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

Update on Microsoft Settlement: Application Window Approaching

There is now a second round of the Microsoft settlement which provides funding to many schools in Iowa targeted at improving early literacy. Up to $70 per student is guaranteed. Visit the DE's Microsoft Settlement webpage for more information, including lists of eligible schools and the PowerPoint from recent informational webinars.

The application window runs from Nov. 10 through Dec. 19. During this window, there will be a Microsoft Settlement button on the DE's portal where you will submit your application.

If you have questions, contact John O'Connell at john.oconnell@mchsi.com.

Heartland AEA Staff & Schools Directory Now Available

Download a PDF version of the 2014-15 Staff & Schools Directory. Heartland AEA no longer prints bound copies of the directory to be more environmentally friendly and budget conscious.

Also please keep in mind that Heartland AEA has an online staff directory. This electronic directory contains the most up-to-date information about Heartland staff members. To access this directory, visit our homepage and click on the “STAFF DIRECTORY” link on the top right hand side of the page. You may search for Heartland staff members by last name, position or by the school districts they serve.

IEC News You Can Use…Or Spend!

The Iowa Educators Consortium (IEC) has recently begun a monthly newsletter in an effort to stay connected to Iowa educators. Each month, the newsletter will focus on a specific area of savings opportunities. October’s feature is Buildings & Grounds. This issue highlights news you can use directly from the IEC and our Buildings & Grounds vendor partners, as well as an article on the benefits of cooperative purchasing. Subscribe to the IEC newsletter to ensure you're not missing out on possible savings!

History Alive! Sessions at the State Historical Museum

Teachers can bring 5-8 grade classes for History Alive! sessions at the downtown State Historical Museum. Programming correlates with state and national social studies and literacy standards.

The next session is Nov. 6 and 7. Discover Iowa’s film history through the new exhibit Hollywood in the Heartland and join filmmaker Michael Zahs for a journey through 19th Century Projected Entertainment, showcasing pre-cinematic magic lantern slides and some of the earliest films ever made. Students explore storyboarding, animation, early cameras and optical effects. Reserve Today! For more information, contact Sarah.Macht@iowa.gov or (515) 242-5193.

Weekly Round Up of Educational Best Practices Research

Many educators are finding the Marshall Memo a helpful to keep well-informed on current research and best practices in the field. To produce the Marshall Memo, editor Kim Marshall, drawing on his experience as a former educator, consultant and writer, looks through scores of articles each week to select 5-10 that have the greatest potential to improve teaching, leadership and learning. Find more information and subscribe to updates on the Marshall Memo website.

National History Day (NHD) in Iowa—Get Involved!

An enthusiastic Johnston CSD teacher gave us this information. Please pass this message on to your teaching staff.

While “HISTORY” may be a part of the title, this program prepares students for LIFE!  Teachers in any discipline, grades 4-12, will find a link to reading, writing, research, analysis, creativity and problem solving skills.

If you are an educator who is looking for an exciting way to merge your curriculum with real-life skills, this could be the answer.
 
National History Day students use primary, secondary, community and statewide resources on a subject of their choice related to the annual theme. The 2015 theme is Leadership and Legacy in History.
 
Working individually or collaboratively in groups of 2 to 5, students produce documentaries, exhibits, performances, papers or websites. Students may choose to participate in the national event cycle by presenting their research at a competitive series of local, district, state and national events. Students in grades 4 and 5 may participate in a non-competitive Youth Division.
 
Start now!  Work can take place throughout the year and can tie into your standards. Go to
http://www.nhd.org/Standards.htm to learn how NHD will help you meet national education standards.

National History Day encourages students to develop relationships with individuals, organizations and agencies in their communities and state in the process of their research. The program also promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and students' love for learning by making history come alive. Curriculum materials are available to through the state NHD office. Contact katie.craven@iowa.gov, phone (515) 725-0506 to begin your NHD experience today.

#stucamp: EdCamp for Students

The Webster City CSD will be hosting an EdCamp for Students, #stucamp, on Feb. 28. #stucamp is a time for students to come together and give voice to their opinions, beliefs and hopes for their education. Students, grade levels 7-12, may register at http://www.stucamp.org/.