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 Oct. 3

The next Heartland Administrators' Association (HAA) meeting will be held on Oct. 3 from 9-11:30 a.m. at the Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive in Johnston. This will be an in-person meeting with lunch provided. The meeting will feature guest speaker Director McKenzie Snow from the Iowa Department of Education. Look for an agenda soon.

Save the Date: Advocacy Day on the Hill

Mark your calendars for the 2024 Day on the Hill to advocate for Iowa students. This year's Day on the Hill will be hosted collaboratively with the Iowa Association of School Boards, School Administrators of Iowa, and Iowa's Area Education Agencies.

Day on the Hill
Save the Date: Feb. 12 & 13, 2024

Feb. 12: Educational leaders are invited to attend a legislative advocacy briefing. This event will bring together school board members, administrators and partners from across Iowa to gain up-to-date legislative insights, and will briefly summarize how to best engage with legislators. A panel of legislators will discuss the session and answer questions.

Feb. 13: Join your colleagues from around the state for a day promoting public education in Iowa. In the morning, educational lobbyists will share the three things to communicate with legislators and tips on how to handle confrontational situations. Later that morning, attendees will go to the Capitol to celebrate public education and meet with legislators. Representatives from districts and AEAs from around the state are encouraged to attend to showcase their positive stories.

Also, please save the date for these two upcoming webinars in 2024 designed to help educational leaders:

Deeper Dive into the Issues with AEA, IASB and SAI lobbyists

Jan. 30: Noon-1:00 p.m.

State of the Budget and the Impact on AEAs with Finance experts from AEA and IASB

Feb. 7: Noon-1:00 p.m.

Watch for more details on these events later this fall.

Future Ready Network Kicks Off 2023-24 Year on Sept. 21

The first Heartland AEA Future Ready Network meeting will be on Sept. 21 and will highlight Future Ready MTSS resources and tools. This meeting and workshop will be offered as a hybrid option. District teams can join in person in the Johnston REC in Room 101 or via Zoom. Guest speakers will share how to use data to support Future Ready MTSS, and they will include district presentations on how to design and implement a Middle School Career Class. Erica Woods-Schmitz, Education Program Consultant for Academic & Career Planning from the Iowa Department of Education, will share updates and resources.

See the Save the Date flyer for upcoming dates and topics.

Be added to the Future Ready listserv using this sign-up form.

It's Here! DesignDash Startup for HS Students, Teachers and Industry Partners

Iowa high school educators, students and industry partners: Registration is now open for DesignDash!

The Jacobson Institute presents startup events engaging high school students in one-day, fast paced entrepreneurial excursions. High school students work in teams paired with entrepreneurs, business and industry partners to solve problems they face using entrepreneurial solutions that drive innovation forward. This is authentic, experiential learning at its best!

DesignDash is available in three locations – Iowa City (10/2), Cedar Falls (10/26) & Des Moines (11/17) - your choice! Register here: https://jacobsoninstitute.org/bizinnovator/designdash

EDUCATORS - Register today to secure a spot for you and your students! Space is limited!

INDUSTRY PARTNERS: We need you! Register to mentor students as they identify problems and create entrepreneurial solutions.

Iowa Principals: The Statewide Principal Alliance Welcomes You!

Iowa principals are invited to join the Iowa’s AEAs statewide Principal Alliance, beginning Aug. 31. The Principal Alliance Lasting Leadership Series will focus on current practices in the field of leadership and principalship. Join your colleagues via Zoom on the last weekday of the month from 9-10 a.m. for thematic whole group and small group discussions centered on current problems of practice. Additional resources will be shared to support the topics.

Sessions & Topics

• Aug. 31: Aug. Artificial Intelligence for Productivity as a Principal
• Sept. 29: Removing the Chronic from Absenteeism
• Oct. 31: Recognizing Student Engagement - Continuum of Engagement - Amy Berry
• Nov. 30: Relationship Building
• Jan. 31: Hiring Staff, Retaining Staff, and Recruiting Staff
• Feb. 29: Positive Culture
• March 20: SEBH - Strategies to “Wash Off the Lighter Fluid”
• April 30: SEBH - Self Care
• May 31: SEBH - Strategies to Support Skills for Learning

Connections
Agendas

Principal Alliance webpage

Meeting Zoom link

Cross-State Collaborative Explores Learner-Centered Pathways

Educators in Iowa and Michigan have a unique opportunity to engage in a 12-week professional learning and design experience aimed at fostering learner-centered goals tailored to individual education environments.

Building upon the success of last year's Personalized, Competency-Based CTE Cross-State Collaborative, this initiative has expanded its scope to encompass a wider array of personalized learning approaches.

Who should join?
Teams of educators are strongly encouraged to consider joining this collaborative initiative if they are eager to explore new possibilities, learn from like-minded peers, and drive positive change in their education ecosystems. Participants can be administrators, teacher leaders, teachers, counselors, regional AEA staff, or anyone who supports school transformation.

When is it?
Sept. 20 (in person)
Oct. 31 (virtual)
Dec. 12 (in person)

How does it work?
Districts will be paired with similar districts to facilitate the exchange of feedback and ideas and promote growth along the learner-centered continuum. Participants will have opportunities for site visits to observe learning environments, engage with educators, learn from learners and connect with industry partners.

RegisterView this program flyer to learn more and register.

Back by Popular Demand: Behavior Support Community of Practice

Based on feedback and district requests, the Behavior Support Community of Practice (CoP) is back for the 2023-24 school year.

Why it Matters
CoP engages in common learning, networking and collaboration to build community among individuals who hold roles such as Behavior Interventionist, Behavior Coach, Behavior Strategist, etc.

How it Works
In-person attendance is recommended for a meaningful CoP. However, a Zoom option will be offered upon request. Need a zoom link or have questions? Contact Jadie Boens, Heartland AEA Director of Social Emotional Behavior Mental Health Services.

Didn’t attend last year? No problem! If you’re interested in attending this year, complete this Google Form to be added to the distribution list.

Dates
Sept. 28, 2023 – 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Nov. 14, 2023 – 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Jan. 25, 2024 – 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Feb. 29, 2024 – 12 - 3 p.m.
April 9, 2024 – 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
May 14, 2024 – 12 - 3 p.m

Location
Heartland AEA, Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, Iowa

Register Now for the 2023 Iowa BEST Summit

Join more than 1,600+ educators, school administrators and school counselors passionate about supporting school mental health at the Iowa BEST 2023 on Oct. 5-6 in Des Moines.

Engage in the latest research, resources and best practices for building well-being supports

Earn one 𝗜𝗼𝘄𝗮 𝗟𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗹 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁

𝙁𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 for all Iowa education professionals and stakeholders

Secure your spot today! https://bit.ly/2023IowaBESTSummit

The Science Scoop - A Quarterly Update from Heartland AEA

In this issue of the Heartland AEA Science Scoop newsletter:

• News, Resource and Opportunities
• 2023 Iowa Department of Education Regional Science Trainings
• Professional Learning Opportunities with Heartland AEA

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

 

Plan to Attend Heartland Administrators' Association on Sept. 5 with Erik Dominguez

The next Heartland Administrators' Association (HAA) meeting will be held on Sept. 5 from 9-11:30 a.m. at the Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive in Johnston. This will be an in-person meeting with lunch provided immediately following the meeting. Agenda topics include guest speaker Erik Dominguez and updates from partners.

Crafting Lasting Impressions: Your Guide to Heartland AEA Creative Services

In this issue of the Heartland AEA Creatives Services newsletter, engage in these great products available to your classroom or building!

• Showcase student talent
• Make Math Visual
• Make it stick
• Way to go
• Our favorite custom designs

Start your order! Contact Creative Services with any questions.

Future Ready Network Kicks Off 2023-24 Year on Sept. 21

The first Heartland AEA Future Ready Network meeting will be on Sept. 21 and will highlight Future Ready MTSS resources and tools. This meeting and workshop will be offered as a hybrid option. District teams can join in person in the Johnston REC in Room 101 or via Zoom. Guest speakers will share how to use data to support Future Ready MTSS, and they will include district presentations on how to design and implement a Middle School Career Class. Erica Woods-Schmitz, Education Program Consultant for Academic & Career Planning from the Iowa Department of Education, will share updates and resources.

See the Save the Date flyer for upcoming dates and topics.

Be added to the Future Ready listserv using this sign-up form.

Explore the Latest in Library & Digital Resources

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

• Grant Sources
• PebbleGo Expands: New Health Section and Articles
• Learn 360 News: Topic Centers, New Titles, Split by Grade Span
• Heartland AEA Teacher Librarian Conference, Sept. 28, 2023
• New Spanish Language Books
• Professional Learning Readings

Numeracy Project 2.0 & The New Year - Read More About it!

In this issue of the Heartland AEA math newsletter, read about The Numeracy Project 2.0 Workshop. The workshop is for K-8 educators and high school teachers who have been trained in the Numeracy Project and would like further support in implementing with students. This workshop will address common questions that have come from practitioners who have been utilizing the Numeracy Project 2.0. We will also provide learning to assist teachers and coaches in planning for small group instruction along with suggestions for integrating progress monitoring.

Picking Up Where You Left Off with the Numeracy Project
Getting the Numeracy Project up and running again with the start of the new school year can seem overwhelming. 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.

Maximize Your Data Course, Coming in October

This course is designed to build the capacity of individuals to be able to facilitate the use of data-driven decision making tools that are available to Iowa Schools within an MTSS Framework. Participants will learn how to maximize their use of several available data sets including:

• Panorama (including Conditions of Learning)
• FastBridge
• Iowa School Performance Profile
• Post Secondary

Do you know where to find all of your data?
Do you understand the reports?
Do you know what it’s telling you?
Do you know how to use this data to guide conversations and lesson designs?

This course was truly developed to ensure all educators can maximize all of the data that is available for decision making.

Attended Audience
All educators who use data to make decisions at the district, building, classroom, small group and/or individual student levels.

License Renewal and Evaluator Approval Renewal Available!

Course Objectives

1. Participants will understand the purpose and design of each data source.
2. Participants will interpret the information provided by each data source.
3. Participants will describe connections among data sources.
4. Participants will prepare for leadership of each data source within the school or district.
5. Participants will connect with resources for future support.

Dates and Time
Oct. 20 and 30, 2023

Registration
Course: #203942 HL - Maximize Your Data
Register at this link: Maximize Your Data
This course is offered at no cost to participants. License renewal cost is $35.

Location(s):
October 20, 2023
Heartland AEA
602 Visions Parkway
Adel, Iowa 50003

October 30, 2023
Grand View University Student Center
Speedy Lycium Room
2811 E. 14th street
Des Moines, IA 50316

Questions
Shannon Harken
Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant
Heartland AEA
sharken@heartlandaea.org

Kevin Schlomer
Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant
Heartland AEA

kschlomer@heartlandaea.org

Back by Popular Demand: Behavior Support Community of Practice

Based on feedback and district requests, the Behavior Support Community of Practice (CoP) is back for the 2023-24 school year.

Why it Matters
CoP engages in common learning, networking and collaboration to build community among individuals who hold roles such as Behavior Interventionist, Behavior Coach, Behavior Strategist, etc.

How it Works
In-person attendance is recommended for a meaningful CoP. However, a Zoom option will be offered upon request. Need a zoom link or have questions? Contact Jadie Boens, Heartland AEA Director of Social Emotional Behavior Mental Health Services.

Didn’t attend last year? No problem! If you’re interested in attending this year, complete this Google Form to be added to the distribution list.

Dates
Sept. 28, 2023 – 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Nov. 14, 2023 – 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Jan. 25, 2024 – 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Feb. 29, 2024 – 12 - 3 p.m.
April 9, 2024 – 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
May 14, 2024 – 12 - 3 p.m

Location
Heartland AEA, Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, Iowa

Registration is Open for IBEA Fall Convention

The Iowa Business Education Association 2023 Fall Convention: One Teacher, Many Hats will take place on Sept. 17-18 at the Courtyard Marriott in Ankeny. Attend the conference to gain fresh ideas, updated curriculum resources, and effective strategies for immediate implementation in your classrooms. Gene Natali, a renowned figure in the fields of finance and education, will be the keynote speaker. Attendees will receive a complimentary copy of his book, as well as access to the Troutwood App. Two teachers will have a chance to win a classroom set of The Missing Semester. View the conference flyer.

Conference Registration
Early Bird Conference Registration rate = $100 until Sept. 7
Standard Conference Registration rate = $120 from Sept. 8-12

Register Now

Supports for School Improvement

As an FYI, the Iowa Department of Education has released the process they will use for support for Comprehensive Schools. If you are a targeted building and would like support with your plan, reach out to your Heartland AEA Regional Director. Our regional directors are happy to partner with you to support your school improvement efforts.