Our Mission

To improve the learning outcomes and well-being of all children and youth by providing services and leadership in partnership with families, schools and communities.

Our Goals

• Increase learning growth for students
• Decrease the gap in achievement
• Increase annual graduation rates
• Increase gateways to post-secondary success

 

Heartland AEA Winter Break & Van Delivery Schedule

Heartland AEA offices will be closed to the public from Dec. 23 - Jan. 1. Offices reopen on Jan. 2. Van delivery schedule will be as follows:

• Regular van delivery: through Dec. 20
• No van delivery: Dec. 23 - Jan. 1
• Regular van delivery resumes: Jan. 2

Mark Your Calendar for the HAA Jan. 7 Meeting

The next HAA meeting will be held on Jan. 7 from 9 - 11:30 a.m. The agenda will feature a legislative panel with guest speakers Emily Piper and/or Michelle Johnson from IASB, Kate Walton from Eide & Walton and Dave Daughton from SAI and RSAI. At 10:30 a.m., the meeting will transition to a zoom option for Heartland AEA and other educational partnership updates.

Join us for the 2025 Day on the Hill

ONE VOICE FOR IOWA STUDENTS! Join us for the 2025 Day on the Hill with Iowa's AEAs, IASB & SAI on Jan. 27 & Jan. 28, 2025! With three events across two days and two in-depth advocacy webinars, you will be well-equipped to advocate for public schools and student success! Learn more and register today! Do you have a stand-out student program? Showcase Your District’s Innovative Programs with a Compelling Exhibit at “Day on the Hill”.

AEA Services Tailored for Your Needs: Math, MTSS and More!

As you plan for key initiatives to support implementation and sustainability in your district, consider how our Service for Fee team can assist you. We offer a variety of supports designed to align with your district’s goals for teaching and learning. Below is a sampling of the services we provide, which can be tailored to meet your unique needs:

Math

• Effective Math Teaching Practices

MTSS

• MTSS Supports Aligned to Your Needs

English Learners

• Problem-Solving with Multilingual English Learners: Language vs. Learning Difference
• Differentiated Instruction & Assessment with Multilingual English Learners
• Office Managers Workshop: Welcoming Multilingual Families

We’re ready to partner with you to customize services that drive meaningful progress in your initiatives. For more details, contact your AEA regional director.

Heartland AEA is Streamlining Digital Resource Selection for 2025-26

Heartland AEA is actively compiling usage data to help schools and districts make informed decisions about digital resources for the 2025-26 school year. By working together, Iowa’s AEAs are negotiating with vendors to secure the most competitive pricing.

Next year’s offerings will feature many of the favorites from last year, along with exciting new resources requested by districts. A comprehensive digital resource price sheet will be available in January, and ordering will be easy with our streamlined "easy button" online system.

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

 

Superintendent Update December 2024

Welcome to Iowa’s AEAs December Superintendent Update. This update provides important information from Iowa’s AEAs within the Educational Services, Media Services, AEA Purchasing, Technology Services and Special Education Services areas. In this issue:

• 2025 Day on the Hill
• AEA Support for ESSA-Designated Schools
• Cybersecurity Summit on Dec. 6
• AEA Purchasing Winter Paper Buy

Join us for the 2025 Day on the Hill

ONE VOICE FOR IOWA STUDENTS! Join us for the 2025 Day on the Hill with Iowa's AEAs, IASB & SAI on Jan. 27 & Jan. 28, 2025! With three events across two days and two in-depth advocacy webinars, you will be well-equipped to advocate for public schools and student success! Learn more and register today! Do you have a stand-out student program? Showcase Your District’s Innovative Programs with a Compelling Exhibit at “Day on the Hill”.

Heartland AEA Winter Break & Van Delivery Schedule

Heartland AEA offices will be closed to the public from Dec. 23 - Jan. 1. Offices reopen on Jan. 2. Van delivery schedule will be as follows:

• Regular van delivery: through Dec. 20
• No van delivery: Dec. 23 - Jan. 1
• Regular van delivery resumes: Jan. 2

Partnering with Heartland AEA: Tailored Support for Your District's School Improvement Journey

Heartland AEA is committed to addressing the unique school improvement needs of each district through tailored support that fosters meaningful collaboration and sustainable growth. Our team provides expertise in areas such as data analysis, implementation strategies and long-term sustainability planning, empowering districts to overcome challenges and enhance student outcomes.

Key Resources to Explore

• Slide deck: Discover how we support districts in meeting their goals through targeted services and collaborative strategies
• Des Moines Public Schools: Integrating Technology in Teaching and Learning: Watch how Des Moines Public Schools are integrating technology in teaching and learning with support from Heartland AEA 

Tools and Services to Elevate Your Work

• Data Dashboards: Designed to help districts collect, analyze and use data effectively to propel the district forward with intentional school improvement plans
• Heartland AEA ESSA Supports: Access resources to align with Every Student Succeeds Act requirements effectively.

Statewide Data Review Zoom Sessions

Join one of the facilitated sessions led by AEA staff to collaboratively analyze data and identify next steps for school improvement.

Iowa's AEAs will be providing four Zoom sessions for districts across the state to participate in. Please plan to join one of the statewide sessions below for the facilitated Data Review led by AEA staff.

Dec. 11, 2024 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.	Dec. 13, 2024 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.	Jan. 7, 2025 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.	Jan. 10, 2025 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Zoom Link	Zoom Link	Zoom Link	Zoom Link

Heartland AEA Digital Learning Newsletter is Now Available

In this issue of the Heartland AEA Digital Learning Newsletter:

• Trying to Navigate the world of AI with students?
• Adobe Express-12 Days of Creativity!
• Computer Science Ed Week 2024
• Library Tool of the Month!
• Tool Time With the Tech Team

Great News: Learning Ally Continues at No Cost Through June 2025!

We’re excited to announce that Learning Ally will remain available at no cost to schools through June 2025, providing critical support for struggling readers.

Already Using Learning Ally?
If your district used Learning Ally last year, you’re encouraged to continue utilizing this resource with eligible students.

Need a Refresher?
If your district used Learning Ally before but needs a refresher, contact Lynette Johnson at ljohnson@learningally.org to update your district records and provide webinars or training.

New to Learning Ally?
If your district hasn’t used Learning Ally yet, Lynette can guide you through the rostering process and discuss training opportunities.

What Does Learning Ally Offer?
Learning Ally provides more than 80,000 human-narrated audiobooks and textbooks aligned with your curriculum. Designed to bridge the gap to grade-level reading, its features include:

• Voice-to-Text: Supports word recognition by highlighting words as they’re narrated.
• In-App Dictionary: Allows students to define unfamiliar words while reading seamlessly.
• Annotation: Enables students to highlight, save, bookmark, and reference specific text.
• Customization: Offers adjustable settings to support diverse learning needs.

These tools help students build vocabulary, complete assignments, and actively participate in group projects.

Learn More:

• Explore Learning Ally 101
• Watch a 5-minute demonstration of features

Take advantage of this incredible resource to support your struggling readers today!

Checking Out the Value: Heartland AEA Library's First Quarter Summary

In response to HF2612, we are providing a first quarter summary of the value of the materials checked out from the Heartland AEA library from Sept.-Nov. 2024.*

While PK-7 educators are our largest users, middle and high school teachers also benefit from specialized resources like large-print books, high-interest/low-vocabulary texts, picture books with built-in digital audio, and multilingual materials.

Examples of teacher requests fulfilled this quarter:

• Middle Ages, feudal system, kings and queens
• 30 books | Reading level: 2–4 | Grade: 4
• Fables and pourquoi tales (including Aesop & Anansi)
• 25–30 books | Reading level: K–3 | Grade: 1
• Endangered animals (fiction & nonfiction)
• 25–30 books | Reading level: K–6 | Grade: 9–12
• Books about feelings and emotions
• 25 books | Reading level: K–2 | Grade: special education
• Ecosystems and renewable/nonrenewable resources
• 30 books | Reading level: 3–5 | Grade: 5
• Arabic language books for a family to build literacy at home
• 5–10 books
• Decodable readers—variety of series
• 30 books | Reading

Looking Ahead: Service-for-Fee Model Starts July 2025
As we transition to a service-for-fee model next year, we hope this information highlights the value and impact of Heartland AEA’s library materials and services. We anticipate a subscription model will be developed with each district. Just like Spotify where you can listen as much as you want, this model would allow districts to read as much as they want.

*Districts and nonpublic schools are listed by student population: PK-12 and PK-7.

Superintendent and Education Leaders Update Nov/Dec. 2024

The Nov./Dec. 2024 Superintendent and Education Leaders Update from the Iowa Department of Education is now available.

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

 

Hear from the DE Director: HAA Meeting Dec. 3

The next HAA meeting will be held on Dec. 3 from 9 - 11:30 a.m. The agenda features updates from the Iowa Department of Education’s Executive Director McKenzie Snow. This will be an in-person meeting with no zoom option.

Check Out Our Digital Learning Newsletter!

In this issue of the Heartland AEA Digital Learning Newsletter:

• Technology we are thankful for!
• Day of AI - December
• Computer Science Education Week
• DE Computer Science Updates
• Library Tool of the Month

November Library & Digital Resources Newsletter is Now Available

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

• Teacher Librarian Virtual Workshop Recordings
• Special Pricing for Capstone Ebooks
• TeachingBooks Sept./Oct.
• Have You Explored New American History?
• October Highlights: Britannica Engagements
• New Learn 360 Titles
• New: Teach Britannica
• Professional Reading

Internationally Renowned Education Consultant Katie Novak Coming to Iowa in January

Two days of transformative learning!

Session 1 (Jan. 22): Apply UDL in your classroom and engage all learners.

Session 2 (Jan. 23): Leaders, dive deep into integrating UDL with MTSS to drive meaningful change.

Led by Katie Novak, an expert in inclusive practices, UDL and MTSS, this workshop will give you actionable strategies for success! Read more here.

Dates: Jan. 22-23, 2025

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Location: Grant Wood AEA, Cedar Rapids

Register now and take your skills to the next level! Register here

Enhancing School Counseling Programs for Impact Workshop, Begins Dec. 4

Join us for a hands-on course designed to help school counselors elevate their programs with data-driven insights, measurable goals and actionable strategies. Discover best practices for aligning with national standards, improving student outcomes and gaining support from your school community. Leave with a customized plan ready to make an immediate impact!

Custom Plans
Each district will leave with a customized program overview and action plan.

Embedded Support
There will be time for learning and application built into the course.

Dates & Times
Dec. 4, 2024, Feb. 6 & April 25, 2025
8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

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

Registration
Registration link
It is strongly encouraged that teams bring a curriculum lead or administrator with them.
1 license renewal or graduate credit available

Questions?
Sue Schirmer, School Counseling Consultant, Heartland AEA
sschirmer@heartlandaea.org | (515) 383-5006

Superintendent and Education Leaders Update Sept. 2024

The Oct. 2024 Superintendent and Education Leaders Update from the Iowa Department of Education is now available.

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

 

HAA Nov. 5 Meeting to Focus on Part II of Chronic Absenteeism

The next HAA meeting will be held on Nov. 5 from 9 - 11:30 a.m. The agenda features Part II of a two-part learning session about Chronic Absenteeism. This will be an in-person learning session from 9 - 10:30 a.m. Superintendents are welcome to bring members of their team, but we ask that you RSVP so we don’t exceed room capacity.

RSVP using this form, or by emailing Jenny Ugolini at jugolini@heartlandaea.org.

At 10:30 a.m., the meeting will transition to a Business Meeting/Partnership Updates with a Zoom option. See your calendar invite or the agenda for details.

Join the Heartland AEA Curriculum Network - In-Person or Virtually!

Join us for the Heartland AEA Curriculum Network! We meet the first Friday of every month, September through May, at the Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston. Can't make it in person? No problem! Virtual attendance is available.

What to Expect

• Statewide Updates: 8:30-9:30/10:00 AM
• Heartland AEA Meeting: 15 minutes after statewide updates, ending by noon

Stay Informed 

• For agendas, resources and the latest updates on ESSA support and other opportunities, refer to this Heartland AEA Curriculum Network information.
  

January Meeting Rescheduled

• Our January 2025 meeting has been rescheduled to January 10, 2025. All other meetings will continue as scheduled.

Heartland AEA Library & Digital Resources Newsletter Now Available

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

• Learn360 Webinar on Nov. 12
• Information Literacy Strategy Handbook, High School Edition
• TED-Ed: Lessons Worth Sharing
• 10 Critical Thinking Skills Middle School Students Should Master
• Storytelling and Animating Student Art with AI
• What!?
• AI in the Classroom: What's Cheating? What's OK?
• MackinVIA Usage
• Professional Reading
• Follow-up to Notebook LM

SEBH Coaches Camp to Feature SEBH/PBIS Success Stories

The Social, Emotional & Behavioral Health (SEBH) team is excited to offer an SEBH Coaches Camp on Nov. 12. This learning opportunity is intended for internal and external PBIS and SEBH systems coaches and MTSS-SEBH/PBIS team members including, but not limited to, administrators, school counselors and grade level teachers.

If a team is interested in sharing a highlight from their building’s work during one of the breakout sessions in the afternoon, contact Melissa Iloabachie, SEBH Regional Lead. Teams or people who host a breakout session will receive 50% off the registration fee, making it $40 instead of $80! Contact Melissa if you’re interested in showcasing a building’s great work!

November 2024 SEBH Coaches Camp Flyer

Get to Know Our Service for Fee Providers!

In our new era of AEA services, are you curious to know more about the AEA staff members who are providing services to your district or school?

Take a look at our provider profiles on our website to learn more about our Service for Fee providers! 

Directions  

1. Go to our website
2. Go to a Service Area on our website (see Service Areas listed below)
3. On the Service Area page, scroll down to "Contact"
4. On the right side of a provider's contact listing, click on the down arrow to read more about them

Service Areas on the Heartland AEA website

• Assessment
• CTE
• Computer Science
• Digital Learning
• English Learners
• Gifted & Talented
• Literacy
• Math
• Mentoring & Induction
• School Counseling
• Science
• Section 504
• Social Students
• Teacher Leadership
• Early Childhood
• ESSA
• Instructional Technologies
• MTSS
• Postsecondary Success
• Professional Learning Consultation
• Social, Emotional & Behavioral Health
• Teacher Librarian Consultation

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

 

HAA Nov. 5 Meeting to Focus on Part II of Chronic Absenteeism

The next HAA meeting will be held on Nov. 5 from 9 - 11:30 a.m. The agenda features Part II of a two-part learning session about Chronic Absenteeism. This will be an in-person learning session from 9 - 10:30 a.m. Superintendents are welcome to bring members of their team, but we ask that you RSVP so we don’t exceed room capacity.

RSVP using this form, or by emailing Jenny Ugolini at jugolini@heartlandaea.org.

At 10:30 a.m., the meeting will transition to a Business Meeting/Partnership Updates with a Zoom option. See your calendar invite or the agenda for details.

Digital Tools Fueling Student Engagement

As we settle into the rhythm of the new school year, it's encouraging to see how our students are engaging with the digital resources we've made available. In just the months of August and September, students recorded 1,231,239 interactions with these resources.

This figure highlights the diverse ways in which students are using technology to enhance their learning. From conducting research to exploring new topics, our digital resources are supporting students in becoming independent and engaged learners.

Here's a breakdown of some of the most popular resources:

• BookFLIX: 900,109 interactions
• PebbleGo: 98,978 interactions
• Britannica School: 64,335 interactions
• TrueFLIX: 60,341 interactions

To support teachers as they integrate digital resources in the classroom, we have an accessibility chart to help match the resources with student needs. For example: adjustable speech rate, text-to-speech, closed captioned, video and audio transcripts, dyslexic font, Lexile, word highlights, text translation, and more.

For more information about our digital resources, contact Susan Schrader, Director of Resources & Library Services or visit Heartland AEA Digital Resources for Educators.

Spread the Word: Paraeducator Areas of Concentration Courses Offered Next Spring

Heartland's spring paraeducator certification course schedule is now available. 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.

Prerequisites:

• Participants must be at least 18 years old
• Participants must have a high school diploma or equivalent GED
• Participants must have access to a computer/internet in order to take the courses
• It is required that participants be employed by an accredited Iowa school district as a practicing paraeducator, or work as a substitute paraeducator in an accredited Iowa school district, or have a teacher and administrator who are willing to mentor you through the certification program.

Each course is $120 for a total of $360. The courses must be taken in order.

BoEE Application Fees: The application and background check process through the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners (BoEE) is online and will be started in Course III.

The application fee is currently $40 and the background check fee is $35 (+ a $3 convenience fee) payable to the Board of Educational Examiners (fees subject to change by BOEE). Applicants will complete their background screenings through Iowa Fieldprint and pay a fee of $34.35 to them.

Course Name: HL - Paraeducator Generalist Certification Program - Course I Introduction/Foundation
Session #: 49098
Dates: January 7, 14 & 28, 2025 (4:00-5:00 p.m.)
Zoom Sessions + Online Work

Course Name: HL - Paraeducator Generalist Certification Program - Course II Instructional Support
Session #: 49099 (registration will open Nov. 11, 2024)
Dates: Feb. 11 & 25, 2025 (4:00-5:00 p.m.)
Zoom Sessions + Online Work

Course Name: HL - Paraeducator Generalist Certification Program - Course III Behavioral Supports
Session #: 49101 (registration will open Dec. 15, 2024)
Dates: March 25 & April 15, 2025 (4:00-5:00 p.m.)
Zoom Sessions + Online Work

Registration
Website: https://heartlandaea.escworks.com

Login:
When you arrive at the website, please check to see if your name is listed under the Quick Links heading in the left column. If it is, you are already logged in. If not, click on the yellow Sign In button. Your AEA Login is the same email and password you use to log into the AEA Learning System (e.g. Mandatory Reporter, Bloodborne Pathogens). If you don't have an account in the Learning System, you will need to click on the yellow Sign In button under the Quick Links heading in the left column and then click on "Need a profile? Sign Up" at the bottom of the login screen.

Registration:
Once you have logged in and are on the Home screen, in the text box under Ready to Learn? You may search by topic, subject area, presenter name, etc., type 49098 and click Search. This will bring up Course I. Scroll to the bottom and select Licensure Renewal (2 credit/30 instructor Led Hours) - $120. At the top of the page, click the Register button. This will add the course to your Registration Cart.

If you are registering after all three courses are open for registration and want to register for all three courses at once, click the Home link on the left to take you back to the Home screen and type 49099 in the search field and follow the steps above to register for Course II. Then follow these steps again to register for Course III which is 49101.

Once you have the desired courses in your Registration Cart, click Checkout at the bottom. Review the Cancellation and Refund Policy and select your payment method (credit card or purchase order issued by an Iowa school district). Complete the necessary payment information and select Complete Checkout.

You will receive a confirmation email after you register.

Questions?

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

Level Up Your SEBH Skills! Register Now for SEBH Coaches Camp (Discounted Rate Available)

The SEBH team is excited to announce the SEBH Coaches Camp, taking place on Nov. 12. This event offers an opportunity for educators and staff to enhance their skills and knowledge in supporting social, emotional and behavioral health (SEBH) within their schools.

Are you interested in sharing your building's success story in SEBH implementation? The SEBH team invites teams to showcase their work during a breakout session in the afternoon.

If your team is interested in presenting a breakout session, contact Melissa Iloabachie. As a thank you for sharing your expertise, teams presenting a breakout session will receive a 50% discount on the registration fee! 

Don't miss this chance to:

• Deepen your understanding of SEBH best practices
• Connect with colleagues passionate about student well-being
• Gain valuable insights from other schools' experiences
• Share your own building's success story (optional)

Space is limited, so register today!

Network, Learn, Collaborate: Behavior Support Community of Practice Returns

The Behavior Support Community of Practice (CoP) is continuing in the 2024-25 school year! This CoP is an opportunity for district staff who serve in the role of behavior interventionist, behavior coach, behavior strategist, etc., to network, share in learning and collaborate with individuals who hold similar roles.

Activities & Support
Participants will engage in shared learning, as well as sharing practice in the following areas:

• MTSS for social, emotional & behavioral health
• Screening & early warning systems
• Responding to data
• Chronic absenteeism
• Restorative practices
• Effective strategies for transitioning between programs
• Tier 1 indicators of effective culture & climate
• Therapeutic classrooms & approaches
• Optional book study

Dates

• Dec. 9, 2024
• Jan. 23, 2025
• Feb. 24, 2025
• April 10, 2025
• May 15, 2025

Structure of Each Day

• Morning session (9:00 a.m.-noon) focused on content and shared learning
• Afternoon session (1:00-3:30 p.m.) differentiated based on participants’ needs (networking/collaboration/optional book study)

Registration
Full-Day
Full-day registration

Half-Day
Half-day registration

Promoting Successful Transition for Students with Disabilities Course

Hybrid Course to be held Nov. 4 & Dec. 12 from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

In this hybrid course, we will explore best practices around postsecondary transition for students with disabilities and how to plan, develop and implement these practices using the Heartland AEA Postsecondary Success Transition Action Plan along with other provided resources. We know how critical this work is and how it can be life-changing for our students with disabilities. During this course, you will have the opportunity to network with colleagues, learn from one another and build your transition toolbox to promote successful transition for the students you serve. Cost $150. Registration Link.

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

 

Superintendent Update October 2024

Welcome to the Iowa’s AEAs Superintendent Update. This update provides important information from Iowa’s AEAs within the Educational Services, Media Services, Technology Services and Special Education Services areas. In this issue:

• Brief Survey Coming Soon: Your Input Matters!
• Complete the Needs Assessment for Educational Technology Solutions
• Iowa’s AEAs Launch New Statewide Technology Services Marketplace
• Tech Talk: Two New Featured Services – Equipment Repair & E-Rate Consulting & Filing
• Cybersecurity Summit to Focus on K-12 Solutions
• Reminder: Special Education Count Coming Oct. 25

Why Self-Assess Your Gifted & Talented Program?

Heartland AEA offers a facilitated program review of your Gifted & Talented program using a tool called the Gifted Self Audit and Planner (G-SAP). The G-SAP is a set of rubrics for districts to evaluate the current state of their gifted program at a K-12 systems level. Rubrics in the G-SAP are aligned to Iowa Code and best practices in current gifted education research.

By engaging in the facilitated G-SAP process, your district team will:

• Learn about Iowa Code requirements for gifted and talented programs and best practices in the field of gifted education and talent development
• Discuss with colleagues to gain a system-wide understanding of your district’s gifted program as implemented
• Use the findings of the review to develop a prioritized work plan for system improvement

For more information or to schedule a facilitated program review, reach out to Kyra Wilcox-Conley or Kate Boonstra today!

Building Strong Readers: From Early Intervention to Upper Grades

The Heartland AEA Literacy newsletter is now available. In this issue:

• Administrators' Leading for Literacy
• Landmark Studies Pointing to the Importance of Early Reading Intervention
• How Do We Accelerate Literacy Learning for Older Students?
• Teachers' Toolkits to Support Student Reading in Grades 3–8
• Free Professional Learning We Recommend & Can Help Support Implementation

Cognitive Coaching Opportunities for 2024-25 Across Iowa’s AEAs

Research indicates that teaching is a complex intellectual activity and that teachers who think at higher levels produce students who are higher achieving, more cooperative and better problem solvers. It is the invisible skills of teaching, the thinking processes that underlie instructional decisions, which produce superior instruction. Cognitive Coachingsm is a research-based model that capitalizes upon and enhances teachers’ cognitive processes. Our Cognitive Coaching Level 1 and Level 2 courses have been approved for Evaluator Approval as well! Read more and register today!

Introducing: Effective Science Instruction Workshop for Students on Alternate Assessment

This 3-day workshop presents a systematic approach to K-5 science education designed for students on alternate assessment called CREES: Curriculum & Resources for the Essential Elements for Science. We will present ready-to-use curriculum resources for science instruction for students who require instruction aligned to the Essential Elements and who are on alternate assessment. The lessons can be flexibly grouped based on instructional setting, making this workshop appropriate for both K-5 special education and general education teachers. Attendees will engage in an overview of the standards, training on the resources and materials and content-area learning and will discuss options for serving the unique needs of this student population.

Dates
Nov. 19, Dec. 3 & Dec. 17, 2024

Time
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

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

Registration
Register Now
Course #48889

Featured Professional Learning Courses Coming from Heartland AEA

Check out these learning opportunities!

• Evidence-Based Classroom Practices: Academic & Behavior Oct. 17 & Nov. 6
• Fundamentals of Restorative Practices Oct. 24-25
• Numeracy Project Workshop Oct. 23, Oct. 31
• Section 504 Workshop Nov. 14

Revised Standards (Essential Elements) for Students on Alternate Assessment Available

The English/Language arts and math Essential Elements documents have been updated on the Iowa Department of Education’s website. They are now in alignment with the new state standards and include the unpacking information within the same document. We will be working on updating the science document as the state is reviewing science standards beginning in October.