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: Accept your Calendar Invite to Attend the Heartland Administrators’ Association (HAA) Meeting on Sept. 6

Superintendents should have received a calendar invitation to the Sept. 6 Heartland Administrators’ Association (HAA) meeting. The meeting will include an administrator-only learning session on Fundamentals of Communication and Media Interaction featuring Andy Garman with Wixted & Co. This is an in-person meeting only, with no Zoom option and it will not be recorded.

Lunch will be provided immediately following the meeting. Please accept or decline your calendar invitation as it will be used as a headcount for ordering lunch.

If you wish to bring an extra person, such as your Comms or PR person, please contact Jenny Ugolini. We will be monitoring attendance as attendance will be capped.

AEA Purchasing Items of Interest

AEA Purchasing Summer Education and Food Show
In June and July, AEA Purchasing facilitated ServSafe® certification courses for 462 school food service staff. Of that 462, 68% passed the end exam with scores of 70% or greater. We would like to extend a warm congratulations to all of those who put forth the effort in preparing for and passing the exam! Additionally, our annual School Spirit Shows took place in Cedar Rapids and Des Moines earlier this month, hosting 126 school districts and over 500 members. Activities included four hours of education followed by a food show with 80 companies and 460+ items to sample and review.

IASL Award Book Orders 2022-23
Mark your calendars! The deadline to order the IASL Award Book sets is Aug. 31! More details can be found here.

School Specialty Summer Sale!
Find hundreds of hot buys at cool 40% savings -- but only while supplies last! Click here for more information.

Association of Educational Purchasing Agencies
AEA Purchasing is a proud member of the Association of Educational Purchasing Agencies (AEPA), a national cooperative of education purchasing professionals representing lead agencies in their respective states. Their contracts are competitively bid and tailored to meet each member state’s specific legal requirements. As a result of this partnership, AEA Purchasing can bring Iowa's schools and service agencies great prices from vendors like School Specialty, Daktronics, CDW-G and more. Click here for more information on this partnership.

Vendor Promotions

Want to know more about our vendor partners and what they have available? Check out this month's Vendor Promotions folder! Special offers, flyers, and brochures are added throughout the month.

The First Curriculum Network Meeting of the New Academic Year Will be Held on Sept. 2

The first Curriculum Network meeting of the year is on Sept. 2. Curriculum Network is held the first Friday of the month, September - May, in the Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Circle, in Johnston. Meetings begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude by 11:30 a.m. A virtual attendance option is available. Statewide updates from the Iowa Department of Education and the AEA system are scheduled 8:30 - 9:30/10:00 a.m. Heartland AEA’s meeting begins 15 minutes after the statewide updates conclude.

Here are the Curriculum Network Highlights for September. The agenda is linked at the top. We will be drawing for books and door prizes for participants who attend the meeting in Johnston. If you want to be added to the email list for Curriculum Network, or have any questions, email Kevin Fangman at kfangman@heartlandaea.org.

Gear up for Another Great Year of Learning with the Future Ready Network - Join Us!

The Future Ready Network is a great way to collaborate with one another to make Future Ready experiences great for all students. Join the network in person at the Heartland AEA Regional Education Center in Johnston every month on the third Thursday from 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. A hybrid option will be available with this zoom link available for those who want to join virtually.

For the first meeting on Sept. 15, we will be discussing the Future Ready data from the state and local level as well as legislative updates. See the Future Ready Network Flier with the dates/times for the remainder of the year. Visit the Heartland AEA Future Ready Website to stay up-to-date on news, resources and past network Zoom recordings and more!

Heartland AEA Library & Digital Resources Newsletter is Now Available

In this issue of the Heartland AEA Library & Digital Resources newsletter:

• What Social Media Platform is Most Popular?
• Social Media and Copyright
• OneClick Checklist
• No. 'The Simpsons' Did Not Predict Monkeypox
• PowerKnowledge and Core Concepts Science
• Britannica Image Quest
• Common Sense News and Media Literacy Resource Center
• Professional Learnin
• 2022-23 IASL Award Books & Teaching Resources
• 172 New Articles in PebbleGo and PebbleGo Next

Heartland AEA Math Newsletter - Picking up Where You Left Off

In this issue of the Heartland AEA Math newsletter, the focus is all about getting the Numeracy Project up and running again with the start of the new school year. Many have reached out with questions about how to pick up where last year ended. We hope to address some of those questions here, but if you still have some lingering questions, reach out to your Heartland AEA Math Consultant.

Have you Registered for the Collective Equity Learning Series Coming in September?

Heartland AEA is proud to partner with thought leaders Drs. Nicole Law and Sonja Hollins-Alexander in providing the “Collective Equity Learning Series” for districts in the Heartland AEA service area. Law and Alexander are the authors of the Collective Equity Framework, published by Corwin. This series consists of four face-to-face learning dates, two virtual learning dates and one virtual coaching session for district teams.

Overview
When we create a learning community that works together through a collectivist lens of shared accountability, we begin to see how educators can convene around high expectations for all. The Collective Equity framework consists of the following dimensions: personal relational, professional, organizational and systemic. These dimensions empower learning communities to explore how their collaborative actions and decisions propel learning forward.

The Collective Equity Framework Includes:

• Considering all the dimensions we individually and collectively bring to school, including poverty, special needs, beliefs, values and more.
• Engaging in practices that fortify all members in the learning community as they develop a shared language, create a safe place for the work of equity and establish cultural sustainability.
• Activating the Collective Equity Organizational Analysis in a comprehensive process that informs the removal of organizational, instructional, programmatic and curricular barriers that impede the promise of equity.

*Presenters have reviewed HF802 and understand all content delivered has to meet the requirements in the law.

Dates:
In-person: Sept. 26 & 27 and Oct. 17, 2022, April 11 and June 12, 2023
Virtual: Nov. 14, 2022 (90-min. coaching session), Jan. 10 and Feb. 6, 2023

Registration:
Collective Equity Learning Series

More Information:

*View all dates and content overview*

Paraeducator Courses Are Being Offered at No Cost to Anyone Who Would Like to Receive A Paraeducator Certificate

Iowa’s AEAs and community colleges are providing paraeducator certification courses at no cost to anyone who would like to receive a paraeducator certificate. Courses through Heartland AEA are full for the fall however, there are several other AEAs and community colleges offering the free courses this fall. Please see this list of available courses in Iowa.

School Counselors are Invited to Join the Iowa School Counselor Network, Meetings Begin Sept. 9

Iowa’s Area Education Agencies invite all school counselors to join the Iowa School Counselor Network on the 2nd Friday of each month from 8:30 - 10 a.m. This will be an opportunity to connect with School Counselors from all across Iowa with learning that is uniquely designed for school counselors with topics from the American School Counselor Association National Model. The first meeting will be held on Sept. 9, 2022 with a focus on an introduction to the network and the role of the school counselor. See this network flyer for the Zoom link, meeting dates and meeting agendas.

Supporting Learners with Significant Intellectual Disabilities with these Alternate Assessment Fall 2022 Resources

Heartland AEA Supports for Students with Significant Intellectual Disabilities provides information teachers need to be prepared for test administration and instruction.

Are you a new administrator or tech coordinator who is responsible for assigning users and building rosters for the Dynamic Learning Maps Educator Portal? Attend a brief support session to learn about the process for Data Stewards on Sept. 9 from 11:00-11:30 a.m. Access the session at this Zoom link: https://heartlandaea.zoom.us/j/93524532592.

Are you a new administrator responsible for coordinating alternate assessment in your district? Attend a brief support session to learn about the process for Assessment Coordinators on Sept. 9 from 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Access the session at this Zoom link: https://heartlandaea.zoom.us/j/96379907101.

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

  

Accept your Calendar Invite to Attend the Heartland Administrators’ Association (HAA) Meeting on Sept. 6

Superintendents should have received a calendar invitation to the Sept. 6 Heartland Administrators’ Association (HAA) meeting. The meeting will include an administrator-only learning session on Fundamentals of Communication and Media Interaction featuring Andy Garman with Wixted & Co. This is an in-person meeting only, with no Zoom option and it will not be recorded.

Lunch will be provided immediately following the meeting. Please accept or decline your calendar invitation as it will be used as a headcount for ordering lunch.

If you wish to bring an extra person, such as your Comms or PR person, please contact Jenny Ugolini. We will be monitoring attendance as attendance will be capped.

Heartland AEA Selects Firm to Search for New Chief Administrator

The search for a new Heartland AEA chief administrator began this week after the board of directors approved Hazard Young and Attea (HYA) to lead that search process. The search will begin immediately with the intention of a new chief administrator being selected by winter break in December 2022. Current chief administrator Jon Sheldahl will retire at the end of June 2023. Sheldahl has led the agency since 2017.

Assistance with Redistricting is Now Available

Iowa redistricting is currently underway. Redistricting is the process of redrawing electoral districts to equalize population between districts and is required by Iowa law following each decennial Census. If existing school director districts meet the standards in Iowa Code and the 2020 population between districts is still within the required parameters, existing districts can remain in place - though do still need to be recertified by the Iowa Secretary of State.

Redistricting Resources
Iowa's AEAs are partnering with Cornerstone Geospatial Consulting to support districts in the redistricting process. Cornerstone is an Iowa-based GIS mapping company with considerable experience in non-partisan redistricting. Owner Jodi Flory has worked through three redistricting cycles with the Iowa Legislative Services Agency, and has extensive expertise in GIS mapping, particularly in working with school districts in boundary verification, reorganizations, and in performing director redistricting.

Cornerstone has begun preliminary work on AEA director redistricting. Flory is actively scheduling with school districts now to assist them in the redistricting process, and has begun some preliminary plan work with districts already signed up.

Getting Started
Complete the Redistricting Information Form to provide the information needed to get the process started. Flory will follow up with you.

Timeline

• Nov. 15, 2022 - First day that school boards can adopt a resolution redrawing director district boundaries
• May 15, 2023 - Deadline for school boards to complete redistricting
• July 1, 2023 - School director district boundaries become effective

More Information

You may refer to this Frequently Asked Questions Document or contact Jodi Flory, Cornerstone Geospatial Consulting, (970) 409-9238, jodiflory@gmail.com.

Collective Equity Learning Series Coming in September, Registration is Open

Heartland AEA is proud to partner with thought leaders Drs. Nicole Law and Sonja Hollins-Alexander in providing the “Collective Equity Learning Series” for districts in the Heartland AEA service area. Law and Alexander are the authors of the Collective Equity Framework, published by Corwin. This series consists of four face-to-face learning dates, two virtual learning dates and one virtual coaching session for district teams.

Overview
When we create a learning community that works together through a collectivist lens of shared accountability, we begin to see how educators can convene around high expectations for all. The Collective Equity framework consists of the following dimensions: personal relational, professional, organizational and systemic. These dimensions empower learning communities to explore how their collaborative actions and decisions propel learning forward.

The Collective Equity Framework Includes:

• Considering all the dimensions we individually and collectively bring to school, including poverty, special needs, beliefs, values and more.
• Engaging in practices that fortify all members in the learning community as they develop a shared language, create a safe place for the work of equity and establish cultural sustainability.
• Activating the Collective Equity Organizational Analysis in a comprehensive process that informs the removal of organizational, instructional, programmatic and curricular barriers that impede the promise of equity.

*Presenters have reviewed HF802 and understand all content delivered has to meet the requirements in the law.

Dates:
In-person: Sept. 26 & 27 and Oct. 17, 2022, April 11 and June 12, 2023
Virtual: Nov. 14, 2022 (90-min. coaching session), Jan. 10 and Feb. 6, 2023

Registration:
Collective Equity Learning Series

More Information:
*View all dates and content overview*

Paraeducator Courses Are Being Offered at No Cost by Heartland AEA Through the Teacher and Paraeducator Registered Apprenticeship Grant

Heartland AEA has been approved for grant funding through the Iowa Department of Education to provide the paraeducator certification courses at no cost to candidates needing this certification to qualify for the paraeducator-to-teacher model pathway through the Teacher and Paraeducator Registered Apprenticeship (TPRA) Grant Program. The full list of districts that were approved for the TRPA grant can be found here. There are three courses you must register for and complete to be able to apply for the Paraeducator Generalist Certificate through the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners. There are two cohort options listed below.

NOTE: Paraeducators that have an associate's degree or a bachelor’s degree are able to participate in the TPRA program without the paraeducator certification. So you do NOT need to take these courses.

Participants must have access to a computer/internet in order to take the courses. Participants must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent GED to apply for the paraeducator certificate through the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners.

Click on the name of each course below to link to the registration system. You must register for all three courses separately.

Cohort 1

Sept. 6 - Dec. 8, 2022
Maximum 25 participants
Registration ends Aug. 30

Course Name: HL - Paraeducator Generalist Certification Program - Course I Introduction/Foundation (TPRA Grant)
Course 203936, Section 313016
Dates: Sept. 6, 15 & 29, 2022 (4:30-5:45 p.m.)
Via Zoom + Online Work due by Sept. 29, 2022, at 11:59 p.m.

Course Name: HL - Paraeducator Generalist Certification Program - Course II Instructional Support (TPRA Grant)
Course 203937, Section 313017
Dates: Oct. 20 & Nov. 3, 2022 (4:30-5:15 p.m.)
Via Zoom + Online Work due by Nov. 10, 2022, at 11:59 p.m.

Course Name: HL - Paraeducator Generalist Certification Program - Course III Behavioral Supports (TPRA Grant)
Course 203938, Section 313018
Dates: Nov. 17 & Dec. 1, 2022 (4:30-5:15 p.m.)
Via Zoom + Online Work due by Dec. 8, 2022, at 11:59 p.m.

Cohort 2

Sept. 7 - Dec. 21, 2022
Maximum 40 participants
Registration ends Sept. 1

Course Name: HL - Paraeducator Generalist Certification Program - Course I Introduction/Foundation (TPRA Grant)
Course 203936, Section 313051
Dates: Sept. 7, 22 & 28, 2022 (4:30-5:45 p.m.)
Via Zoom + Online Work due by Sept. 29, 2022, at 11:59 p.m.

Course Name: HL - Paraeducator Generalist Certification Program - Course II Instructional Support (TPRA Grant)
Course 203937, Section 313052
Dates: Oct. 26 & Nov. 2, 2022 (4:30-5:15 p.m.)
Via Zoom + Online Work due by Nov. 16, 2022, at 11:59 p.m.

Course Name: HL - Paraeducator Generalist Certification Program - Course III Behavioral Supports (TPRA Grant)
Course 203938, Section 313053
Dates: Nov. 30 & Dec. 14, 2022 (4:30-5:15 p.m.)
Via Zoom + Online Work due by Dec. 21, 2022, at 11:59 p.m.

Questions? Contact:
Professional Learning Department at (515) 473-6780 or profdev@heartlandaea.org 

Andrea Krier at (515) 473-6845 or akrier@heartlandaea.org

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

  

Save the Date: Heartland Administrators’ Association (HAA) Meeting and Professional Learning Session Sept. 6

The Heartland Administrators’ Association (HAA) meeting will be held on Sept. 6 from 9-11:30 a.m. at Heartland AEA, Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston. The meeting will include an administrator-only learning session on Fundamentals of Communication and Media Interaction featuring Andy Garman with Wixted & Co.

Assistance with Redistricting is Now Available

Iowa redistricting is currently underway. Redistricting is the process of redrawing electoral districts to equalize population between districts and is required by Iowa law following each decennial Census. If existing school director districts meet the standards in Iowa Code and the 2020 population between districts is still within the required parameters, existing districts can remain in place - though do still need to be recertified by the Iowa Secretary of State.

Redistricting Resources
Iowa's AEAs are partnering with Cornerstone Geospatial Consulting to support districts in the redistricting process. Cornerstone is an Iowa-based GIS mapping company with considerable experience in non-partisan redistricting. Owner Jodi Flory has worked through three redistricting cycles with the Iowa Legislative Services Agency, and has extensive expertise in GIS mapping, particularly in working with school districts in boundary verification, reorganizations, and in performing director redistricting.

Cornerstone has begun preliminary work on AEA director redistricting. Flory is actively scheduling with school districts now to assist them in the redistricting process, and has begun some preliminary plan work with districts already signed up.

Getting Started
Complete the Redistricting Information Form to provide the information needed to get the process started. Flory will follow up with you.

Timeline

• Nov. 15, 2022 - First day that school boards can adopt a resolution redrawing director district boundaries
• May 15, 2023 - Deadline for school boards to complete redistricting
• July 1, 2023 - School director district boundaries become effective

More Information
You may refer to this Frequently Asked Questions Document or contact Jodi Flory, Cornerstone Geospatial Consulting, (970) 409-9238, jodiflory@gmail.com.

OneClick is a Game Changer for Students and Educators

You can make the login process easier and more secure and save valuable instructional time when you give teachers and students single sign-on access to critical instructional resources with AEA OneClick! 

AEA OneClick features and advantages:

• Support more secure environments for students to access digital content.
• Provide a single sign-on solution for students and educators to access AEA digital content (and some statewide professional content).
• Simplify the process for access and finding AEA links and resources for the appropriate grade spans and educators.
• Measure usage of AEA links and resources across the state.

Heartland AEA has been creating apps for districts this summer. When your district apps are ready, we’ll let you know and then direct you to https://launchpad.classlink.com/haea to log in. Included in the OneClick launchpad is the app for AEA Scout (searches most of the secondary-level digital content at the same time and includes study and reading tools).

We have support materials, ideas, graphics to add to your school webpages, and professional learning to help your staff and students transition to OneClick.

If your district is listed here, we invite you (or curriculum or tech director) to take the first step and complete the onboarding questionnaire. Please contact Susan Schrader, Director of Resources & Library Services, if you have questions.

• Audubon
• Baxter
• Colfax-Mingo
• Colo-NESCO
• Des Moines Diocese
• Gilbert
• Kuemper Catholic Schools
• Madrid
• Newton
• Pleasantville
• Woodward-Granger

Collective Equity Learning Series Coming in September

Heartland AEA is proud to partner with thought leaders Drs. Nicole Law and Sonja Hollins-Alexander in providing the “Collective Equity Learning Series” for districts in the Heartland AEA service area. Law and Alexander are the authors of the Collective Equity Framework, published by Corwin. This series consists of four face-to-face learning dates, two virtual learning dates and one virtual coaching session for district teams.

Overview
When we create a learning community that works together through a collectivist lens of shared accountability, we begin to see how educators can convene around high expectations for all. The Collective Equity framework consists of the following dimensions: personal relational, professional, organizational and systemic. These dimensions empower learning communities to explore how their collaborative actions and decisions propel learning forward.

The Collective Equity Framework Includes:

• Considering all the dimensions we individually and collectively bring to school, including poverty, special needs, beliefs, values and more.
• Engaging in practices that fortify all members in the learning community as they develop a shared language, create a safe place for the work of equity and establish cultural sustainability.
• Activating the Collective Equity Organizational Analysis in a comprehensive process that informs the removal of organizational, instructional, programmatic and curricular barriers that impede the promise of equity.

*Presenters have reviewed HF802 and understand all content delivered has to meet the requirements in the law.

Dates: 

• In-person: Sept. 26 & 27 and Oct. 17, 2022, April 11 and June 12, 2023
• Virtual: Nov. 14, 2022 (90-min. coaching session), Jan. 10 and Feb. 6, 2023

Registration: 

Collective Equity Learning Series

More Information:
*View all dates and content overview*

Behavior Support Community of Practice Dates Announced for 2022-23

We hope that you have enjoyed some rest, relaxation, rejuvenation and time with family and friends. We are excited to share that we heard your feedback, and we will be offering a Behavior Support Community of Practice (CoP). The intention for the CoP is to engage in common learning and network, collaborate and build community among individuals who hold similar roles. This CoP is designed for staff who serve in the role of a Behavior Interventionist, Behavior Coach, Behavior Strategist, etc. 

Based on forum feedback requesting a pre-service day, the CoP will kick-off on Sept. 19 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. in Room 129 at the Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston. In an effort to maximize our time, we are requesting that you plan to bring your lunch, and/or order lunch to be delivered onsite. We have refrigerators and microwaves available.

To indicate your interest in participating in the CoP, and to ensure we plan for adequate space, we request that you register through this brief Google Form by Aug. 19.

We highly encourage you to attend the Sept. 19 CoP session with your building principal or direct supervisor. This pairing may continue in subsequent sessions as schedules allow.

Based on your feedback, we will be facilitating the CoP on a monthly basis, with the following dates and times for the 2022-23 school year:

• Sept. 19 - 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. - Johnston Regional Education Center, Room 129   *Note this is a full day
• Oct. 21 - 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. - Johnston Regional Education Center, Room 129
• Nov. 17 - 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. - Adel Regional Office, Conference Room
• Jan. 24 - 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Johnston Regional Education Center, Room 129
• Feb. 23 - 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. - Johnston Regional Education Center, Room 152B
• March 23 - 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. - Johnston Regional Education Center, Room 152B
• April 24 - 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. - Johnston Regional Education Center, Room 152B
• May 18 - 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. - Johnston Regional Education Center, Room 152B

** To facilitate a meaningful CoP, in person attendance is recommended. However, we do recognize that your responsibilities may not allow you to attend in person, and thus a zoom option will be offered September - May. A Zoom option will not be available for the August meeting.

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

  

Welcome to the Administrator Connection, a weekly online newsletter from Heartland AEA for school and district administrators, superintendents, principals and curriculum directors.

Heartland Administrators’ Association (HAA) Professional Learning Sessions Coming Sept. 6

Join us in-person for these can’t miss school administrator-only learning sessions! Each session is ​​9-11:30 a.m. at Heartland AEA, Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston.

Sept. 6
Fundamentals of Communication and Media Interaction
Presenter: Andy Garman, Communication Advisor & Trainer, Wixted & Co.

Oct. 1
Family Engagement
Presenter: Ron Mirr, President, RM Consulting

Nov. 1
Iowa Department of Education Update and Legislative Panel Discussion
DE Presenter: Ann Lebo, Director, Iowa Department of Education

Legislative Panel Discussion:
Margaret Buckton, Partner, Iowa School Finance Information Services
Dave Daughton, Lobbyist, School Administrators of Iowa
Phil Jeneary, Government Relations Director, Iowa Association of School Boards
Kate Walton, Partner, Eide & Walton Lobbying and Government Relations

Assistance with Redistricting is Now Available

Iowa redistricting is currently underway. Redistricting is the process of redrawing electoral districts to equalize population between districts and is required by Iowa law following each decennial Census. If existing school director districts meet the standards in Iowa Code and the 2020 population between districts is still within the required parameters, existing districts can remain in place - though do still need to be recertified by the Iowa Secretary of State.

Redistricting Resources
Iowa's AEAs are partnering with Cornerstone Geospatial Consulting to support districts in the redistricting process. Cornerstone is an Iowa-based GIS mapping company with considerable experience in non-partisan redistricting. Owner Jodi Flory has worked through three redistricting cycles with the Iowa Legislative Services Agency, and has extensive expertise in GIS mapping, particularly in working with school districts in boundary verification, reorganizations, and in performing director redistricting.

Cornerstone has begun preliminary work on AEA director redistricting. Flory is actively scheduling with school districts now to assist them in the redistricting process, and has begun some preliminary plan work with districts already signed up.

Getting Started
Complete the Redistricting Information Form to provide the information needed to get the process started. Flory will follow up with you.

Timeline

• Nov. 15, 2022 - First day that school boards can adopt a resolution redrawing director district boundaries
• May 15, 2023 - Deadline for school boards to complete redistricting
• July 1, 2023 - School director district boundaries become effective

More InformationYou may refer to this Frequently Asked Questions Document or contact Jodi Flory, Cornerstone Geospatial Consulting, (970) 409-9238, jodiflory@gmail.com.

ESOL Network Meetings for 2022-23

All public and non-public school districts in the Heartland AEA service area are encouraged to send a representative(s) to share their voices, receive updates and network with colleagues around topics related to English Learners and their families. All meetings are from 4 – 5:00 p.m. and will be held virtually. Zoom links will be emailed to participants as the dates approach.

2022-23 Meetings:

• Sept. 26, 2022
• Dec. 5, 2022
• Feb. 27, 2022
• May 15, 2022

Interested in Future Ready Topics? ​​Join the Heartland AEA Future Ready Network

Join your local colleagues to learn and share about all things Future Ready!

Third Thursday of the month beginning on Sept. 15, 2022
8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Via Zoom

For past recordings and resources from network meetings, visit our Future Ready Google Site. For more information, contact Angela Dvorak, Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant.

CPI Training Announced for 2022-2023 School Year

At Heartland AEA, we have learned many things throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, with one of those being how to provide CPI training in the most efficient manner. As school resumes again, we know your priority is going to continue to be to have educators in the classroom, supporting children/youth; likewise, our agency’s priority is to have our staff in buildings, supporting your educators, children, and youth.

Learning Format
In an effort to minimize time outside of buildings, maintain the highest level of safety, while ensuring we can continue to meet your CPI training needs, Heartland AEA will continue with the blended learning option for CPI certification for the 2022-23 school year. See the CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® Training - Blended Learning model for more information.

Participants
In order to become officially certified in CPI, training participants are required to learn and safely practice any applicable physical disengagement and/or holding skills for managing risk behavior. We continue to request that districts prioritize those staff with the highest level of risk (staff with the highest likelihood of needing to be involved with physical restraint and/or seclusion).

De-Escalation / Verbal Intervention Training Option
To ensure that we continue to meet the training needs of ALL staff, we have developed asynchronous learning options on De-Escalation / Verbal Intervention in 15, 30, and 60-minute increments, which can be accessed here. This learning focuses on supporting staff to be preventative, safe and intervene in non-restrictive manners, gaining knowledge of effective verbal de-escalation strategies.

Note: This learning option does not include training on physical intervention and will not result in any sort of certification

Learning in Districts / Regionally-Hosted
We are asking that CPI training continue to occur within the district and/or be regionally-hosted. If you have a small number of staff who are considered “high risk,” (staff with the highest likelihood of needing to be involved with physical restraint and/or seclusion) work with your Heartland AEA Regional Director to explore options to combine training with another district/school.

Note: At this time, we do not intend to host any centralized CPI training during the 2022-2023 school year.

Iowa Board of Educational Examiners Licensure Updates August 2022 Now Available

The News from the BoEE - August 2022 is now available. In this issue:

• renewal credit options
• substitute licensure
• recent legislation
• frequently asked questions
• tips for administrators
• ethical dilemmas (boundaries)
• recent cases

Iowa Department of Education School Leader Update is Now Available

The Summer 2022 School Leader Update is now available. Topics include:
Message from the Director

• Social-emotional-behavioral professional development grants, health screening tools, updated resources, learning opportunities
• Iowa BEST Summit 2022 Registration
• Cybersecurity tips
• Student Reporting in Iowa training opportunities and documentation
• Iowa eTranscript Gateway Pilot
• Concussion management professional development
• myIGDIs preschool screening updates and resources
• Early Learning Fall Institute
• Iowa Healthiest State 5-2-1-0 events and activities