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.

Promoting Successful Transition for Students with Disabilities

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.

View the course details and register today!

Hybrid Canvas Course
Zoom Sessions
Nov. 4 & Dec. 12, 2024
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Registration

Registration Link

Session ID: 49120

Superintendent and Education Leaders Update Sept. 2024

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