Friday, February 24, 2017

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

Meeting Reminder: HAA Will Meet March 7

The Heartland AEA Administrators Association (HAA) will meet March 7, 2017 from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, 8600 Northpark Drive, Johnston, IA. For up-to-date meeting information and agenda, refer to the HAA Google Site.

Heartland AEA is pleased to hold its 3rd annual Education Career Fair in March!

Heartland AEA is pleased to hold its 3rd annual Education Career Fair in March!

March 8, 2017
2:00 - 5:30 p.m. 

Heartland AEAJohnston Regional Education Center
6500 Corporate Drive
Johnston, IA 50131

Opportunities for job seekers include:
  • Pre-event resume critiquing by Heartland AEA partner Goodwill Career Connections
  • Career Classes: Interviewing, Google Drive, LinkedIn, Career Fair Tips
  • Meeting face-to-face with central Iowa school district administrators who have open positions for next school year
  • Gift for early registrants!
If your district is interested in participating, contact the Heartland AEA Human Resources Dept. at (800) 362-2720.

This is a FREE event for both school districts and job candidates!

We look forward to this opportunity to serve the education community and hope teachers and college students alike will be able to attend this event!

Visit the Career Fair page on the Heartland AEA website for all the info! Pre-registration is encouraged this year, but the fair is again free of charge.

Update on Use of Chromebooks with ELPA21

Google has released a patch for Chrome OS 56 that fixes the speaking recording issues AIR identified earlier. Chromebooks used for testing ELPA21 Speaking should be updated to Chrome OS 56.0.2924.101. Schools using Chromebooks are recommended to take a practice test on the Chromebook and confirm that ELPA21 Speaking records correctly before administering an operational test to students.

Tier 2 & 3 MTSS for Secondary Math Course Explores Teaching Practices and Strategies

In this course, participants will study the research-based Eight Mathematics Teaching Practices as stated in the “Principles to Actions: Ensuring Mathematical Success for All.” These Practices are essential for high quality math education for all students and will be connected to the student outcomes of the Standards for Mathematical Practice as outlined in the Iowa Core. Included in this class will be instructional strategies with manipulatives and technology that can be utilized with struggling students.

MTSS for Secondary Math Course, Tier 2 & Tier 3
April 17, 2017
8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Heartland AEA, Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, IA

Register at this link

Target Audience: Secondary Math Teachers, TLC Coaches/ Mentor or Model Teachers, Curriculum Directors, Administrators looking to improve practice and outcomes for students.

Registration Opens Soon for Conference on Transforming Systems Through Standards-Based Learning


Des Moines Public Schools and Drake University are teaming up to bring you Transforming Systems Through Standards-Based Learning on June 22 at the Iowa Events Center. Topics covered include implementing standards-referenced learning, including grading and reporting, over a large district, specific learning sessions for administrators, small school strategy on system transformation and aligning student information systems with standards-based learning.

The conference is designed for secondary and elementary educators who are starting authentic standards-based learning (including grading & reporting), teachers who are trying things on their own, and those who are looking for new ideas to try.

Save the Date: Transforming Systems through Standards-Based Learning
Date: June 22, 2017
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Location: Iowa Events Center, 730 3rd St, Des Moines

Registration coming soon!

Step Up Your Game at the Educator Quality Conference, “UNITE Educators for Iowa’s Future”

Teachers, teacher leaders, mentors and administrators will gather April 6 from across the state to learn and plan for students' future successes and achievements. The 3rd Annual Educator Quality Conference will be held at Simpson College and will engage and unite educators from administrators to the classroom teacher. Topics covered include a focus on unifying educators, and examine the roles of positions from Teacher Leadership and Compensation (TLC) to English language learner teachers (ELL). First- through third-year teachers are also invited to attend and schools are encouraged to bring teams. Learn more about the conference in this flyer.
Register today, deadline is March 17.

Friday, February 17, 2017

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

Meeting Reminder: HAA Will Meet March 7

The Heartland AEA Administrators Association (HAA) will meet March 7, 2017 from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, 8600 Northpark Drive, Johnston, IA. For up-to-date meeting information and agenda, refer to the HAA Google Site.

Help Keep Your Students Organized and Engaged with Student Planners

Quality and affordable student planners are available for your school through Heartland AEA’s Creative Services Department. Planners can help some students feel more engaged and aware of school events, activities and projects. Visit our website to choose your planner style from the many options we offer. Place your order by May 1, 2017 to ensure delivery by the beginning of the next school year. For more information, contact the Heartland AEA Creative Services Department at (800) 255-0405 ext. 14368 or creativeservices@heartlandaea.org.

The 'Grandfather of the AEAs' Passes Away

We received news that Dr. E. Robert Stephens died Feb. 9, 2017. For those not familiar with Bob Stephens, he wrote the original legislative language to create the AEAs in Iowa. He also served nationally on the Association of Educational Service Agencies (AESA) Board. The AESA has three awards nationally that honor individuals, and one is named after Bob. He was truly a champion for education, especially for educational service agencies. He was relentless in his pursuit to serve students and staff. We’ve lost a giant in our field, and he will be missed. Bob always deflected attention and praise, and in that light, he requested that no services or memorial services be held. Dr. Stephens’ obituary is on the Lensing Funeral Home website.

Mid-Prairie Community School District Would Like Your Input on Elementary Class Sizes

The Mid-Prairie School District in Wellman has three elementary schools, however, the three elementary schools have unequal class sizes. The school board is considering several options to try to equalize class sizes. Please take a brief moment to answer the six question survey by Feb. 24. Contact Mark Schneider, Superintendent at mschneider@mphawks.org if you would like a copy of the results.

Districts and Schools That Are Administering ELPA21 Assessments With Chromebooks Should Continue Testing the Speaking Recording Function

In last week’s Administrator Connection, you may recall that the American Institutes for Research (AIR) had identified an issue with Iowa ELPA21 speaking recordings on certain HP, Samsung, ASUS and Dell Chromebooks running Chrome OS versions 54 and 55. It was expected that Google would fix the issue with the release of Chromebook OS version 56.

An updated version of Chrome OS 56 was released last week. However, the released version of Chrome OS 56 did not include the fix for ELPA21 speaking recording that was included in the preliminary version that AIR tested in the lab. AIR has been in touch with Google and is asking them to release the code that fixes speaking recording. In the meantime, Chromebooks that were unable to be used for recording ELPA21 speaking responses while running Chrome OS 55 will have the same issue when running Chrome OS 56. The Department of Education continues to recommend that all schools that use Chromebooks take a practice test on the Chromebook and confirm that ELPA21 speaking records correctly before administering an operational test to students on a Chromebook. Although it is being worked on, there is no information on when the fix will be available from Google.

What Great Leaders Do Differently Workshop Coming March 1

Great Prairie AEA is excited to host Todd Whitaker for a leadership workshop, March 1, in Fairfield, IA. District Leadership Teams are encouraged to join Todd as he reveals what the most effective leaders do differently than their colleagues. Blending school centered studies and experience working with hundreds of administrators, he will focus on why these things make them more effective and how to immediately implement each of these practices into your school. View this flyer for more information and a link to register.

What Great Leaders Do Differently Workshop
Date: March 1, 2017
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Fairfield Arts & Convention Center, 200 North Main Street, Fairfield, IA
Register at this link

Create a Systematic Process to Ensure All Students Learn at High Levels in this MTSS Academy

If you are seeking clarity on how to be more efficient and effective in building a system of supports for your middle and high school students, this academy is designed for you.

An Academy for Middle Schools & High SchoolsMulti-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
Date: April 4 & 25, 2017
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Zion Lutheran Church, 4300 Beaver Ave., Des Moines, IA
Register at this link

Participants will also explore:
  • The culture of collective responsibility
  • Iowa School Report Card rating developed by the DE
  • Student proficiency and year-to-year growth on reading and math assessments
For more information, contact Heartland AEA Professional Development at (800) 255-0405 ext. 14701 or profdev@heartlandaea.org

Tier 2 & 3 MTSS for Secondary Math Course Explores Teaching Practices and Strategies

In this course, participants will study the research-based Eight Mathematics Teaching Practices as stated in the “Principles to Actions: Ensuring Mathematical Success for All.” These Practices are essential for high quality math education for all students and will be connected to the student outcomes of the Standards for Mathematical Practice as outlined in the Iowa Core. Included in this class will be instructional strategies with manipulatives and technology that can be utilized with struggling students.

MTSS for Secondary Math Course, Tier 2 & Tier 3

Date: April 17, 2017
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Heartland AEA, Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, IA
Register at this link

Target Audience: Secondary Math Teachers, TLC Coaches/ Mentor or Model Teachers, Curriculum Directors, Administrators looking to improve practice and outcomes for students.

Grant Wood AEA is Hosting a Summer Leadership Symposium: The LEADER as a Deep Change Agent

The GWAEA Summer Leadership Symposium: The Leader as a Deep Change Agent, planned June 27, 2017, at the Coralville Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, Coralville, will provide educational leaders with an opportunity to participate in engaging learning sessions with national experts. Sessions will focus on how to lead school-wide efforts that are cohesive and collaborative resulting in educational equity and increased student learning. Sessions will be hosted by nationally known experts including Doug Reeves, Andy Hargreaves, Ken Williams, John Almarode, Kristin Anderson, Trudy Arriaga and George Couros. View this flyer for more information and link to register.

Registration Has Opened for “Fighting Human Trafficking in Iowa” Conference

Presented by Teens Against Human Trafficking, the Fighting Human Trafficking in Iowa Conference provides participants with information about the impact of human trafficking in Iowa and how to combat it through prevention and intervention. Topics include:

  • Sex Trafficking in Iowa
  • Labor Trafficking 101
  • Trauma Bonding & Survivor Needs
  • Iowa Department of Human Services Response
  • School-Based Prevention & Education
Fighting Human Trafficking in Iowa Conference
April 24, 2017
9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Plymouth Church, 4126 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA
Free registration! To sign up email RSVPHT@gmail.com

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.

Friday, February 10, 2017

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

Student Planners: Help Keep Your Students Organized and Engaged!

Quality and affordable student planners are available for your school through Heartland AEA’s Creative Services Department. Planners can help some students feel more engaged and aware of school events, activities and projects. Visit our website to choose your planner style from the many options we offer. Place your order by May 1, 2017 to ensure delivery by the beginning of the next school year. For more information, contact the Heartland AEA Creative Services Department at (800) 255-0405 ext. 14368 or creativeservices@heartlandaea.org.

Calling All Teachers & Education Students: Attend the Heartland AEA Education Career Fair on March 8

Heartland AEA is pleased to hold its 3rd annual Education Career Fair in March!

March 8, 2017
2:00 - 5:30 p.m. 

Heartland AEAJohnston Regional Education Center
6500 Corporate Drive
Johnston, IA 50131

Opportunities for job seekers include:
  • Pre-event resume critiquing by Heartland AEA partner Goodwill Career Connections
  • Career Classes: Interviewing, Google Drive, LinkedIn, Career Fair Tips
  • Meeting face-to-face with central Iowa school district administrators who have open positions for next school year
  • Gift for early registrants!
If your district is interested in participating, contact the Heartland AEA Human Resources Dept. at (800) 362-2720.

This is a FREE event for both school districts and job candidates!

We look forward to this opportunity to serve the education community and hope teachers and college students alike will be able to attend this event!

Visit the Career Fair page on the Heartland AEA website for all the info! Pre-registration is encouraged this year, but the fair is again free of charge.

Important Message for Districts and Schools that are Administering ELPA21 Assessments with Chromebooks

The American Institutes for Research (AIR) has identified an issue with Iowa ELPA21 speaking recordings on certain HP, Samsung, ASUS and Dell Chromebooks running Chrome OS versions 54 and 55. AIR and the Iowa Department of Education suggest that if you are planning to test Iowa ELPA21 students using an HP, Samsung, ASUS or Dell Chromebook you first take the Iowa ELPA21 practice test on the Chromebook.

If the speaking items function correctly on the practice test and your recordings play back clearly you can move ahead with administering the speaking test on these Chromebooks. If the speaking practice test does not function properly, you will need to upgrade some Chromebooks to OS version 56 when it is available.

Google is expected to fix this issue with the release of Chromebook OS version 56 in the next few days. For additional support, contact:

Iowa ELPA21 Help Desk
American Institutes for Research
(855) 873-5710
iowaelpa21helpdesk@air.org

Leveraging Teacher Leaders Within School Improvement Work Webinar, Feb. 16

Collaborating for Iowa’s Kids (C4K) is hosting a statewide leadership webinar via Zoom on Feb. 16, 2017 from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. The webinar is focused on building capacity, empowering teachers and providing feedback. Join the webinar at this Zoom link.

To view previously recorded or upcoming webinars, click on this link. The document will continue to be updated after each webinar with PowerPoint slides and recorded webinars.

Note: The March webinar date has changed and is now on March 28, 2017 from 1:00-2:30 p.m.

If you have any questions, contact Educator Quality Co-Leads Linda Carroll at linda.carroll@iowa.gov or Mary Jane Stites at mstites@heartlandaea.org.

Haven’t Attended an Instructional Practices Inventory Workshop? Now’s Your Chance!

This workshop will help participants develop the skills to document student engagement through the use of technology and learn how to use the profiles to engage faculty in collaborative learning conversations about engagement, instructional change, technology integration and school-wide instructional goals.

Instructional Practices Inventory Level 1 Workshop
Feb. 27, 2017
Heartland AEA, Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, IA
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Registration link

FREE PBIS Workshop: Incorporating Early Childhood PBIS Into Your School Wide System

Heartland AEA is pleased to present this free workshop for teachers, associates and administrators of PK-grade 2. The workshop is presented in two modules:

Module 1: Promoting Children's Success: Building Relationships with Children, Families and Staff

This module focuses on the importance of building positive relationships as a foundation for all positive behavior intervention and supports. Participants will learn ways to promote positive relationships within their classroom and schools. Activities and discussions will include building relationships with staff to staff, staff to children, children to children and staff with families.

Module 2: Social - Emotional Teaching Strategies in the Early Childhood Classroom

This module focuses on teaching social skill strategies for PK-grade 2 students. An overview on Early Childhood PBIS Module 2 Targeted social skills will be provided. Participants will come away with an understanding of emotional vocabulary, how to develop and embed to develop friendship skills throughout the day, emotional literacy and problem solving techniques.

Incorporating Early Childhood PBIS Into Your School Wide System
March 1, 2017
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Newton Community School District, E.J.H. Beard Administration Center, 1302 First Avenue West, Newton, IA
Register at this link - this workshop is FREE

Only ONE PRESS Training Left! School Teams Are Encouraged to Attend

Minnesota PRESS Trainers will lead a final training on March 1 and 2 in Des Moines at the Plymouth Congregational Church. This 2-day comprehensive training will cover the key pillars of the PRESS multi-tiered system of supports framework. Seating is limited to 100 participants so register early to make sure that your school team gets a table at the training.

PRESS Training
March 1-2, 2017
Plymouth Congregational Church, 4126 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Register at this link by Feb. 22, 2017

Secondary MTSS Academy Coming April 4 & 25


If you are seeking clarity on how to be more efficient and effective in building a system of supports for your middle and high school students, this academy is designed for you.

An Academy for Middle Schools & High Schools
Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS): Creating a systematic process to ensure all students learn at high levels


April 4 & 25, 2017
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Zion Lutheran Church, 4300 Beaver Ave., Des Moines, IA
Register at this link

Participants will also explore:
  • The culture of collective responsibility
  • Iowa School Report Card rating developed by the DE
  • Student proficiency and year-to-year growth on reading and math assessments
For more information, contact Heartland AEA Professional Development at (800) 255-0405 ext. 14701 or profdev@heartlandaea.org

Iowa Department of Education Issues New Guidance for CTE Redesign

The Department of Education has issued initial guidance on the proposed IAC chapter 46. This comprehensive document details the major components of the proposed administrative rules, including Regional CTE Planning Partnerships, revisions to the six CTE service areas, the new program approval and review process, expectations for CTE program advisory councils, and more. It also includes a compilation of frequently asked questions with Department responses.

The guidance document will be updated as implementation of the CTE redesign progresses. The Department will continue to communicate pertinent information to all stakeholders, but please regularly check for updated information and guidance on the CTE Redesign page of the Department’s website. There you can also find additional information and guidance related to the implementation of HF 2392, including a Regional CTE Planning Partnership bylaws and multiyear plan template, guidance for implementing aspects of Iowa Administrative Code chapter 49 (career guidance), and more.

Friday, February 3, 2017

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

AEAs Play Daily ‘Behind-the-Scenes’ Role in a Child’s Education

AEA_HorizColor.jpg
Written by Beth Strike, APR, who is the director of creative services with Area Education Agency 267

Those of us who have been employed by Iowa’s Area Education Agency (AEA) system are used to the puzzled looks we get from neighbors and friends when we say that we work for the Area Education Agency — or “AEA” — system. Despite our best efforts over the last 40 or so years, too few people still truly understand the vital role that we play in helping all of Iowa’s children achieve–mostly because the majority of the time, that role is “behind-the-scenes” in local school districts.

What is an AEA? Here are just a few of the ways that we are serving your community’s students.

  • Frequently, our staff members are the ones leading the professional learning that your child’s teachers are receiving when there are “no school” or “early dismissal” days. Our staff members receive a great deal of training on best practices in teaching and learning and then work directly with local teachers to help those ideas get implemented into the classroom.
  • Your local school district is involved in the Teacher Leadership and Compensation program which requires that lead teachers have access to high quality professional learning around improving classroom practices. This training likely comes from your local Area Education Agency whose professional learning consultants designed a specialized plan for the schools it serves.

  • Has your school district launched a new reading initiative? Adopted a new assessment? It’s likely that an AEA staff member may have introduced the initiative and is working quietly in the background helping to support classroom teachers with putting new strategies into regular practice.
  • How about the students with special needs in your school district? Those students are regularly seen by AEA professionals who have master’s degrees in key areas like psychology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and more. These professionals work closely with the classroom teacher to identify student-specific targets for growth and help to ensure that progress is being made so that each child can reach his/her maximum potential. However, if you don’t have a child with special needs, you would probably never even know about this important service that impacts over 8,000 children in our area of the state.
  • Step into many classrooms today and you will likely notice a number of students-used materials like play-away books, iPads, robots, and more. Most of these materials are items that school districts could not afford to purchase on their own so the AEA purchases them and loans them out to every school district so that no child goes without the opportunity to learn from them.
These are just a few of the many services provided by your local AEA. Services are funded through a combination of federal-aid and state-aid payments; legislatively controlled property tax; federal, state and private grants; and tuition for classes. Without ongoing support from these sources, the educational experience each child receives in Iowa would not be nearly the same.

ELPA21 Test Administration Guidance

The ELPA21 Test Window is fast approaching and the Iowa Department of Education is providing ELPA21 colleagues and test administrators with continued support for the 2017 test administration. In this letter, find more information about the checklist in the Test Coordinators’ Manual and student rosters. An Excel spreadsheet is available to upload to the same secure site as your TELPA scores. Thank you for your continued support of Iowa’s English Language Learners and ELPA21.

Prepare for the ELPA21 Test Window Using the Following Timeline

The following table shows the upcoming dates for ELPA21 testing in Iowa. Please read this table carefully in order to plan for the ELPA21 test window, which is Feb. 14 - April 14, 2017.

Notice: The date for arrival of the paper and pencil accommodation ELPA21 tests has been changed to arrive in schools on Feb. 27, 2017.
Date
Activity
Notes
2/1/17
ELPA21 Practice Tests available
Schools can use the practice tests to prepare students for the Operational ELPA21 tests.
2/7/17
K and 1 Online Writing Supplements arrive in Schools
All K and 1 students taking the Online ELPA21 test must complete an Online Writing Supplement.
2/14/17
ELPA21 Operational Test window opens
Schools can begin administering Online ELPA21 tests for K-12
2/27/17
Paper and Pencil Accommodation* Test Materials arrive in Schools
Schools may begin administering Paper and Pencil accommodated tests any time after the Test Materials arrive through until the end of the test window (4/14/17).
*only eligible for religious exemption and IEP504 exemptions
Mid-March
Braille Accommodation Paper and Pencil Tests arrive in Schools
Schools may begin administering Braille Paper and Pencil accommodated tests any time after the Test Materials arrive through until the end of the test window (4/14/17).
4/14/17
ELPA21 Operational Test window closes – paper and online

Haven’t Attended an Instructional Practices Inventory Workshop? Now’s Your Chance!

This workshop will help participants develop the skills to document student engagement through the use of technology and learn how to use the profiles to engage faculty in collaborative learning conversations about engagement, instructional change, technology integration and school-wide instructional goals.

Choose to attend one of these scheduled trainings:

Feb. 27, 2017
Registration link

or

Feb. 28, 2017
Registration link

Both workshops will be held at Heartland AEA, Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, IA from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Jerry Valentine, Professor Emeritus, University of Missouri, will serve as keynote speaker for each workshop.

Only 1 PRESS Training Left! Seats are Limited

Minnesota PRESS Trainers will lead a final training on March 1 and 2 in Des Moines at the Plymouth Congregational Church. This 2-day comprehensive training will cover the key pillars of the PRESS multi-tiered system of supports framework. Seating is limited to 100 participants so register early to make sure that your school team gets a table at the training.

PRESS Training
March 1-2, 2017
Plymouth Congregational Church, 4126 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Register at this link by Feb. 22, 2017

Registration is Open for KPEC 2017

Keystone AEA is pleased to announce that registration is open for KPEC 2017, a midwest summer education conference on June 20-21. Register today at http://bit.ly/AEA1KPEC.

The two-day conference provides enlightening and entertaining opportunities to connect with peers, hear keynote addresses from nationally-recognized speakers, and choose from 88 breakout sessions covering special education, technology, leadership and curriculum content.

Take advantage of early bird registration – just $99! The registration fee covers entrance to the conference plus breakfast, lunch and snacks on both days. This incredible price won’t last long so be sure to register by April 30. Starting May 1 the price increases to $130. For full details visit http://bit.ly/AEA1KPEC.

Feb. 2017 BoEE Newsletter

The BoEE February Newsletter contains important news about our new online licensure system, renewal credits, social media tips, and recent cases.

DMACC Ankeny Surplus Available

DMACC Ankeny Campus has three mobility scooters available. If interested, contact Julie Klocke in Purchasing at jaklocke1@dmacc.edu.
















Deadline is Extended for Architectural Drawing and Photo Contests

The deadline to enter the “Architecture by Children Drawing” and “Snapshot Iowa Photography” Contests has been extended to Feb. 15, 2017. The contest goal is to encourage young people to enter this year's "My Favorite Place to Read" contests, as there are cash prizes, as well as exhibits of the student work in libraries around the state. For more information, visit www.iowaarchfoundation.org.

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.

Women's History Month Video Contest - Students and Teachers/Organizations: Compete for a chance to win prizes!

To celebrate Women’s History Month in March, the Iowa Department of Human Rights’ Office on the Status of Women (with financial support from the Friends of the Iowa Commission on the Status of Women) is hosting its 2nd annual Women’s History Month video contest to celebrate women’s history. Entries are open to students in grades 5-12 and schools/organizations that work with students in grades 5-12. Video submission deadline is March 1, 2017. Click this link for more information.

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.

Feb. 2017 Each and Every Child Newsletter

The Iowa Department of Education’s Feb. 2017 Each and Every Child Newsletter is now available. It stands to reason that higher attendance rates and lower office referrals would increase instruction time. But the million-dollar question is how. This school in northeast Iowa tackled behavior with impressive results. Read what they are up to.

Feb. 2017 School Leader Update

The Iowa Department of Education’s Feb. 2017 School Leader Update is now available.