas.

New for School Leaders! Networking Opportunity Surrounding Iowa Standards for School Leaders

Building
This year, Heartland AEA is offering a new networking opportunity for area administrators. The Iowa Standards for School Leaders will be an integral part of the administrative role in the 2021-22 school year. Therefore, collaboration and discussion about the 10 standards will further ground effective administrative practices. In addition, the sessions will provide ample time for open dialog and sharing of resources among area leaders in attendance. The sessions will be virtual, making it possible to join from work, and with two time offerings, conveniently available to accommodate busy schedules. Principals, Associate Principals, SAMs, Athletic Directors, and Deans are encouraged to attend. For registration information and details, see this 2021-22 Principal Network flyer.

Heartland AEA Library & Digital Newsletter is Now Available

Better Together webinar series
The Heartland AEA Library & Digital Resources newsletter is now available. Make sure to follow the newsletter and share it with your colleagues!

In this issue:
  • TeachingBooks.net: Literacy Supports and Webinars
  • Better Together Series Starts Sept. 2
  • Spanish Version of PebbleGo
  • Copy and Embed Links to PebbleGo and PebbleGo Next
  • Report: School Librarians Across the Country
  • Elementary Country Reports Resources

Coming in September: Investigation Training - Bullying & Section 102, Level 1

Adults in professional learning
This training is modeled off of Amanda Easton and Anne Morgan's trainings for Bullying Investigations. Training on Section 102, Level 1 investigations is now included. An hour presentation by an attorney that includes a Q/A is part of the course.

Initially, participants will spend time on the law then the actual process of conducting investigations. The second part involves digging into scenarios. The final part of the class is spent in small groups working through a case study to determine 'founded' or 'unfounded.'

Register at this link

Update: ACHIEVE System Rollout

Achieve Iowa IDEA
The AEA Special Education Directors know districts are eager to learn more about the transition plan to ACHIEVE, the state’s new IEP/IFSP system. The ACHIEVE Governance Council (AGC), which includes representation of Department of Education staff, AEA special education directors, and LEA special education directors, is pleased to share an updated overview related to the system rollout.

All districts will be using the ACHIEVE system no later than Sept. 15, 2022, with the inclusion of all IEPs/IFSPs by June 30, 2023.

This slide deck has been shared with your special education directors/contacts and provides an overview of the implementation opportunities available for districts.

Additional details on professional learning, the process to determine a go-live date and other specifics will come from your AEA Director of Special Education and Regional Director later this fall. The additional information will include the readiness steps that will need to be completed prior to going live.

Thank you for your continued collaboration on this important initiative.

Family & Educator Partnership Presents: Smart but Scattered -- Helping Children and Teens Strengthen Executive Skills to Reach Their Full Potential

Heartland AEA Family Educator Partnership
The Family & Educator Partnership strives to provide families and the community training to help their students in the classroom. In doing so, Heartland AEA is excited to announce an upcoming learning session by Peg Dawson, Ed.D., a field expert on Executive Skills. This virtual training is designed to help students achieve success in school and in life. No prior registration is required.

Topic: Heartland AEA Parent Session
Date: Sept. 14, 2021 
Time: 6:30 p.m. Central Time
Join Zoom Meeting: 
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86014358711?pwd=VjQ1TmFWY3lBOUZSQlgvejRlaVpHdz09

Smart but Scattered: Helping Children and Teens Strengthen Executive Skills to Reach Their Full Potential
Executive skills are critical to the acquisition of academic skills, but, more importantly, they are the skills students need to get things done. They are brain-based skills such as task initiation, sustained attention, working memory, planning, organization, and goal-directed persistence that are absolutely critical to school success. Some students seem to acquire them naturally, but many students struggle with them. Dr. Dawson, co-author of the books Smart but Scattered and Smart but Scattered Teens, will describe how these skills develop throughout childhood and suggest strategies parents can use to help children acquire the critical skills they need to be successful students.

Let us Know How We Can Support Your Tech Needs!

adult helping child with technology
You may be aware that Heartland AEA provides a variety of services to support your district’s technology needs, including:
  • Tech Coordinator Meetings
  • Tech Coordinator Listserv
  • Internet Filtering (iBoss)
  • Network Evaluation
  • ClassLink OneClick
To learn more about these offerings, contact Darrel Raynor, Senior Director of Information Technology or Jeff S. Weinberg, Director of Technology, or complete this brief survey. We would like your insight on cyber security, Google administration support, e-rate filing assistance and off-site data backup. Thank you!

Iowa Council of Administrators of Special Education Presents 2021-22 Webinar Series Featuring Lee Ann Jung

Lee Ann Jung
The Iowa Council of Administrators of Special Education (iCASE) is presenting three great learning opportunities for administrators who are looking for more information about equitable and inclusive classrooms, and legal issues in special education regarding least restrictive environments. The webinar series begins Sept. 14. View the series information here and register at this link.