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

 

FastBridge Registration Open for 2023-24, AEA Subsidy Available for Grades K-8

This year Iowa’s AEAs again will be subsidizing the costs for schools to upgrade their DE-provided FAST subscriptions that includes the expanded assessment suite in math and behavior for K-6, and literacy, math and behavior for grades 7 & 8. Participation is available both to schools that purchased the expanded assessment suite in previous years and those that want to use it for the first time in 2023-24. Refer to this FastBridge registration overview for details on registration process, training, pricing and more. Contact Kevin Fangman for more information.

Register Now for the 2023 Heart of Innovation Summer Summit with Renowned Keynote Speakers and Collaborative Learning Opportunities!

Are you ready for an exciting professional development opportunity? Look no further than the 2023 Heartland AEA Heart of Innovation Summer Summit! Held virtually the mornings of Aug. 8 and 9, this year's event promises to be a transformative experience for educators across the region…and it’s all FREE!

We are thrilled to announce our two keynote speakers for the summit: Jon Corippo, co-creator of EduProtocols, and Punya Mishra, dean of Scholarship & Innovation at Arizona State University and co-creator of the TPACK framework. These nationally-renowned speakers bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table, and their insights will surely inspire and challenge you.

But the Heart of Innovation Summer Summit isn't just about listening to keynote speakers. It's also an opportunity to learn from your peers, share best practices and build new connections. School districts in the Heartland AEA service area are doing incredible work, and you'll have the chance to learn from and collaborate with other educators from across the region.

In addition to attending, we also encourage you to submit a proposal and share your own ideas and experiences. This is your chance to contribute to the conversation and help shape the future of education in our region.

Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to grow as an educator and connect with your peers. Learn more and register here and let's come together to create a brighter future for our students.

Portrait of a Graduate is What You’ll See During April Future Ready Meeting

The April Future Ready Network meeting will focus on Portrait of a Graduate. District teams can join in person at the Johnston Regional Education Center or via Zoom. Guest speakers from Bondurant-Farrar, Boone and VanMeter will share about their Portrait of a Graduate journey and how they navigated each phase. Question and answer breakout sessions will also be available for districts to learn more about different aspects of Portrait of a Graduate.

As we wrap up this year, the Future Ready Team would like you to give them feedback to help them plan for next year’s Future Ready Network via this Future Ready Planning Survey.

April 20, 2023
Johnston Regional Education Center
Conference Room 101
Zoom link (NEW LINK)

Heartland AEA Preschool Administrators Newsletter: Community of Practice, Professional Learning Opportunities, IQPPS Desk Audit, EC Handbook and More!

In this issue of the Heartland AEA Preschool Administrators’ newsletter:

• Heartland AEA Community of Practice for Preschool Administrators
• IQPPS Desk Audit
• EC Handbook for Administrator
• PW-PBIS Cohort Application
• ACHIEVE Professional Learning
• Assessment
• Professional Development
• Resources

AAPI Organizations in Central Iowa Announce Second Annual Essay Contest in Conjunction with 2023 Heritage Month Celebration

The AAPI organizations in central Iowa are excited to announce their second annual essay contest in conjunction with the AAPI Heritage Celebration to be held in May 2023. All students attending Iowa's elementary, middle and high schools and colleges are eligible to participate, regardless of ethnicity, race or nationality. Essays are due by April 22, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. Visit the AAPI website for more information on the 2023 in-person celebration and essay contest.

Application Deadline for the Spring 2023 Innovator Competition Has Been Extended to May 1

Pitch an idea for a business or product and compete for cash prizes.

The Jacobson Institute sponsors the Innovator Competition to encourage innovation and entrepreneurial thinking in the next generation. This investment in the future provides high school innovators, inventors and entrepreneurs with financial support and feedback from successful entrepreneurs and business leaders. Winners are awarded a combined total of $3,000 in seed capital to take their idea, invention or operating business to the next level.

The competition is for ANY high school student in grades 9-12. Students don't need a background or coursework in business to compete. They just need motivation, passion and a good idea!

Application deadline: Extended Deadline! May 1, 2023

Learn more and apply here: https://jacobsoninstitute.org/innovator-competition

Read about Past Winners: https://jacobsoninstitute.org/innovator-competition-winners

Department of Education Personnel Switch From Landline to Cell Phone, Check Directories for Current Contact Information

Last fall, several Iowa Department of Education personnel shifted from using a landline and a cellphone to relying solely on a cell phone. For the past six months, callers who used the landline number were provided with the corresponding cell phone number of the staff member they were trying to reach. However, this message service has now expired, and any calls made to DE staff using the landline will not be answered or receive a message. For the most up-to-date contact information of Department of Education staff, refer to the DE’s customer service guide or the alphabetical listing.