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: Oct. 4 Heartland Administrators’ Association (HAA) Meeting

The Heartland Administrators’ Association (HAA) meeting will be held on Oct. 4 from 9-11:30 a.m. at Heartland AEA, Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston. The meeting will include a learning session on Family Engagement with guest facilitator, Ron Mirr. Agenda here. There is no Zoom option for this meeting. Lunch will be provided immediately following.

Family Engagement
The research is clear: when families are involved in their child’s learning, children perform better in school. The question is not whether to do family engagement but how. Family engagement should never be the goal. Rather, family engagement should be a school improvement strategy that, when combined with effective classroom instruction, helps all students reach higher levels of achievement. During this session, participants will learn about the three pillars of an effective family engagement strategy their districts can employ to help all families support their child’s academic and social-emotional growth.

Assistance with Redistricting is 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

Cornerstone
Owner Jodi Flory is an Experienced Geographic Information Systems Specialist with a 20+ year history of working with GIS mapping technologies and data analytics. Skilled in administering enterprise GIS for both municipal, county and state government operations. Extensive experience in legislative and local redistricting. Demonstrated experience with the ESRI suite of products in both desktop and web platforms. Superintendents may use this form to enter some basic information to request a meeting. This Frequently Asked Questions may also be helpful.

Jodi Flory
(970) 409-9238
jodiflory@gmail.com
Cornerstone website


Mapping Strategies
Mapping Strategies, LLC., is a data analytics firm focused on practical solutions to public policy issues. Mapping Strategies has provided redistricting services to school districts and is experienced in geographic information systems (GIS) projects. Jim Addy is a former Administrator of School Services and Information for the Iowa Department of Education. Jim oversaw departmental research, information technology, school finance, nutrition, health and transportation programs. Now the president of Mapping Strategies, Addy has personally provided spatial analysis solutions and redistricting for government jurisdictions.

Jim Addy
(515) 554-1049
info@mappingstrategies.com
Mapping Strategies website

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

NEW: First Issue of Preschool Administrators Newsletter

The new Heartland AEA Preschool Administrators newsletter is now available. In this issue:

• Heartland AEA Community of Practice for Preschool Administrators
• IQPPS Desk Audit
• ACHIEVE SD
• Assessment GOLD Checkpoint dates
• Teaching Strategies GOLD - Formative Assessment for Early Learning
• myIGDIs Assessment Windows
• Upcoming Professional Development

Oct. 20 Future Ready Network Meeting to Focus on District Career Guidance Plans

The Heartland AEA Future Ready Network meeting on Oct. 20 will be a District Career Guidance Plan Workshop. This network meeting and workshop will be offered as a hybrid option. District teams can join in person in the Heartland AEA Adel Regional Office at 602 Visions Parkway, Adel or via zoom at this link.

Districts are encouraged to bring members of their District Career Guidance Team to review their plans and explore the trends with feedback to continue to improve opportunities for all students. This workshop will include the morning network time from 8:30-11:30 a.m., with guest speaker, Erica Woods-Schmitz, Education Program Consultant for Academic and Career Planning from the Iowa Department of Education.

In the extended afternoon work time from 12:30-3:30 p.m., districts can continue to work on revising and updating their plans with their teams and support from AEA consultants. Please complete this survey by Oct. 3 to indicate how and if your team is attending so we can plan for space and activities accordingly.

Visit the Heartland AEA Future Ready Website to stay up to date on news, resources, past network Zoom recordings and more! For more information, contact Sue Schirmer.

Pear Deck’s Flashcard Factory is a Hidden Vocabulary Gem

Pear Deck is full of ways to support teaching and learning. Flashcard Factory was designed to transform the way students engage with vocabulary. When you play Flashcard Factory students pair up and work together to create dynamic and engaging flashcards. Students collaborate to illustrate and define terms, making learning vocab an active and social experience!

This is a premium feature that all Iowa educators have access to through their AEA!

Each month, be on the lookout for a variety of tips, tricks and testimonials shared via our newsletter, the statewide Iowa AEA website and via social media (@iowa_aea, #iowaaea, Heartland AEA Twitter.

For more information or to share your favorite Pear Deck features and ideas, check out the AEA website!

Heartland AEA Library & Digital Resources Newsletter is Now Available

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

• Oct. 11 Teacher Librarian Conference Registration
• OneClick Update
• Intellectual Freedom Newsletter
• SLJ Day of Dialog Speakers Announced
• Playaways

Nominate an Outstanding Iowa STEM Teacher!

Every day, exceptional STEM educators across the state are helping prepare students for exciting, high-demand careers. Their passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics is shaping the future through generations of Iowans.

Does that sound like a teacher you know? Nominate them today for the 2023 Iowa STEM Teacher Award, sponsored by Kemin Industries!

Now in its ninth year, this award recognizes leadership and dedication that increases student interest in, and awareness of, science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The award is given to one licensed, full-time PK-12 teacher from each of Iowa’s six STEM regions. Recipients receive $1,500 for their classroom, along with an additional $1,500 for personal use.

For this award, a full-time teacher is defined as an educator who spends at least 75% of their working hours (approximately 30 hours, minimum) in the classroom – both virtually and in-person – interacting with students. Nominations for previous recipients of this award and self-nominations will not be accepted.

The deadline to complete nominations is Oct. 11. Recipients will be announced in early 2023.

The nomination process is simple and open to everyone, including fellow teachers, school administrators, students and parents. Visit https://www.iowastem.org/teacheraward to learn more and submit your nomination.

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

  

Bring Your Lunch - and Learn About Family Reunification Following an Emergency

Once an incident's immediate threat or danger has passed, the reunification of families begins. This process has been implemented across the nation and requires specific planning. Learn how Heartland AEA is supporting schools if there is ever a time they are in crisis.

Currently, Heartland AEA partners with schools, emergency management, law enforcement, emergency services and communities in Polk and Jasper counties to work together for reunification.

Family Reunification Lunch & Learn
Sept. 27 from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Polk County Emergency Operations Center, 1907 Carpenter Ave, Des Moines

Presenters from Heartland AEA: Stacey Warren, Aimee Schuppe, Dustin Gean and Chris Pierson
To register, click this link.

For more information, contact Polk County Emergency Management.

Save the Date - Oct. 4: Heartland Administrators’ Association (HAA) Meeting

The Heartland Administrators’ Association (HAA) meeting will be held on Oct. 4 from 9-11:30 a.m. at Heartland AEA, Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston. The meeting will include a learning session on Family Engagement with guest facilitator, Ron Mirr. Agenda here. There is no Zoom option for this meeting. Lunch will be provided immediately following.

Family Engagement
The research is clear: when families are involved in their child’s learning, children perform better in school. The question is not whether to do family engagement but how. Family engagement should never be the goal. Rather, family engagement should be a school improvement strategy that, when combined with effective classroom instruction, helps all students reach higher levels of achievement. During this session, participants will learn about the three pillars of an effective family engagement strategy their districts can employ to help all families support their child’s academic and social-emotional growth.

Interested in Future Ready Topics? ​​Join the Heartland AEA Future Ready Network on Oct. 20

The Heartland AEA Future Ready Network meeting on Oct. 20 will be a District Career Guidance Plan Workshop. This network meeting and workshop will be offered as a hybrid option. District teams can join in person in the Heartland AEA Adel Regional Office at 602 Visions Parkway, Adel or via zoom at this link.

Districts are encouraged to bring members of their District Career Guidance Team to review their plans and explore the trends with feedback to continue to improve opportunities for all students. This workshop will include the morning network time from 8:30-11:30 a.m., with guest speaker, Erica Woods-Schmitz, Education Program Consultant for Academic and Career Planning from the Iowa Department of Education.

In the extended afternoon work time from 12:30-3:30 p.m., districts can continue to work on revising and updating their plans with their teams and support from AEA consultants. Please complete this survey by Oct. 3 to indicate how and if your team is attending so we can plan for space and activities accordingly.

Visit the Heartland AEA Future Ready Website to stay up to date on news, resources, past network Zoom recordings and more! For more information, contact Sue Schirmer.

Learning Ally Audiobooks Coming Soon, Replaces Tales2go

Heartland AEA will be introducing Learning Ally to schools following the business closing of Tales2Go. Learning Ally provides access to 80,000 audiobooks and text for students who have an identified reading deficiency. The business model is different from other streaming digital resources that Heartland AEA provides; producers and publishers have special copyright agreements with Learning Ally that limit access to only students that meet certain criteria.

As anecdotal data shows that most students who used Tales2go chose audiobooks because of their reading comprehension difficulties, we think Learning Ally will be a good match for many students!

This fall, Heartland AEA will:

• work with the districts to help with the student rostering process
• assist Learning Ally as they work with districts to help them understand the criteria for student access
• provide implementation ideas

Sign Up to Receive Awesome Books!

Teachers in the Heartland AEA service area can register to receive about 25 books (fiction and nonfiction) every six weeks during the school year. It’s a great way to supplement the school library, refresh the classroom collection, and get some terrific new books into the hands of readers. Here’s how it works:

• Register for book rotation here.
• Return the book rotation box, and another selection is automatically sent!
• Books are on-level and one grade above and one grade level below reading level.
• Book rotation supplements your school library resources and provides a rotating classroom collection.

Professional Learning for School Nurses in ACHIEVE Begins Sept. 28

Heartland AEA is excited to offer an optional professional learning session on navigating the ACHIEVE system specific to school nurse needs. If your school nurse will be utilizing the ACHIEVE system, we invite them to attend one of the two Zoom sessions below:

Sept. 28 at 2:30-3:45 p.m.
Oct. 12 at 2:30-3:45 p.m.

The information provided in each session will be the same. Therefore, participants should select the date that works best for their schedule.

Join Zoom Meeting https://heartlandaea.zoom.us/j/93544858615

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

  

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*

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

Cornerstone
Owner Jodi Flory is an Experienced Geographic Information Systems Specialist with a 20+ year history of working with GIS mapping technologies and data analytics. Skilled in administering enterprise GIS for both municipal, county and state government operations. Extensive experience in legislative and local redistricting. Demonstrated experience with the ESRI suite of products in both desktop and web platforms. Superintendents may use this form to enter some basic information to request a meeting. This Frequently Asked Questions may also be helpful.

Jodi Flory
(970) 409-9238
jodiflory@gmail.com
Cornerstone website


Mapping Strategies
Mapping Strategies, LLC., is a data analytics firm focused on practical solutions to public policy issues. Mapping Strategies has provided redistricting services to school districts and is experienced in geographic information systems (GIS) projects. Jim Addy is a former Administrator of School Services and Information for the Iowa Department of Education. Jim oversaw departmental research, information technology, school finance, nutrition, health and transportation programs. Now the president of Mapping Strategies, Addy has personally provided spatial analysis solutions and redistricting for government jurisdictions.

Jim Addy
(515) 554-1049
info@mappingstrategies.com
Mapping Strategies website


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

Library & Digital Resources Newsletter is Now Available

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

• Oct. 11 Teacher Librarian Conference
• Personal Streaming Services in the Classroom
• OneClick: Organizing Apps
• New Ebooks Added
• Top 10 Collaboration Ideas
• Professional Learning: Sept. 20
• Professional Learning: Oct. 3
• OneClick and Changing District Links

MTSS Elementary and Secondary MTSS Academies, Coming Soon!

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.

Registration Link
Course #182253 HL
Dates and Time: Oct. 6 and Oct. 20, 2022, from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, IA


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.

Registration Link
Course #181277 HL
Dates and Time: Sept. 16 and Sept. 30, 2022 from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Heartland AEA Regional Educational Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, IA


Maximize Your Data
Within the MTSS Framework, participants will learn how to maximize the use of several available Iowa data sets including:

• Panorama Student Success - including Early Warning System (EWS) and Conditions for Learning
• FastBridge
• Iowa School Performance Profile
• Postsecondary

Participants will:

• gain a better understanding of the purpose and design of each data source
• learn how to interpret each data source
• describe connections among the data sources
• prepare for leadership of each data source within the school or district

Registration Link: #203942 HL - Maximize Your Data
Dates and Time: Nov. 18 and Nov. 21, 2022 from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, IA

Figuring Out Math Fluency

This course will engage participants in conversation and learning around math fluency. Participants will develop a deeper understanding of what procedural fluency is and is not. We will identify which utilities, reasoning strategies and automaticities to attend to while teaching. Participants will have a robust collection of routines, games and other activities that support a fluency agenda. We will also explore techniques for assessing all components of fluency.

Register at this link: https://bit.ly/3S2P0jM

Class dates: Oct. 27, Nov. 16, Dec. 15, Jan. 19, Feb. 16, March 23 & April 13

Via Zoom
1 credit
License renewal

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

  

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*

OneClick - it's a Game Changer!

"Game changer" is still the refrain when talking about single sign-on for students with OneClick. It saves classroom time and provides more secure access.

Here is a snapshot of what's happening...

• We're creating QR codes for elementary schools and for individual students new to the school.
• Students are using critical thinking organizational skills to arrange the apps on their personal launchpads.
• About 90% of the launchpads are started or completed for schools/districts in our service area.
• Teacher librarians and tech directors have been fantastic during the roll-out when the apps and extension are tested.
• We're integrating OneClick into the Clever or ClassLink structure that may already be in place in your school or district.
• Finally, we are piloting with the Van Meter district with the goal of offering a new service to add school-specific apps to student launchpads.

Explore on your own at https://launchpad.classlink.com/haea

If your school or district is listed below, please take the first step and complete the on-boarding questionnaire. Please contact Susan Schrader, Director of Resources & Library Services, if you have questions.

• Adel-DeSoto-Minburn
• Audubon
• Baxter
• Gilbert
• Madrid
• Pleasantville
• Nonpublic schools (except Mt. Olive Lutheran, Sacred Heart-WDM, Sacred Heart-Boone, St. Anthony, Pella Christian)

MTSS Elementary and Secondary MTSS Academies, Coming Soon!

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.

Registration Link
Course #182253 HL
Dates and Time: Oct. 6 and Oct. 20, 2022, from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, IA


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.

Registration Link
Course #181277 HL
Dates and Time: Sept. 16 and Sept. 30, 2022 from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Heartland AEA Regional Educational Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, IA


Maximize Your Data
Within the MTSS Framework, participants will learn how to maximize the use of several available Iowa data sets including:

1. Panorama Student Success - including Early Warning System (EWS) and Conditions for Learning
2. FastBridge
3. Iowa School Performance Profile
4. Postsecondary

Participants will:

• gain a better understanding of the purpose and design of each data source
• learn how to interpret each data source
• describe connections among the data sources
• prepare for leadership of each data source within the school or district

Registration Link: #203942 HL - Maximize Your Data
Dates and Time: Nov. 18 and Nov. 21, 2022 from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, IA

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.

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

Cornerstone
Owner Jodi Flory is an Experienced Geographic Information Systems Specialist with a 20+ year history of working with GIS mapping technologies and data analytics. Skilled in administering enterprise GIS for both municipal, county and state government operations. Extensive experience in legislative and local redistricting. Demonstrated experience with the ESRI suite of products in both desktop and web platforms. Superintendents may use this form to enter some basic information to request a meeting. This Frequently Asked Questions may also be helpful.

Jodi Flory
(970) 409-9238
jodiflory@gmail.com
Cornerstone website


Mapping Strategies
Mapping Strategies, LLC., is a data analytics firm focused on practical solutions to public policy issues. Mapping Strategies has provided redistricting services to school districts and is experienced in geographic information systems (GIS) projects. Jim Addy is a former Administrator of School Services and Information for the Iowa Department of Education. Jim oversaw departmental research, information technology, school finance, nutrition, health and transportation programs. Now the president of Mapping Strategies, Addy has personally provided spatial analysis solutions and redistricting for government jurisdictions.

Jim Addy
(515) 554-1049
info@mappingstrategies.com
Mapping Strategies website


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

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*

New Education Technologies Course for Administrators Offers License Renewal and Evaluator Approval Opportunities

The Heartland AEA Digital Learning Team is excited to offer a new course specifically for administrators that’s focused on edtech.

This course will engage educational leaders in four modules for improving productivity, communication, organization and school management through the use of technology. The culmination of skills and strategies covered in this course include:

• Integrating technology tools for leadership in digital environments to support student engagement, adult learning and creativity
• Exposure to digital age learning experiences and digital tools that will help administrators become productive leaders in their schools and districts
• Growing an understanding of modernized, innovative options for feedback and data-based decision making
• Exploring instructional and leadership practices utilizing education technology

The first section starts on Oct. 17 in a virtual format. Additional face-to-face and virtual options are offered throughout the school year.

Register Here Course# 203354

Pear Deck Premium is Available Again for All Iowa Educators

As part of a partnership between Pear Deck and the Iowa AEAs, Pear Deck, the Iowa AEAs and ITEC are working in partnership to not only support Iowa educators in integrating Pear Deck with purpose, but also to amplify and share the amazing stories of passionate educators.

Throughout the school year, be on the lookout for tips, tricks and testimonials shared via our newsletter, the statewide Iowa AEA website and via social media (Heartland AEA Twitter, @iowa_aea, #iowaaea).

To kick things off, Andrew Fenstermaker from Iowa City Community School District shares how you can use Pear Deck’s IceBreaker Templates to build community in your classroom.

For more information or to share your favorite Pear Deck features and ideas, check out the AEA website!

Heartland AEA Literacy Newsletter Highlights Several Important Updates

In this issue of the Heartland AEA Literacy newsletter:

• Updates from the Iowa Department of Education
• Brief Review of the Big Ideas of Early Literacy Implementation (ELI)
• Science of Reading for English Learners
• Thinking with a Book in Your Hand: Rethinking Reading Comprehension
• Learning Bit by Bit
• Professional Learning Activities
• Heartland AEA Literacy Supports

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.

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.

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.

Iowa State University Presents the Go Further Fall Girls STEM Conference

Registration is now open for the Go Further Fall Girls STEM Conference hosted by The Program for Women in Science and Engineering at Iowa State University. Join us for a day full of exploration of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Engage in activities centered on STEM Fields, learn more about STEM role models and the amazing opportunities at Iowa State! Conference is for 8-10th grade students. Register today to bring your students to the fall conferences, held at ISU, on Oct. 27 and Nov. 1 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Register today at the conference website. Cost is $25 (includes lunch). Scholarships are available for those with financial need. Email Mackenzie Schwartz for more information and check out the Go Further video!