Our Mission
To provide services and leadership, in partnership with families, schools and communities, that improve the learning outcomes and well-being of all children and youth.

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

Superintendents: HAA Meeting Sept. 2

The first Heartland Administrators’ Association meeting of the 2014-15 school year will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 2 in Room 107 A & B of the Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center (6500 Corporate Drive) and will begin at 9:00 a.m. with brunch, followed by the meeting at 9:30 a.m. The agenda and handouts are posted on the HAA Google Site.

Curriculum Network Meeting: Sept. 5

The first Curriculum Network meeting of the 2014-15 school year will be held on Friday, Sept. 5 in Rooms 107 A & B of the Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center (6500 Corporate Drive) and will begin at 8:30 a.m. The agenda and handouts will be posted on the Curriculum Network Google Site.

Paraeducator Competency Changes, New Curriculum Coming

The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners recently changed the competencies for the Paraeducator Generalist Certification and the Area of Concentration-Special Needs Paraeducator. As a result of those competency changes, a statewide group was formed to write new curriculum aligned with the changes. This work is wrapping up and will now be consistent across the state. Heartland AEA will continue to provide a hybrid (on-line and face-to-face) training for paraeducators currently employed by districts. Because of the changes, the course will not be ready for training to begin until late September or early October. Please contact your regional director or the professional learning and leadership consultant that serves your district for more information.

Teacher Librarian Professional Learning Day on Sept. 29

Please consider passing the following opportunity on to your district’s teacher librarians. We have an exciting day set aside for teacher librarians! Register for our annual teacher librarian professional development day! Topics include school library survey data, digital citizenship, our new SUPER Search tool, netTrekker, Teachingbooks.net and resources to reach reluctant readers. Plus, the opportunity to network with fellow teacher librarians from area schools! Register through the Heartland AEA professional development catalog.

ESL/ELL Opportunities for 2014-15

Welcome back to a promising school year! We are pleased to have our newest ELL team member, Janet Hiatt, on board. She is working hard as your ESL/Diversity Consultant at the Johnston Regional Education Center along with Stephaney Jones-Vo. A big shout-out to Pat Latham, our recently retired friend and colleague! 

We have many exciting opportunities to share with administrators and teachers of ELLs as school begins this fall. We encourage your collaboration with general education grade-level and content colleagues. Below you will find a list of classes, (several provide a $200 stipend for participants so bring a team from your school)! Wishing everyone a wonderful school year! 

ESL Updates for Administrators and Teachers of English Learners 
1. Iowa Culture and Language Conference Update 
Plan to send a district team to the Iowa Culture and Language Conference (ICLC) in Coralville, IA on Nov. 11 & 12, 2014. Learn ways to engage ELLs in the classroom and more! Visit the ICLC website to register. Early bird fee: $130 (Reimbursed to districts) 

Check out the additional pre-conferences scheduled for Nov. 10. Register for those sessions separately from the conference. Open now! 

Pre-Conference registration for the day-long session of your choice: $125.00 (Reimbursed to districts) 

Pre-Conference sessions include: 

• Teachers New to the Field of ESL (recommended for first year ESL teachers) 
• English Proficiency Standards 
• Differentiated Instruction and Accelerated Academic Language 
• Secondary ELL Newcomers 
• Literacy Strategies 
• Migrant Education 
• Early Childhood 

2. District support/reimbursement available from Heartland AEA Title III for attendance at ICLC 
Heartland AEA will reimburse districts for early bird registration costs of district staff to the conference, substitute teacher costs and a one-per district stipend of $200 toward expenses. (Participants will be responsible for picking up one district reimbursement claim form, completing it and mailing it to the address listed on the form by Nov. 21. A district administrator must sign the form. The allowable number of teachers/administrators per district is based on the following rough estimates of the district’s ELL enrollment: 

• 0-30 ELLs: 2 
• 31-100 ELLs: 3 
• 101-200 ELLs: 4 
• 201-300 ELLs: 5 
• 301-400 ELLs: 6 
• 401 or more ELLs: 7 

3. Heartland AEA Professional Development Offerings 
Check out the available classes for teachers of English Learners and other diverse learners; some classes provide a $200 stipend from Title III for taking the 2-day class! Go to www.heartlandaea.org and click on “Professional Development catalog” under the Professional Development tab. Enter the activity number to read the class description and to register for your class. 

Engaging ELLs in the Iowa Core Using Sheltered Instruction ($200 stipend) 
Activity Number: ES008492111501 

EL Bridge Online Workshops from the University of Iowa 
Activity Number: 22017699991501 

Coming soon: Engaging ELLs in the Mathematics Classroom ($200 stipend) 

4. TELPA and I-ELDA Assessment Information 
Teachers who administer the TELPA and I-ELDA are required to complete the online certification annually. For more information, visit the Iowa Department of Education ELL webpage and scroll down to TELPA. Remember: the TELPA must be administered as the ELL screener within 30 days of enrollment or within two weeks (14 days) if the student arrives later. 

5. ESL Advisory Group 
This is an invitation to all public and non-public school districts to send a representative or team to the quarterly ESL Advisory group. Come network with ESL colleagues and your Title III ESL consultants, Janet Hiatt and Stephaney Jones-Vo; learn strategies and the newest ESL information, apply for mini-grants for your district, suggest professional development topics and make sure that your Lau Plan is up-to-date. This year’s dates are: 

• Sept. 2, 2014 
• Dec. 4, 2014 
• Feb. 3, 2015 
• May 6, 2015 

All ESL Advisory meetings are 4:00 – 5:00 pm at Heartland AEA’s Johnston Regional Education Center (6500 Corporate Drive). 

We look forward to another great year of working together on behalf of ELLs! 

Stephaney Jones-Vo, ESL/Diversity Consultant sjonesvo@heartlandaea.org 
Janet Hiatt, ESL/Diversity Consultant jhiatt@heartlandaea.org

Updated Information About Iowa’s Alternate Assessment

This letter is a follow up to an Iowa Department of Education email dated May 14, 2014 regarding changes to Iowa’s Alternate Assessment for the 2014-2015 school year. For the 2014-2015 school year, Iowa will administer two different assessments: the Iowa Alternate Assessment Science Alternate Assessment (IAAS) for students in grades 5, 8 and 11 and the Dynamic Learning Maps ELA & Math Alternate Assessments for students in grades 3-8, 10 and 11.

Meet the New Area Superintendents!

Before the first Heartland Administrator Association Meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 2, we’d like to introduce you to some new faces! Below are superintendents new to Heartland AEA’s area or their position who submitted profiles.

Tony Aylsworth, Pleasantville 
Education

• B.A. - Spanish & Secondary Education, University of Iowa, 2003
• M.A. - Educational Leadership, Iowa State University, 2007
• C.A.S. - Superintendent licensure, Iowa State University, 2009
• Ph.D. - Educational Leadership, Iowa State University 2012

Past work experience 

• High School Principal, Carlisle CSD, 2012-2014
• Assistant Principal, Ankeny High School, 2008-2012
• Associate Principal, Oskaloosa High School, 2007-2008
• High School/Middle School Spanish Teacher and Coach, Waukee Community Schools, 2004-2007

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district? 
On a professional level, I felt all the conditions were in place for Pleasantville to become one of the premiere school districts in the state. The district has a wonderful school board, a very strong teaching staff and a supportive community that takes pride in our town and schools. My sense is that all stakeholders of this school district are excited to take the district to the next level. On a personal level, Pleasantville is a community that had caught the eye of my wife and I for quite some time. We knew we wanted to raise our children in a community with a school district where they would have outstanding academic opportunities, but also a place where our kids would be well known and cared for by their teachers and school faculty. Pleasantville was the perfect fit!

What is your vision for your district? 
My vision for the district is to prepare all of our kids to be successful for the next stages of their lives. We plan to accomplish this vision by working as a Professional Learning Community and working with our teachers in focusing on what we teach, how we deliver instruction, how we assess and how we support students through our MTSS model.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time? 
When I'm away from school, I enjoy the outdoors. I particularly enjoy deer hunting and fishing. I'm also an avid sports fan and have gotten back into the habit of reading both professionally and for personal enjoyment. I also enjoy spending time with my family.

Kevin Fiene, Interstate 35 

Education 

• Ed.D. University of Northern Iowa
• M.A.E. University of Northern Iowa
• B.A. Central College

Past work experience 

• Superintendent, East Sac County CSD, 2010-2014
• Associate Professor of Education, Wartburg College, 2001-2010
• High School Principal, Waverly-Shell Rock, 1996-2001
• Secondary Principal, Denver CSD, 1989-1996
• Teacher, Denver CSD, 1979-1989

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district? 
We have always liked this area of the state and knew something about Interstate 35, which made the position appealing; the needs of the district seemed aligned with my personal beliefs. The location also allows us to be close to our three children and one grandchild!

What is your vision for the district? 
Like everyone, we want Interstate 35 to be the district everyone else wishes they were. However, there is danger in adopting the "ready, fire, aim" philosophy of leadership and change. Consequently we will learn about the district, meet a lot of people, have a lot of conversations and start building relationships prior to forging any kind of specific vision.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time? 
Free time - great concept!!! Actually I enjoy golfing and spending time with family - especially our grandson, Bowen! Everyone said being a grandparent is awesome - they completely undersold the concept!

Corey Lunn, Johnston Community School District 

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Biology Education - Southwest State University, MN
• Master of Science Degree in Biology Education – Mankato State University, MN
• Doctorate in Educational Policy and Administration – University of Minnesota
• School Technology Leadership Certificate, University of Minnesota

Past work experience 

• Superintendent, Stillwater Area Public School District, 2011-2013
• Superintendent, Montgomery-Lonsdale School District, 2007-2011
• High School and Middle School Principal, Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools, 1999-2007
• High School Assistant Principal/Internship, 1997-1999
• Teacher (Grades 7-College Level), 1989-1999

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district? 
Johnston is a growing, vibrant district with a focus on excellence and a track record of student success in the three A’s – academics, arts and athletics. I was very impressed throughout the research and interview process of what was being planned including multiple building projects and a new teacher leadership model. My strengths have always centered on thinking outside of the box, developing and adding programs for students, and I have several experiences in leading building projects. This position also brings my wife and children closer to family in the area. I am very excited about this opportunity to mirror my strengths and abilities with what I perceive are the needs and wishes of the communities and students served by the Johnston Community School District.

What is your vision for your district? 
Although there will no doubt be challenges ahead, there also will be tremendous opportunities. It is my goal to make JCSD a place where we not only honor the successful traditions of the past, but also become known for trying new things, initiating innovative practices and leading student success in the state of Iowa.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time? 
I’m from Minnesota, so of course I like to fish. …We like to fish, we like to camp, we like to garden, we like to travel with our kids and family and just to be with family. During the school year you lose time doing those things and during the summer you’re busy, but there’s more flexibility.

Todd Martin, Baxter Community School District 

Education

• E.D.S. Drake University, 2011
• M.A. University of Iowa, 2005
• B.A. University of Northern Iowa, 1994

Past work experience

• Director of Elementary Schools and Innovation; College Community School District
• Principal; DMPS, Morris Elementary School
• Principal; Morgan County School District RE#3, Green Acres Elementary School
• Middle School Art Teacher; Marion Independent School District, Vernon Middle School
• K-8 Art Teacher; Center Point-Urbana Community School District

Why did you pursue the superintendent position at your district? 
Baxter Community School District is a progressive district located in an amazing community filled with great people. We provide a progressive education that is individualized/personalized to teaching and learning for all students; our community is highly supportive of our school as demonstrated through the multiple partnerships we have built, fortified and sustained (Community Center, Community Library, Daycare/Preschool and Shared Athletics with Collins-Maxwell School District); and our community is full of supportive students, parents/guardians and community members. These are the primary reasons I pursued the superintendent’s role at Baxter CSD.

What is your vision for the district? 
As a collaborator, our mission/vision for the Baxter CSD centers on ensuring students receive an individualized education, meeting their personalized learning needs, in efforts to ensure they are prepared for successful future citizenry. Collectively, our core values align to these aspirations with intentional actions to grow humanistic and systems capital; thus producing increased results or organizational outcomes.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time? 
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my amazing family, engaging in professional reading and enjoying outdoors.

Cassi Murra, Knoxville School District

Education 

• CAS Iowa State University, 2008 
• PreLEAD Iowa State University, 2007
• M.A.E. Viterbo University, 2004
• B. A. The University of Iowa, 1994

Past work experience 

• Superintendent at Grundy Center CSD (2010-2014)
• Middle School Principal at Grundy Center CSD (2008-2010)
• Middle School Principal at AGWSR (2007-2008)
• Director of School Improvement at AGWSR (2004-2008)
• Middle School Lang Arts Teacher at AGWSR (2000-2005)
• 2nd/3rd Grade Teacher at Dike-New Hartford (1996-1999)

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district? 
Knoxville CSD provides new opportunities for me as a district leader. After working in 1A districts, I am looking forward to working with a larger administrative team, staff and supportive community to find new ways to enhance the educational experience of our students and families.

What is your vision for your district? 
Our motto is “Providing Opportunities—Committed to Success.” As a leadership team, we will be developing a strategic plan that will focus on expanding academic opportunities that ensure all students are successful based on local measures and state-wide standards.
 
What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time? 
I enjoy attending student events, especially those in which my two sons, Ethan and Caleb, participate. As a family, we also like to kayak, fish, travel and spend time with extended family and friends. Traveling, reading and watching movies are other personal favorites.

Rich Powers, Bondurant-Farrar School District 

Education 

• B.A. and M.A. from the University of Northern Iowa
• Doctorate from Loyola University-Chicago

Past work experience 
8 years as principal of Cedar Falls high school, 12 years in the Chicago suburbs at Rolling Meadows, Palatine and Fremd high school. I served in a variety of positions including assistant principal, dean of students, department chair and teacher.

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district? 
It is a great community and district with unlimited potential personally as well as professionally.

What is your vision for your district? 
Our goals are focused on enhancing learning opportunities for all students, having great facilities for our growing student population and making sure we continue to hire and retain the very best people in all areas of our organization.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
Spending time with my wonderful wife and our two children!

Art Sathoff, Indianola Community School District

Mr. Sathoff grew up in Iowa Falls, Iowa and attended Wartburg College in Waverly, where he earned a B.A. in English Education and was a four-year basketball letter winner. Upon graduation he taught and coached in the small Northwest Missouri district of Fairfax for two years. In 1990 Mr. Sathoff and his wife, Cindy, were married and moved back to Iowa, where Mr. Sathoff taught, coached and served in various administrative positions in the Pekin district for nineteen years. Mr. Sathoff earned an M.A. in English Literature from UNI and principal licensure and an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership from Drake University during this time. In 2009, Mr. Sathoff moved to Fairfield Community School District as high school principal, a position he held for two years before moving to the superintendent role for three years. Mr. Sathoff also pastored a church in Fairfield for two years after becoming a commissioned minister.

Indianola CSD provides a unique opportunity to serve in a district which maintains a community feel while having steady enrollment and city resources. Mr. Sathoff is excited to join the district and return to a community that he visited often as a child. His great uncle, Arthur Eady, served the district with distinction for 29 years. In his spare time Mr. Sathoff enjoys reading, dining out and walking with his wife of 24 years, following his younger son's college basketball career, and visiting with his older son and other family and friends. Indianola CSD's vision, "Proud Traditions. . . . Unlimited Possibilities," resonates with Mr. Sathoff. There are many good things to celebrate and hold onto in Indianola, but the district strives for continuous improvement as well. Mr. Sathoff looks forward to working with Heartland AEA's staff and area superintendents in those efforts.

Glenn Vos, Des Moines Christian 
Education 

• BA - Calvin College Grand Rapids MI
• MA - Math Education - U of Minn
• MA - Education Administration - Cal State Fullerton - Fullerton, California

Past work experience 

• Teacher - Unity Chr High - Orange City IA, Ontario Chr High - Ontario California (1984 - 1989)
• Principal - Unity Chr High - Orange City IA, Ontario Chr High - Ontario, California (1989 - 1997)
• Supt - Holland Christian Schools - Holland MI (1997 - 2014)

Why did you pursue the superintendent position at your district? 
This is an interim position as the school is in a transition period after long-time leader Dr. Bob Stouffer moved to another position. After I retired after 44 years in Education and 30 in school administration, this opportunity arose at DMCS to assist the school during this time of transition and to provide assistance in discovering the leader for the school for the next chapter of the DMCS story. This is the community where both of our children reside and the school where our grandchildren attend so it had some natural appeal and there was a vested interest for us for the school to be forward-looking and engaged in prepared students for the future.

What is your vision for the district? 
To build a new "house" on the old "foundation" - in other words to build upon the wonderful heritage and foundational principles that have guided the school for 60 years and yet understand that education delivery is changing and we must make sure that our students are well equipped academically and whose faith is nurtured and developed so that they are prepared to go make a difference in the world in God's name.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
Reading, gardening, traveling, and mentoring new leader.

Tom Ward, Coon Rapids-Bayard School District 

Education 

• BSE Northeast Missouri State, Kirksville, MO (1975)
• Masters in Administration Lindenwood University, St. Charles, MO (1999)
• Education Specialists Lindenwood University, St. Charles, MO (2001)
• Ph.D. K-12 Leadership Capella University, Minneapolis, MN (2009)

Past work experience 

• 2011-Present IKM-Manning CSD Superintendent
• 2008-2011 Superintendent Montgomery County R-II, Missouri
• 2004-2008 Superintendent LaPlata R-II, Missouri
• 2003-2004 Assistant Superintendent Sullivan C-II, Missouri
• 1999-2003 Iron County C-4 Principal (99-01) Superintendent (01-03)
• 1975-1999 Teacher, Coach, AD, At-Risk Coordinator, Administrative Assistant

Why did you pursue the superintendent position at your district? 
The Coon Rapids-Bayard District is very similar to IKM-Manning, with many of the same problems facing small rural districts. With the location of the two, the potential is there for collaboration of staff and to share resources that enhance student learning.

What is your vision for the district? 
To develop a strong collaborative relationship with my board, staff, students and patrons with the focus on student learning and to always remember that nothing is ever wasted on a child.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time? 
I enjoy spending as much time with my wife camping, hiking and as much time as we can get with the grandkids and our two miniature dachshunds. Enjoy hunting and spending time in the field with my English Setters. 

Doug Wheeler, Saydel School District 

Education 

• BA - Western Illinois University 
• MEd - Iowa State University 
• CAS - Iowa State University 

Past work experience 

• 13 Years - Des Moines Schools - Hoover High School 
• 5 Years - teacher 
• 1 Year - Vice Principal 
• 7 Years - Principal 

Why did you pursue the superintendent position at your district? 
Saydel is the best-kept secret in the Metro. It is large enough to provide great opportunities for students and small enough to provide a personal experience for students and families. The recent focus on teacher leadership using the TAP system is strong evidence of a commitment to innovation and systemic growth. 

What is the vision for the district? 
My personal vision for Saydel is that it will be a destination district for families and staff. 

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time? 
In my spare time, I play and listen to music and enjoy hiking and nature.

Student Invitation to the United States Senate Youth Program

The state of Iowa has accepted an invitation to participate in the U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP), sponsored by the William Randolph Heart Foundation. The program is designed to give young Americans a working knowledge of American political life. 

Each year two Iowa students have the opportunity to spend a week in Washington, D.C. The William Randolph Heart Foundation pays all expenses. In addition, the two Iowa high school representatives each receive a $5,000 scholarship. 

Selection of the two Iowa high school representatives is based on the outstanding ability and demonstrated leadership qualities of elected junior and senior high school student officers for the 2014-15 school year. 

Each high school may nominate up to three students. Student application materials are available on the Iowa Department of Education U.S. Senate Youth Program webpage. 

Please submit the completed applications to Linda Hoobin, Heartland AEA USSYP contact, at the Johnston AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, AIA by 4:00 p.m. on October 3, 2014. Nominees will take a qualifying examination on October 15, 2014 in Conference Room 125 at the Johnston AEA REC on the U.S. Constitution and government. The award recipients will be announced in December. 

Contact your AEA USSYP contact, Linda Hoobin (lhoobin@heartlandaea.org) or Stephanie Rosenberg Wager (stefanie.wager@iowa.gov) at the Iowa Department of Education for information.

Our Mission
To provide services and leadership, in partnership with families, schools and communities, that improve the learning outcomes and well-being of all children and youth.

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

Schedules for Heartland AEA Leadership Networks

Heartland Administrators’ Association (HAA) 
The Heartland Administrators’ Association (HAA) meets from 9:00 to 11:50 a.m. on the first Tuesday of every month, September through May, in Rooms 107A & B of Heartland AEA’s Johnston Regional Education Center (6500 Corporate Drive). The agenda items are both informational and professional learning driven for superintendents. The Superintendent Advisory Council and Heartland AEA personnel, including the chief administrator, jointly plan the meetings. 

The meeting dates for 2014-15 are the following:

• September 2, 2014
• October 7, 2014
• November 4, 2014
• December 2, 2014
• January 6, 2015
• February 3, 2015
• March 3, 2015
• April 7, 2015
• May 5, 2015 

Join us on September 2 for a Welcome Back Brunch!

September 2 Meeting Agenda

For meeting agendas, handouts and other important documents, visit:

• HAA Google Site

Superintendent Advisory Council
The Superintendent Advisory Council is comprised of elected area superintendents and meets quarterly from 7:45 to 8:45 a.m. in Room 109 of the Johnston Regional Education Center.

The meeting dates for 2014-15 are the following:

• September 2, 2014
• December 2, 2014
• March 3, 2015
• May 5, 2015

Membership
Region 1                    Kathy Elliott, Panorama, Chair
Region 2                    Lynn Ubben, Perry
Region 3                    Delane Galvin, Southeast Warren and Melcher Dallas
Region 4                    Thomas Ahart, Des Moines
Region 5                    Lisa Remy, West Des Moines
Region 6                    Doug Stilwell, Urbandale
Region 7                    TBA
Region 8                    Shane Ehresman, Lynnville-Sully
Non Public Schools      Glenn Vos, Des Moines Christian
Community Colleges   Rob Denson, DMACC

Curriculum Network
The Curriculum Network meets from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on the first Friday of every month, September through June, in Rooms 107A & B at the Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center (6500 Corporate Drive).

The meeting dates for 2014-15 are the following:

• September 5, 2014
• October 3, 2014
• November 7, 2014
• December 5, 2014
• January 9, 2015
• February 6, 2015
• March 6, 2015
• April 3, 2015
• May 1, 2015
• June 5, 2015 

Go to the Curriculum Network Google Site for meeting agendas, handouts and other important documents. 

For more information about the Curriculum Network, contact your regional director or Kevin Fangman, Executive Director of Learning & Leadership, at kfangman@heartlandaea.org or (800) 255-0405 ext. 14374.

Counselor & At-Risk Site Visit Preparation Workshop

Are you wondering what is included in the Iowa Department of Education Site Visit with regard to school counseling programs and at-risk programs? Join Beth Happe, School Improvement Consultant from the Department of Education, and Sue Schirmer, Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant at Heartland AEA, for a three-hour workshop on Sept. 17 in preparing your K-12 school counseling and at-risk programs for the DE Site Visit. Registration is available through the Heartland AEA Professional Development catalog.

Iowa ASCD Fall Institute to Feature Dr. Nell Duke: “K-3 Literacy: Implementing the Core”

Mark your calendars now and register for Iowa ASCD’s Fall Institute with Dr. Nell Duke. 

"K-3 Literacy: Implementing the Core" 

Sept. 19, 2014
9:00 A.M. - 3:30 P.M.
Olmsted Center, Drake University

Learn how to:

• increase student motivation in literacy
• help K-3 students demonstrate the Iowa Core literacy standards
• organize reading and writing around real purposes for kids, including project-based learning 

Registration is available on the Iowa ASCD website. The fee is $125 for members and $170 for non-members. 

All participants will receive the book Inside Information: Developing Powerful Readers and Writers of Informational Text through Project-Based Instruction. 

The dissemination of information from external organizations by Heartland AEA does not imply sponsorship or endorsement of the information. It is being passed on to our stakeholders for its educational value.

Reminder: Digging Deeper into Chapter 62/ELI: Support for District & Building Leadership

Heartland AEA will be offering a professional learning opportunity focused on early elementary reading as it pertains to Chapter 62 requirements. These sessions will be held Sept. 11-25, 2014 at various locations across the Heartland AEA region. The targeted audience includes school administrators, curriculum coordinators, coaches and student services coordinators. These sessions will include presentation of most recent information, review of new guidance documents and discussion of current questions and sharing processes being used by participants to meet Chapter 62 requirements. Areas of coverage include: 

• What does “at risk of substantial deficiency” mean and what is required? 
• What does “substantially deficient” mean and what is required? 
• Discussion of the relationship between substantially deficient and suspicion of a disability. 
• Parent notification. 
• Progress monitoring and monitoring requirements. 
• Data-based decisions based on monitoring data. 
• Considerations around implementation fidelity. 

These meetings are sponsored by Heartland AEA and will be facilitated by Randy Allison and Martha Condon. 

Here is the registration information.

Reminder: Assessing Academic Rigor Offered in September & October

The next session of Assessing Academic Rigor is now available for registration in the Heartland AEA Professional Development Catalog. The dates are September 23, 30, October 14 & 21, 2014. This course is required for school administrators (superintendents, central office administration, building principals, assistant principals, etc.) and other educational leaders responsible for evaluating educators who are renewing their licenses.

Early Bird Registration Available for November Iowa Culture & Language Conference

Iowa Culture & Language Conference
Nov. 10-12, 2014
Coralville-Marriott Hotel and Conference Center

Conference Registration Rate
Pre-Registration (early bird): Aug. 1 to Sept. 30, 2014 -- $130.00
After Oct. 1, 2014, the rate goes up to $150.00.

Visit the Iowa Culture & Language Conference website to register!

I Have A Plan Iowa to be Phased Out by May 2015

Over the past several years, the Iowa College Student Aid Commission (Iowa College Aid) provided the web-based tool, I Have A Plan Iowa®, to assist students in career and post-secondary exploration and planning. Due to recent federal funding cuts, Iowa College Aid is no longer in a financial position to fund I Have A Plan Iowa®, or any successor system, after the contract expires on May 30, 2015. The I Have A Plan Iowa® system will remain available and maintained through the 2014-15 academic year; however, Iowa College Aid will no longer provide regular onsite training for the program. 

Iowa College Aid will provide web-based resources, including training materials and recorded webinars, to assist educators using the system during the 2014-15 academic year. In addition, phone support will be provided by both Iowa College Aid and the system vendor, XAP Corporation, through the current contract expiration date of May 30, 2015. In order to better assess your training needs for I Have A Plan Iowa®, you are invited to complete a survey. Please complete the survey by August 27 and feel free to forward this message to others who may have I Have A Plan Iowa® training needs. 

In the meantime, the following services will be available to districts during the 2014-15 academic year: 

• XAP will provide toll-free phone support at 800-281-1168 from 7 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays and other non-business days. XAP will assist with technical assistance, account creation, password resets and system troubleshooting.
• Iowa College Aid will provide support for non-technical questions at 877-272-4456 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays and other non-business days. 
• The Iowa Department of Education will address compliance questions at 515-281-3169 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays and other non-business days. 
• XAP will provide email support at tech-support@xap.com. XAP will attempt to respond to all e-mails received prior to 10 a.m. CST within the same business day. E-mails received after that time or on non-business days will receive a response by the end of the following business day. 
• Release notes on system updates will be shared as applicable. 
• A new menu of training resources for educators and other staff will be available on the I Have A Plan Iowa® Educator page, including recorded webinars, guides and handouts. A limited number of training opportunities will be announced in early fall based on the results of the training survey. 

The changes outlined above do not rescind the Student Curriculum Plan requirements for career and educational planning, as outlined in Iowa Code section 279.61. The Iowa Department of Education is exploring options for ensuring appropriate student education and career planning beyond the 2014-15 academic year. 

Iowa College Aid thanks you for your role in preparing Iowa students for career and education beyond high school. 

The dissemination of information from external organizations by Heartland AEA does not imply sponsorship or endorsement of the information. It is being passed on to our stakeholders for its educational value.

DMACC Surplus Items for Sale

Des Moines Area Community College has surplus items available. The surplus items are free and are available for pick up. If you are interested in any of the below items, please contact Julie Klocke, DMACC Purchasing, at jaklocke1@dmacc.edu. 

• Booths and Tables: 24 total bench seats and 12 48 x 30 tables 
• Round Tables: 12 round tables 42 in diameter 
• Computer Chairs: 12 Green computer chairs with arms and wheels 

Greetings!

On behalf of Heartland Area Education Agency, I’d like to extend a warm 'welcome back' to the new school year to all of you. I hope you join us in our excitement for the start of another school year. We look forward to the opportunity to partner with you as we continue to focus on services that impact student learning and well-being.

I invite you to make use of this Heartland AEA Administrator Connection blog. The Administrator Connection is updated every Friday (excluding holidays and summer vacation) to inform area superintendents, principals, curriculum directors and other school leaders of important announcements, agency news and professional development opportunities. The Administrator Connection provides you with a way to share ideas, provide feedback and exchange information with each other.

Please do not hesitate to contact your regional director or me with questions, comments and suggestions at any time. Let's make this an impactful year!

Take care,

Paula Vincent 
Chief Administrator 
(800) 255-0405 ext. 14314 
pvincent@heartlandaea.org

Digging Deeper into Chapter 62/ELI: Support for District & Building Leadership

Heartland AEA will be offering a professional learning opportunity focused on early elementary reading as it pertains to Chapter 62 requirements. These sessions will be held Sept. 11-25, 2014 at various locations across the Heartland AEA region. The targeted audience includes school administrators, curriculum coordinators, coaches and student services coordinators. These sessions will include presentation of most recent information, review of new guidance documents and discussion of current questions and sharing processes being used by participants to meet Chapter 62 requirements. Areas of coverage include: 

• What does “at risk of substantial deficiency” mean and what is required? 
• What does “substantially deficient” mean and what is required? 
• Discussion of the relationship between substantially deficient and suspicion of a disability. 
• Parent notification. 
• Progress monitoring and monitoring requirements. 
• Data-based decisions based on monitoring data. 
• Considerations around implementation fidelity. 

These meetings are sponsored by Heartland AEA and will be facilitated by Randy Allison and Martha Condon. 

Here is the registration information.

Assessing Academic Rigor Offered in September & October

The next session of Assessing Academic Rigor is now available for registration in the Heartland AEA Professional Development Catalog. The dates are September 23, 30, October 14 & 21, 2014. This course is required for school administrators (superintendents, central office administration, building principals, assistant principals, etc.) and other educational leaders responsible for evaluating educators who are renewing their licenses.

Did You Hire New Registered School Nurse This Year? We Have Training Opportunities for You!

Heartland AEA will offer two classes to help train your new school nurse. 

New School Nurse Moodle (Online) 
Beginning Sept. 1, the year-long Moodle-based class opens to school nurses hired after September of 2013. Registration is mandatory, but the class is free. Credit toward nurse license renewal (1.2 CEUs) is optional for a flat fee of $25. Topics to be covered include: 

• Nursing delegation of health procedures to paraprofessionals 
• Instruction on how to write an individual health plan (IHP) 
• Instructions on how to conduct health evaluations and screenings for special education 
• Understanding special health services and the IEP 
• Medicaid billing and the role of the school nurse 
• Section 504 and the nurse as a team member 
• Heartland AEA resources available to assist nurses 
• Confidentiality and FERPA 

This flyer contains additional information as well as information on how to register.

Student Vision Screening Certification Class (Live) 
This class meets criteria set by the new vision screening law. Held Sept. 5, 2014 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., this live class will be taught by a certified Prevent Blindness Iowa trainer and will result in vision screening certification for the RN. The class will also include an “on site” practice session held in a local elementary school. The class is free but .45 CEUs are available for a fee of $15. Space is limited. 

This flyer contains additional information as well as information on how to register.

Special Pricing on Rosetta Stone Now Through Aug. 21!

Rosetta Stone is continuing its partnership with the Iowa Educators Consortium (IEC), offering you the opportunity to continue or create language learning in your school with their online software. But hurry! Renewals and new licenses must be secured by Aug. 21 for a Sept. 1 start date! 

Rosetta Stone has been proven beneficial in world language initiatives and ESL/ELL efforts, as well as being a trusted resource for existing teachers and independent or advanced learners. 

To learn more about Rosetta Stone in the classroom, click here. 

To read case studies from educators just like you, click here. 

IEC pricing is $75 per online subscription. Additional savings are available for multi-year contracts. 

For license renewals, contact Shannon Rankin at 800.788.0822 ext. 7708 or srankin@rosettastone.com. For new accounts, contact Rene Nicolle Murphy at 800.788.0822 ext. 7712 or rmurphy@rosettastone.com.

Participation Guidelines for Iowa’s Alternate Assessment Now Available

Iowa’s Participation Guidelines for determining which students should be taking Iowa’s Alternate Assessment are now available. This document will help IEP teams make determinations for the 2014-2015 school year. Students are no longer allowed to split between Assessment tests; they either need to take all of their assessments through Alternate Assessment or all through the Iowa Assessments.

IEC Update: Chromebooks are Now Available!

The Iowa Educators Consortium (IEC), in partnership with Midwest Computer Products and MNJ Technologies, is pleased to announce that Chromebooks have now been added to the spring line item bid!

The Acer C720 11.6” model is available from Midwest Computer Products for $271.17. The HP Chromebook 14” model is available from MNJ Technologies for $316.83. Both models include the Google management license at no additional cost. Extras such as additional memory and ‘white glove service’ plans are also available at reduced rates.

Ordering information and complete details are available in this flyer, or you may contact Robert Ogan, IEC Technology Coordinator, at rogan@iec-ia.org.

Information Regarding Educational Services Available for Children From Central America Who Have Recently Crossed the U.S./Mexico Border

From the U.S. Department of Education’s Heartland Communications and Outreach Team 

We have received inquiries regarding the educational services available for the children from Central America who have recently crossed the U.S. - Mexico border. 

The U.S. Department of Education is in close communication with the other agencies, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, leading the federal response to the humanitarian situation on the border and have created the fact sheet available at www.ed.gov/unaccompaniedchildren. The fact sheet provides information to help education leaders better understand the responsibilities of States and local educational agencies (LEAs) in connection with such students, and the existing resources available to help educate all immigrant students. The third page also contains frequently asked questions. 

The internal team Secretary Duncan has tasked with tracking the inquiries being received from the field will continue to monitor this situation as it evolves and the new school year approaches.