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.