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

 

Reminder: HAA Meeting April 1 at 10:30 a.m.

The April 1 HAA meeting will be conducted via Zoom starting at 10:30 a.m. There will be no in-person meeting, and the agenda will include a legislative update with Dave Daughton, SAI Government Relations Director, along with other partnership updates. Calendar invitations have been updated to reflect the start time and include the Zoom link.

Priority Service Requests: Submit Now

District and School leaders, it’s time to submit your priority service requests for the upcoming year. To ensure timely processing, please complete the Heartland AEA Service Request Form 2025-26 by March 31.

Key Items to Complete

Any sections highlighted in turquoise color require your attention, including:

✔ Library Collection
✔ Digital Resources
✔ Technology Requests
✔ AEA Learning Online (Mandatory Trainings)
✔ Critical Incident "Insurance Policy" Enrollment
✔ District/school staff authorized to allocate funds for AEA Services

While these priority requests need to be submitted now, additional service requests—including professional development, technology support and contracted services—can be made throughout the 2025-26 school year.

We look forward to partnering with you to create a customized support plan for your district or school! 

If you have any questions, contact Cindy Yelick, Chief Administrator, and/or Susie Meade, Chief Academic Officer.

Student Planners: Help Keep Your Students Organized and Engaged!

Quality, affordable and beautifully-designed student planners are available for your school through Heartland AEA. Planners can support student engagement and awareness of school events, activities and projects. Visit our website to choose your planner style from the many options we offer. Order before the end of May to ensure delivery by the beginning of the 2025-26 school year.

The Writing Rope Book Study K-12, Coming June 4

This course will provide a foundation for effective writing and is recommended for teaching writing to kindergarten-12th grade students. Participants will engage in a book study of The Writing Rope by Joan Sedita. The Writing Rope organizes multiple writing skills, strategies and techniques into five components that represent the elements of a comprehensive writing curriculum: critical thinking, syntax, text structure, writing craft and transcription.

Writing Rope is an evidence-based framework rooted in research from cognitive science, literacy development and writing instruction.

• Learn a variety of instructional strategies that engage students in the writing process and meet the needs of all learners
• Learn a variety of tools to integrate the use of technology into writing instruction

Dates & Times
Two Zoom Sessions: June 4 & June 25 from 10:00-11:30 a.m

Register
Registration Link

Contacts
Jodi Cross, Literacy Consultant
jcross@heartlandaea.org

Karla Day, Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant
kday@heartlandaea.org

New Self-Paced Course Offers Strategies to Help Older Students Read with Confidence

In this self-paced, hybrid course, participants will learn how to improve literacy outcomes for older students who are reading below grade level.

What You’ll Gain

• Learn the research behind literacy accelerators that can propel reading progress
• Consider how to support students in rebuilding their academic confidence
• Gain practical skills for how to implement these ideas to support students in regular classroom settings

Course Details

📅 April 17 – May 23, 2025

📍 Hybrid Canvas Course with two live Zoom sessions

🖥️ Zoom Sessions: April 17 & May 6 | 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.

💰 Cost: $150, plus $50 for license renewal credit

🔗 Register Now – Secure your spot today!

Explore 142 New Learn360 Videos for All Grade Levels

Great news! 142 new videos have been added to Learn360, covering a wide range of topics for students from early childhood to high school. These engaging and educational resources can be accessed in Learn360 or OneClick.

📌 Quick Access: Click here to explore a curated selection of just the newly added titles!

This latest collection includes fresh content across multiple subjects, including history, science, technology and social-emotional learning. Here are just a few highlights:

• Six Queens of Henry VIII
• Makematic series (lots of info on computer science and computational thinking)
• Manners Manor is a new series from Baby Einstein
• Elephant Nature Park (Sanctuary)
• Combat Poaching in Southern Africa
• On Safari with Nala series
• Elephant Biologist & Elephant Communication (ChangeMakers)

Cognitive Coaching Level 1 & 2 Courses Offered at Heartland AEA

Effective teaching hinges on strong cognitive skills. Cognitive Coaching enhances these skills, leading to higher student achievement. We're offering two impactful courses:

Cognitive Coaching Level 1: Foundational Skills
Focus: Planning, listening, questioning, reflection.
Dates: April 22-23 & April 29-30, 2025
Location: Heartland AEA, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, IA
Registration link


Cognitive Coaching Level 2: Advanced Strategies
Focus: Problem-solving, refining coaching tools, facilitating conversations.
Dates: June 12-13 & June 23-24, 2025
Location: Heartland AEA, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, IA
Registration link

Both courses are approved for Evaluator Approval.

See the Cognitive Coaching Course Flyer for more information.

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 Ahead: Secure Your Heartland AEA Services for 2025-26

As you’re planning for the 2025-26 school year, we want to thank you for partnering with Heartland AEA to support your students, staff and schools. Our team is committed to providing high-quality services that meet your needs, and early planning helps ensure we have the staff and resources available to serve you effectively.

To streamline your service requests, please use this Service Request Form to order your services. Here’s a quick guide on key deadlines:

Submit Now

To ensure proper staffing and scheduling, we encourage you to submit requests as soon as possible for:
✔ Contracts for AEA services
✔ Specific service providers
✔ Professional development dates

By the End of March

To continue receiving seamless support, please submit additional requests by the end of March for:
✔ Print and Digital Resources
✔ AEA Learning Online
✔ Technology Support
✔ Critical Incident Response

Your proactive planning helps us provide the best possible service to your district. Thank you for your continued partnership—we look forward to working with you in the upcoming school year!

Streamline Math Curriculum Success with Heartland AEA’s Support

Heartland AEA's mathematics consultants partner with districts and schools to ensure successful math curriculum implementation. We provide comprehensive support throughout the entire process, from initial exploration to full and sustained classroom integration. We work alongside school leaders, understanding that strong collaboration and supports are crucial for successful curriculum implementation.

Partner with Heartland AEA for Math Success
We understand the challenges of implementing new math curricula. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized support tailored to your district's unique needs. We are committed to helping you achieve your math goals and improve student achievement.

Let’s Build Your Custom Plan!
Reach out today to explore how we can support your district or school math goals.

Contact Crista Carlile, Service for Fee Team Leader, ccarlile@heartlandaea.org to schedule a consultation.

WATCH: Strengthening Student Wellbeing - The PCM & Heartland AEA Partnership

Part of our mission statement reads, "𝗧𝗼 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹-𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵..."

By providing social, emotional and behavioral health services to districts like PCM Community School District, our staff is working hard to improve the well-being of children and youth!

PCM dug in and determined the district needed to do more to support its students from a mental health standpoint. From a needs assessment to professional learning for school counselors to Youth Mental Health First Aid training for teachers, the district has relied on Heartland AEA to provide the district with solutions to improve the support it provides to students.

Cognitive Coaching Level 1 & 2 Courses Offered at Heartland AEA

Effective teaching hinges on strong cognitive skills. Cognitive Coaching enhances these skills, leading to higher student achievement. We're offering two impactful courses:

Cognitive Coaching Level 1: Foundational Skills
Focus: Planning, listening, questioning, reflection.
Dates: April 22-23 & April 29-30, 2025
Location: Heartland AEA, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, IA
Registration link

Cognitive Coaching Level 2: Advanced Strategies
Focus: Problem-solving, refining coaching tools, facilitating conversations.
Dates: June 12-13 & June 23-24, 2025
Location: Heartland AEA, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, IA
Registration link

Both courses are approved for Evaluator Approval.

See the Cognitive Coaching Course Flyer for more information.

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

 

Join the HAA Meeting on March 4

The next HAA meeting will be held in person on March 4 from 9 - 11:30 a.m. at Heartland AEA, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston. The agenda will feature:

• Learning session on changes to the open meeting laws with Siobhan Schneider from IASB
• Review of Special Education Finance Documents with Matt Cretsinger from the Iowa Dept. of Education
• Regional Planning Partnership update from Sue Schirmer, Heartland AEA Professional Learning and Leadership Consultant

At 10:30 a.m., the meeting will transition to a zoom option for a legislative update with Dave Daughton and other educational partnership updates.

District Service Plan Meetings & Order Forms: What You Need to Know

Heartland AEA is currently scheduling District Service Plan (DSP) meetings to help districts plan for the 2025-26 school year. If you haven’t signed up for your meeting, please take a moment to review and select from the available times.

Service Order Form Coming Soon
Following the completion of your DSP meeting, you will receive a service request form. This form is essential for outlining your service needs for the upcoming school year and includes sections for:

• Service for Fee
• Media Services
• Technology Services
• AEA Learning Online
• Critical Response Teams

We look forward to supporting your 2025-26 planning efforts!

Curriculum Network to Meet March 7

The Curriculum Network will convene on March 7. The meeting will cover information from the Iowa Department of Education, the process for adding assessments (presented by Kim Curry from FAST/Renaissance), and strategies for supporting language comprehension (led by Wendy Robinson).

Supporting Multilingual English Learners: Language vs. Learning Differences

Distinguishing between language acquisition challenges and learning disabilities in multilingual English learners is crucial. Heartland AEA offers an evidence-based coaching cycle to help schools make informed decisions and implement targeted support.

Our EL consultants assist school teams by:

• reviewing student data
• identifying learning barriers
• evaluating interventions

We provide:

• structured data analysis
• ongoing coaching

Contact us today to learn more!
Cindra Porter, Heartland AEA EL/Diversity Consultant
cporter@heartlandaea.org

WATCH: Perry Schools See Literacy Gains Through Coaching

Ongoing coaching and consulting after professional learning are essential for teachers! See how educators in the Perry Community Schools are thriving with expert coaching—and how students with disabilities are making strides in literacy as a result.

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

 

Mark Your Calendar for the HAA March 4, 2025

The next HAA meeting will be held in person on March 4 from 9 - 11:30 a.m. at Heartland AEA, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, Conference Rooms 107AB. The agenda will feature a learning session on changes to the open meeting laws with Siobhan Schneider from IASB and a Regional Planning Partnership update from Sue Schirmer, Heartland AEA Professional Learning and Leadership Consultant. At 10:30 a.m., the meeting will transition to a zoom option for a legislative update with Dave Daughton and other educational partnership updates.

A Sweet Reward for Being Our Customer - 14% off printing

Our Creative Services team is offering a sweet deal as a thank you to our educator and district staff partners. We're offering a one time use discount of 14% off your entire Creative Services printing order.

Enter the promo code SWEET14 on the payment screen and click Apply before paying for your order.

Promotion code available for one time use only. Offer available until Feb. 28, 2025. Offer only available on new orders. Offer not available for Braille or custom graphic design orders.

And check out our Creative Services newsletter for featured products, Valentine Day ideas, Portrait of a Graduate graphics and lamination services.

Boost Literacy Success in Your Schools with AEA Implementation Support

Looking to improve literacy outcomes? Our Literacy Implementation Support services equip educators with the tools, strategies and resources needed to drive student success. We offer tailored support for classroom instruction, curriculum adoption and literacy interventions to create lasting, evidence-based improvements.

Why Choose Heartland AEA?

We work with you to refine goals, analyze data and implement effective literacy practices. Our services include:

✔ Science of Reading training
✔ Structured Literacy & Dyslexia Support
✔ LETRS Training & Curriculum Implementation
✔ MTSS Literacy Support (Tier 1-3)
✔ Cross-Content & Evidence-Based Writing Practices
✔ Data-Driven Decision Making
✔ New Teacher & Leadership Development
✔ Customized Professional Learning Plans

✔ And more!

Let’s Build Stronger Literacy Together

We’re here to help. Contact us today to learn how we can tailor our support to your school’s needs!

Susie Meade 

Chief Academic Officer

smeade@heartlandaea.org 

(515) 473-6689

Plan Ahead for Your Learning and Professional Development Needs

As you plan for professional learning opportunities for the remainder of this school year and the next, remember that we’re just a click away to support you. Each district has a designated contact who can allocate resources and guide you through the simple process of requesting services.

To ensure you receive the support you need, we encourage you to submit your requests as soon as possible. Looking ahead to the 2025-26 school year, we anticipate fewer providers, making early planning even more essential. Secure your spot now to maximize available resources for your district.

If you have any questions, please reach out—we’re here to help! 

WATCH: Heartland AEA/DMPS Instructional Tech Partnership

𝙋𝘼𝙍𝙏𝙉𝙀𝙍𝙎𝙃𝙄𝙋 = a collaborative relationship where individuals or groups come together, united by shared goals and mutual respect, to combine their strengths, resources and perspectives.

It’s built on trust, communication and a commitment to work together for a common purpose, creating something greater than what could be achieved alone. 

This is the perfect description of the partnership between Des Moines Public Schools and Heartland AEA to assist the district in reimagining instructional technology in its classrooms.

The proof will ultimately be in the pudding, but the partnership is off to a sweet start!

Check Out the February Digital Learning Newsletter: Day of AI Workshop & More!

In this issue of the Heartland AEA Digital Learning Newsletter: 

• Join us for Day of AI Workshop on Feb. 18
• Trying to Navigate the world of AI with students?
• Scholastic Story Starters K-6
• Digital Learning Day: Feb. 13, 2025
• Library Tool of the Month!
• Tool Time With the Tech Team: Canvas Tools Khanmigo

Heartland AEA Library & Digital Resources: Gamma, Learn 360 Updates, New Resources

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

• Lots of Reading, Viewing, and Listening Going On!
• What!? -- Gamma
• New Videos in Learn 360 & Accessibility Features
• Iowa's AEAs Portfolio of Services 2025-26
• Reminder: New Digital Resources for a Fee in 2025-26
• Professional Reading

Looking for a Rewarding Role in Education? Become a Paraeducator!

Do you have an interest in education and a passion for helping students? Do you want a flexible work schedule and to play a role in helping your community? Consider becoming a paraeducator!

There are still a few sessions available during winter and spring!

Learn more and register today! Courses start Feb. 11.

• One course at a time
• Each course (three) is two sessions
• 4:00-5:00 p.m.
• Online via Zoom

Learn more and register today! https://bit.ly/48doyNV

Check out our Paraeducator Area of Concentration Courses!

• English as a Second Language
• Library, Media & Technology
• Special Needs
• Early Childhood

Postsecondary Reports Released, AEA Support Available to Plan Next Steps

The annual postsecondary reports are complete and have been shared with your superintendent. If you would like assistance or to plan ways to respond to your data, contact Sue Schirmer, Heartland AEA Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant.

𝗦𝗔𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 for our Regional Secondary Transition Fair!

This event is designed to empower students with disabilities and their families as they plan for their futures of living, learning and working after high school.

April 14, 2025
5:30-7:00 p.m.
Waukee Innovative Learning Center

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 Meeting Reminder - Feb. 4

The next HAA meeting will be held via zoom on Feb. 4 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. There will be no in-person meeting. The abbreviated agenda will feature a legislative update and updates from our educational partners. Calendar invitations have been sent that note the adjusted time and include the zoom link.

Join us for the 2025 Day on the Hill with Iowa's AEAs, IASB & SAI on Jan. 27-28, 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”.

We’re Here For All Your Printing and Copying Needs!

Heartland AEA is still here for all your creative services needs from printing and copying to graphic design and laminating! Learn more about our services on our website or order directly at Creative Services Online. It’s fast, easy and all materials are delivered directly to your school!

Our team can create and print instructional materials, displays, posters, wall graphics, brochures – almost anything you need to help students achieve and schools run smoothly!

Our staff focuses on working with you to create and produce items that truly fit you, your students’ and your school’s needs. The possibilities are endless!

Creative Services Online has several great features that will help you save time when requesting materials.

• Upload files straight to print
• Search our offering of ready-made products, some of which can be customized for you/your classroom
• Pay online using a purchase order, credit card or Pcard
• Easily reorder items from “order history”

Learn more about our services on our website or order directly at Creative Service Online. It’s fast, easy and all materials are delivered directly to your school!

Your Guide to Digital Learning: February Highlights for Educators

Stay ahead of the curve in digital learning with this month’s Heartland AEA Digital Learning newsletter! Packed with exciting updates and resources, here’s what you need to know:

• Not too late! Join us for Day of AI Workshop Feb. 18
• Trying to Navigate the world of AI with students?
• Scholastic Story Starters K-6
• Digital Learning Day: Feb. 13, 2025
• Library Tool of the Month!
• Tool Time With the Tech Team

Don’t Miss Out: Heartland AEA Library & Digital Newsletter

Check out the latest updates in the Heartland AEA Library & Digital Newsletter:

• Digital Resource Selection for 2025-26
• MisInfo Day 2025
• Transforming Videos into Lessons with A
• Iowa History Teaching Resources, 3-12
• Tired of CRAAP?

Join Our Upcoming District Career & Academic Plan Workshop

District Career & Academic Planning (DCAP) Workshop
Feb. 20, 2025
8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Heartland AEA, Adel Regional Office, 602 Visions Parkway, Adel, IA

No Zoom link will be available for this session

Improve your DCAPs with a full day of learning and work time. District presenters will share examples of how they have set goals and improved sections of their DCAPs. Bring your team and use RPP funds for subs and mileage. Register Here (one registration per district).

Upcoming Essential Professional Learning Sessions Focus on Students With Significant Cognitive Disabilities

The Heartland AEA Significant Disabilities Leadership team is offering a series of impactful professional learning sessions designed to enhance your instructional practices.

Emergent Literacy Strategies for Students on Alternate Assessment
April 15, 16 & May 6
8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Dr, Johnston

Conventional Literacy Strategies for Students on Alternate Assessment
April 15, 18 & May 7
8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Dr, Johnston

Emergent Mathematical Strategies for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities (Alternate Assessment)
April 23, 25 & 30
8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Dr, Johnston

Conventional Mathematical Strategies for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities (Alternate Assessment)
April 23 & May 2
8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Dr, Johnston

Don't miss this opportunity to:

• Gain valuable insights and practical strategies.
• Make a real difference in the lives of your students.

Space is limited, so register today!

Iowa Department of Education Seeks Input on Career & Technical Education

The Iowa Department of Education encourages you to share observations, experiences and insights on career and technical education (CTE) in Iowa. The input the DE receives will help develop Iowa’s next 4-year state plan required under the federal Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, commonly referred to as Perkins V. Your feedback is essential to developing CTE programs that meet the needs of students, educators, employers and the community. This survey engages key stakeholders as outlined in the Perkins V federal legislation during the DE’s Perkins V State Plan Review/Revision Process: Perkins V Stakeholder Survey. This survey will close at the end of business on Feb. 7.

Superintendent and Education Leaders Update Jan. 2025

The Jan. 2025 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

 

Superintendent Update January 2025

Welcome to Iowa’s AEAs January 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:

• Preparing for a Successful 2025-26 School Year
• Iowa's AEAs Partner with Zoom to Support Schools with Cloud-Based Phone Services
• Place Your Winter Paper Buy: Big Savings and a Wide Selection!

Planning Ahead for 2025-26: Collaborating to Support Teachers and Students

Last spring, AEA administrators collaborated with district leaders to identify and refine services for the 2024-25 school year, ensuring robust support for teachers and students. Despite the challenges posed by the late legislative session and the significant changes introduced in House File 2612, we worked diligently within a tight timeline to assess 2023-24 services and develop an effective plan for the upcoming school year. Our primary goal remains steadfast: to ensure you feel supported in every aspect of your district's work.

Looking ahead, we are pleased to share that district service planning meetings for the 2025-26 school year will begin in late January and early February. While it may feel early, this proactive approach is essential. Early planning ensures that our meetings are productive, efficient and focused on aligning AEA resources with your district’s priorities. It also provides the necessary time for staff allocation and resource planning to best meet your needs. Please see Iowa's AEAs 2025-26 Portfolio of Services.

Your collaboration and commitment is vital to this process, and we are grateful for your partnership. We look forward to working with you!

Heartland AEA Library & Digital Resources Newsletter Features Research into NotebookLM

The Heartland AEA Library & Digital Resources Newsletter is now available. In this issue:

• Digital Resource and Library Usage
• What!? (Create Your Own Adventure)
• What!? (new NotebookLM features for researchers)
• National News Literacy Week
• New Learn360 Videos
• Professional Reading and Viewing

Make sure you check out the research in the What?! article about NotebookLM!

Join Our Upcoming Postsecondary Success and DCAP Workshops

Postsecondary Success Network: Jan. 16, 8:30-11 a.m. – Strategies to increase FAFSA completion featuring Erik Danielson from ICAN and Danielle Sampson and Elizabeth Yaddoff from Iowa College Aid. Also hear district success stories. District teams can join in person Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston or via Zoom. Postsecondary Success Network Agenda 

District Career & Academic Planning (DCAP) Workshop: Feb. 20, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. – Improve your DCAPs with a full day of learning and work time. District presenters will share examples of how they have set goals and improved sections of their DCAPs. Bring your team and use RPP funds for subs and mileage. Register Here (one registration per district)