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.