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

Agenda Available for Oct. 3 Heartland Administrators' Association Zoom Meeting

Heartland Administrators' Association Meeting
Oct. 3
Zoom meeting only from Noon - 1 p.m.

Link to Zoom

The agenda for the Heartland Administrators’ Association Meeting on Oct. 3 is located at this link. As a reminder, there is no formal meeting due to Collaborative Leadership Training. (Pre-registration was required.) A Zoom meeting will be held instead from Noon - 1 p.m. with limited updates.

Join the Conversation! 2018 Legislative Education Advocacy Dates Scheduled - Registration Open

Dates for the 2018 Legislative Advocacy Event sponsored by Iowa's Area Education Agencies have been finalized. The event will be held on Jan. 30-31. The event will bring together school administrators from across Iowa to learn the most up-to-date legislative insight, and meet with legislators face-to-face at the Capitol.

Legislative Update
Jan. 30, 2018
5:30 p.m.
Prairie Meadows Hotel, Skinner Ballroom

Legislator Visits
Jan. 31, 2018
7:30 - 9 a.m.
Iowa State Capitol, Room 116

Registration is open until Jan. 23 at this link.

Heartland AEA to Host Resource Fair for Students with Special Needs and Their Families

Oct. 21, 2017
9 a.m. - noon
Science Center of Iowa, Des Moines

This free event offers families of children with special needs an opportunity to meet service providers. You're welcome to tour the Science Center as our guest after attending the fair! Breakout sessions will be held concurrently at 9 a.m., followed by table sessions from 10 a.m. - noon.

Check out the service providers who will be at the fair in this PDF: Resource Fair Service Provider List (PDF)

You'll be able to choose from one of the following breakout sessions:

• Managing Your Child's Challenging Behavior
• Post-secondary Education & Employment Options
• Service Providers

To assist families in getting the most benefit, a stipend to reimburse you for childcare will be offered. Feel free to bring your childcare provider along to assist while you attend a session. To learn more contact Terry Mendell, Lead Parent Coordinator at (800) 255-0405 ext. 17135 or tmendell@heartlandaea.org.

Nominate Your favorite Teacher for the I.O.W.A. STEM Teacher Award

Nominations for the I.O.W.A. STEM Teacher Award sponsored by Kemin Industries are closing on Oct. 6 at midnight. The award will honor six licensed, full-time, K-12 teachers across the six STEM regions in Iowa that bring learning in the classroom to life in the subjects of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Winners receive $1,500 for personal use and an additional $1,500 to be used in their classroom. Nominate an educator by visiting stemaward.fluidreview.com.

Oct. 2017 Each and Every Child Newsletter Available

The Oct. 2017 issue of the Each and Every Child Newsletter from the Iowa Department of Education is now available.

Oct. 2017 School Leader Update Now Available

The Oct. 2017 issue of the School Leader 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

Join by Zoom for the Heartland Administrators’ Association Oct. 3 Meeting

The Oct. 3 HAA meeting will be conducted over Zoom from Noon – 1 p.m.

There will be no formal HAA meeting on Oct. 3, due to the Collaborative Leadership Training with Peter Dewitt. (This is Part III in a series of training that began last year and will wrap up this fall. Pre-registration was required, as this is a four-part series for credit.)

A Zoom meeting will be held instead, from Noon – 1 p.m., with limited topics and updates. Look for an agenda within the next week.

Heartland Administrators' Association (HAA)
Oct. 3, 2017
Zoom meeting only from Noon – 1 p.m.
Click on this Zoom link to join the meeting 

Schedule Announced for 2017-18 Statewide Social Studies Professional Development

Each of Iowa’s Area Education Agencies (AEA) and the Iowa Department of Education will be delivering statewide professional development on Iowa’s new social studies standards. The sessions will also build upon the Building Literacy in Social Studies workshops offered in the past.

In this two-day workshop, participants will learn about the vision behind Iowa’s new social studies standards as well as the organization, content and rigor expected by the standards. The workshop will focus on planning for an inquiry-based classroom and is organized around the stages of planning for inquiry, including:

• Exploring standards
• Developing questions
• Gathering sources
• Communicating conclusions

Participants will have time to begin initial conversations about what year one of the three-year implementation of the standards should look like in their districts and classrooms. To learn more and register for a workshop, click on this link for a document of the workshop schedule.

Thinking About Buying Conference Room, Office or Printing Equipment? Head to Central Rivers AEA for Their Huge Two-Day Auction

Central Rivers AEA has moved into their new facility and will be hosting a public auction on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 in Cedar Falls.

Registration for the 2017 Iowa Culture and Language Conference is Now Open

The annual Iowa Culture and Language Conference (ICLC) will take place on Nov. 6-8, 2017 at the Coralville Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Coralville, Iowa. There will be a Pre-Conference on Nov. 6, followed by the regular conference on Nov. 7-8. All current information about this conference is posted at the ICLC website. Title III support is available for districts in the Heartland AEA service area who send individuals/teams to reimburse registration and sub costs and partial travel expenses. See the 2017 ICLC Flyer for further details related to the schedule, registration and Title III support for districts.

*NEW* Heartland AEA Creates Special Education Leaders Network - First Meeting Will be Held on Oct. 25

Heartland AEA is pleased to be announcing a newly created Special Education Leaders Network for communicating up-to-date Special Education practices, procedures and requirements information with district partners. This network is intended to allow district special education leaders to collaborate with one another, and with Heartland AEA leaders on timely topics.

The first meeting of the network will be held on Oct. 25, 2017 with two other meetings following in Feb. and May 2018. Intended participants include: District special education directors, special education contacts, building administrators, special education teacher leads, and Heartland AEA Regional Directors.

Special Education Leaders Network - Kickoff Meeting
Date: Oct. 25, 2017
Time: 9-11:30 a.m.
Locations: Meetings will be hosted centrally at the Heartland AEA Regional Education Center in Johnston, in various regional locations, and also available to participants live via Zoom.
Registration: Register at this link by Oct. 20, 2017

For more information, contact Sara Mercer, Heartland AEA School Psychologist, at smercer@heartlandaea.org or (515) 270-9030 ext. 14312 or click this link to read more.

Support for Substitutes is Critical in Special Education Settings

School administrators and other school leaders play a key role in facilitating the success of all substitutes. Many students have IEPs, 504 plans, behavioral and academic intervention plans, and health care plans with specific content and requirements for student success. When substitutes are working in your buildings and classrooms, it is critical that they are made aware of and are able to follow all student plans.

A substitute folder, that many teachers already prepare for substitutes, could be expanded to include specific information about students with IEPs, 504 plan, health plans, and behavioral and academic intervention plans who may require specific “need to know” information in order to meet their requirements throughout the day and across settings.

Being prepared and considering those settings and specific needs can help the substitute provide the best experience possible, not only for the students, but also for themselves.

Energy Educational Grants Available From Halvorson Trane - Apply by Oct. 6

Halvorson Trane, one of Iowa’s longest-established HVAC companies, is offering five, $500 grants to K-12 Iowa schools within the service areas of Heartland AEA, Grant Wood AEA and Central Rivers AEA. Grant monies are to be used to fund an energy education project on school grounds (projects can be inside or out). See the Halvorson Trane website for more information about the grants and view last year’s winners. Apply by Oct. 6, 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

Superintendents, Take This Short Survey! Indicate Your Availability for Jan. 2018 Meeting

The Heartland Administrators’ Association (HAA) meeting scheduled for Jan. 2, 2018, has been cancelled as many districts will still be on winter break. Heartland AEA would like to reschedule the meeting until Jan. 9, from 9:00 - 11:30 a.m., but want to confirm if there is an interest. Superintendents, please complete this very short survey about your availability on Jan. 9.

Let’s Fix DACA for Iowa’s Sake

Jon Sheldahl
Heartland AEA Chief Administrator

Early last week, our President rescinded a previous executive order establishing the Differed Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA. As the chief administrator of Heartland AEA, I am particularly concerned about the potential impact of this decision and will be advocating for Iowa’s congressional delegation to work rapidly for a legislative solution to the matter, one that will secure the rights of so called “dreamers.” Dreamers is the common term for those U.S. residents who have registered under the DACA program and who entered the country as children brought by undocumented parents. Over 700,000 U.S. residents have registered under DACA, and many are students in the classrooms we serve. All are on record as being committed to the idea of becoming American citizens and meeting the responsibilities associated with that citizenship.

At Heartland AEA, our mission statement begins, “To improve the learning outcomes and well-being of all children….” and we believe all means all. That moral imperative is the foundation on which we build and deliver every service we provide. The entire Iowa AEA system was developed to provide an equity of service to all the children of Iowa regardless of zip code, socio-economic status, ethnicity, or resident status. Equity of service means equity of opportunity and we strive to provide the best possible opportunities to every student in Iowa. Rescinding DACA jeopardizes our ability to maximize that opportunity.

We know that children learn when their physical or emotional needs are being met and the current level of uncertainty revolving around DACA is threatening the emotional security of those students who are either registered under DACA or who have parents who are registered. For that reason, the Heartland Board of Directors and I are encouraging educators and supporters of public education to advocate for a quick, legislative solution to this issue. I will be contacting my elected representatives and am encouraging every educator and school advocate to do the same. Failing to resolve this issue puts us at risk of not only dividing families at a terrible emotional cost, but of wasting a valuable resource vital to the future of Iowa.

Below, you will find contact links for all of our federal delegation. I hope you will take the time to advocate for these children and families.

Jon Sheldahl
Chief Administrator
Heartland AEA

House of Representatives

United States Senate

Schedule Announced for 2017-18 Statewide Social Studies Professional Development

Each of Iowa’s Area Education Agencies (AEA) and the Iowa Department of Education will be delivering statewide professional development on Iowa’s new social studies standards. The sessions will also build upon the Building Literacy in Social Studies workshops offered in the past.

In this two-day workshop, participants will learn about the vision behind Iowa’s new social studies standards as well as the organization, content and rigor expected by the standards. The workshop will focus on planning for an inquiry-based classroom and is organized around the stages of planning for inquiry, including:

• Exploring standards
• Developing questions
• Gathering sources
• Communicating conclusions

Participants will have time to begin initial conversations about what year one of the three-year implementation of the standards should look like in their districts and classrooms. To learn more and register for a workshop, click on this link for a document of the workshop schedule.

New Professional Learning Opportunity Offers Additional Preparation for In-service Teachers of English Learners

The University of Iowa Baker Teacher Leader Center and Heartland AEA have developed a professional learning opportunity in response to a growing need by in-service teachers and teacher leaders to receive additional preparation in serving an increasing English Learner (EL) population. The In-service Educator of ELs Certificate Program is open to 40 interested public or non-public in-service educators (non-ESOL endorsed and might not prefer the full ESL endorsement) who are currently serving ELs while potentially feeling underprepared to meet the linguistic, cultural and academic needs of their students.

The program includes face-to-face sessions and follow-up field experiences. The first session begins on Oct. 5, 2017 and the program ends with a culminating event/celebration on May 5, 2018. Participants successfully completing the program will receive the following benefits/incentives:

• Five licensure renewal credits
• A credential verifying enhanced in-service educator of ELs expertise
• Reimbursement of all registration fees ($625), plus
• An honorarium of $500

For more detailed information, see the following flyer. For detailed program information and to register online, visit The University of Iowa Baker Teacher Leader Center.

In addition, please note that this program is a refinement of one previously advertised in the spring of 2017 to better the needs of an in-service educator audience and is open to both public and non-public in-service educators.

Heartland AEA to Again Offer Popular Course, “Improving Literacy Instruction for Students on Alternate Assessment”

This course will focus on emergent literacy skills for students with significant cognitive disabilities. The concepts and strategies apply to any student with significant disabilities (level 3) with emerging literacy skills (non-readers) K-12.

Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston
Jan. 25 and Feb. 26, 2018
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Register at this link

Energy Educational Grants Available From Halvorson Trane - Apply by Oct. 6

Halvorson Trane, one of Iowa’s longest-established HVAC companies, is offering five, $500 grants to K-12 Iowa schools within the service areas of Heartland AEA, Grant Wood AEA and Central Rivers AEA. Grant monies are to be used to fund an energy education project on school grounds (projects can be inside or out). See the Halvorson Trane website for more information about the grants and view last year’s winners. Apply by Oct. 6, 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

2017-18 Heartland AEA Superintendent Directory Available

Click here to download the 2017-18 Heartland AEA Superintendent Directory. A limited supply of these directories were printed and distributed at Tuesday’s HAA meeting. If you weren’t able to attend the meeting and would like a copy, please contact Julie McCarty, Communications Specialist, at jmccarty@heartlandaea.org.

Indicate Your Availability for Jan. 2018 Meeting in This Short Survey

The HAA meeting scheduled for Jan. 2, 2018, has been cancelled as many districts will still be on winter break. Heartland AEA would like to reschedule the meeting until Jan. 9, from 9:00 - 11:30 a.m., but want to confirm if there is an interest. Superintendents, please complete this very short survey about your availability on Jan. 9.

Action Required by Sept. 15 to Secure myIGDIs for Your District

Dear Colleagues,

A few weeks ago you received an email from the Iowa Department of Education informing you that they were unable to continue their support for the Individual Growth and Development Indicators (myIGDIs) for literacy screening for preschool learners. The AEA system is interested in helping districts provide consistency with their screening programs for the 2017-18 school year. After consulting with the Iowa Department of Education, the AEA system reached out to myIGDIS and negotiated a one-year Iowa rate for use by districts, their community partners and nonpublic schools in Iowa. The AEA will contribute $2 a child to offset the cost for programs. This means programs will have free access or only pay $1.30 if they choose the iPad license.

Cost
The options listed below are available to programs that have been giving myIGDIS and those that want to begin screening in 2017-18. (Please note, the AEA system is providing this financial support to provide some consistency for districts in the 2017-18 school year. Funding for future school years is not being promised.)

Option	License type	Cost after AEA buy-down	Cost to districts after AEA subsidy
A	*Hard Copy of the Screening Scoring Forms + access to the Online Data System.	$2 per student	$0 per student
B	iPad License for administration and scoring. This includes Progress Monitoring + access to the Online Data System (Need 2 ipads per classroom: teacher & student)	$3.30 per student	$1.30 per student

*This is the same version that programs used with the kits last year. Progress monitoring isn’t available with the paper version.

If a district chooses the Online Data System and iPad license and Progress Monitoring System, the AEA system will pay $2 per student and myIGDIs will contract with the district for the additional $1.30 per student. If a district has already enrolled with myIGDIs, the district will be reimbursed by the AEA system $2 per student.

Online Data System
Under both options the district will have access to the Online Data System. The Online Data System offers the following features:

• Accessible through any device with internet connectivity.
• Create reports for classroom instruction or for communicating progress to parents.
• Analyze assessment data, measure effectiveness of instructional changes, and track performance trends in alignment with long-term outcomes.

Screening Window
The Iowa Department of Education has moved the opening and closing of the fall screening window for preschool only. The screening window will open Sept. 18 and closes Oct. 20. If districts have scoring protocols left from past years they may use them to get started. Once a district records their information on the Google form, they may make copies of protocols or can wait to be shipped protocols by myIGDIs.

Benchmarks for myIGDIs for 2017-18
The benchmarks that were used in 2016-17 for IGDIs in Iowa Tier will be different than the benchmarks set in the myIGDIs online system. The benchmarks set in the Online Data System are set based on national student performance. The purpose of screening is to predict which children may be at risk for early literacy skill development. The benchmarks in myIGDIs set by the researchers at the University of Minnesota are based on 3 Tiered System of data, however the predictive value will remain the same. Districts will have access to the myIGDIs benchmark scores for fall, winter and spring through a downloadable technical manual.

Student Import into Online Data System
Preschool students will not be imported into the myIGDIs online data system through the district Student Information System (SIS). myIGDIs has an import process involving an Excel template. This process and setting up classes will be explained in the training webinars.

Training
Free statewide webinars will be offered to show educators how to use the online data system. These will be scheduled statewide and schools could chose to join at no additional cost. myIGDIS plans to begin offering them the week of Sept. 18, 2017.

District Action to Participate
Interested districts should click on the link and learn more about myIGDIS and sign up if they want to participate. The information that will be requested is the name and email of the early childhood contact and assessment coordinator/contact, name of district, shipping address for paper copies if they are needed, the AEA system your district is located in, the number of preschool students you will screening in 2017-18, and which service you are wanting to use (hard copies and Online Data System or Online Data System and iPad license).

Timeline

Sept. 8-15:

• Interested districts can sign up and indicate if they need paper copies sent from myIGDIS

Week of Sept. 18:

• Classroom teachers need to attend webinar. Upon completion they can they will have access to the online data system and training modules.

Sept. 18:

• Fall screening window opens for preschool

Oct. 20:

• Fall screening window closes for preschool

Questions and Support
If you have specific questions about my myIGDIS and their materials and licenses, contact Jill Freking at (612) 444-3043 or jill@earlylearninglabs.com. If you have questions about anything related to the role of the AEA, contact Kevin Fangman at kfangman@heartlandaea.org.

To access myIGDIs for this academic year, action needs to be taken by districts by Sept. 15.

Friendly Reminders About Your 2017-18 Lau Plan

The Iowa Department of Education is providing the following guidance to districts for 2017-18 Lau Plan:

For the 2017-18 school year and in future years, districts and nonpublic schools must keep an updated, accurate, and compliant Lau Plan on file and available for review upon request by the Department, but are not required to submit the plan to the Department annually via CASA or by any other means.

Updated district Lau Plans need to be completed no later than Sept. 30, 2017. To assist with updating your 2017-18 Lau Plans, districts may refer to the Lau Plan Guidance Document. In addition, the Lau Plan Look-fors specify key considerations for each section of the Lau Plan.

For further questions or assistance, contact your EL/Title III Consultants Stephaney Jones-Vo at sjonesvo@heartlandaea.org or Janet Hiatt at jhiatt@heartlandaea.org.

The Visible Learning Professional Learning/Change Program for Leaders is Coming Soon

Know Thy Impact! This is John Hattie's Golden Rule for Educators. Heartland AEA is excited to bring the Visible Learning Framework to central Iowa. There will be three professional learning days for teacher leaders and administrators to attend together from a district to focus on impact at the system level and how to support teachers. There are also three professional learning days for teachers from the same district to attend that focus in impact at the classroom level. Peter DeWitt will be the facilitator for all six days. Don't miss out on your chance to develop your instructional playbook and Know Thy Impact on the students in your district.

Visible Learning Professional Learning and Change Program for Teacher Leaders and Administrators
Oct. 4 and Nov. 14, 2017 and Jan. 11, 2018Heartland AEA, 511 S. 17th St., Ames, Iowa
Register at this link

Visible Learning Professional Learning and Change Program for Teachers
Oct. 5 and Nov. 15, 2017 and Jan. 12, 2018
Heartland AEA, 511 S. 17th St., Ames, Iowa
Register at this link

Register Your School’s Leadership Team for An MTSS Academy for Middle Schools and High Schools

If you are seeking clarity on how to be more efficient and effective in building a system of supports for your students, this academy is designed for you. Secondary Leadership Teams will explore the five Essential Components of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and examine what implementation looks like in the secondary setting:

• Evidence-Based Curriculum and Instruction provided at the Universal Tier
• Universal Screening Process (Early Warning System)
• Evidenced-based Targeted and Intensive Interventions provided to identified students
• Progress Monitoring Data collected to guide instruction
• Data-Based Decision Making

Teams will focus on developing action plans to fully implement MTSS at the building level. Ongoing supports will be provided.

An Academy for Middle Schools and High Schools: Multi-Tiered System of Supports

Oct. 10 and 19, 2017
Grand View University, 1200 Grandview Ave., Des Moines
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Register at this link

Target Audience
Leadership teams that include an administrator and staff who have content knowledge, who can lead systems work as well as work with other constituents to move the work forward (e.g. building principal, math teacher, language arts teacher, counselor or at risk staff, TLC coach).

For school teams that attend the academy, additional academy courses are offered for team members and/or additional staff from the building to continue to build knowledge and skills. These courses include: Tier 1 Math, Tier 2 & 3 Math, Tier 1 ELA, Tier 2 & 3 ELA, and behavior. Courses are being added for those who support advanced learners, and evidenced based practices. For more information, contact the Heartland AEA Regional Director who serves your district.

Discovery Education Invites you to STEM Leadership Symposium

You’re invited to join Discovery Education and local school district leaders for a free symposium focused on strategies for building and sustaining a culture of STEM teaching and learning. The day will feature a keynote address from Dr. Cindy Moss, Director of Global STEM Initiatives.

Des Moines
Oct. 4
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
*Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Lunch will be provided.

Des Moines Area Community College
Student Union, 1100 7th St., Des Moines, IA 50314
Register at this link
For event questions, contact Lindsay_Pence@discovery.com.

Are You Paying Too Much on Your Student Loans? IS Loan Solutions May Be Able to Help Lower or Eliminate Your Payments

ISLoan Solutions, a student loan advisory firm, presented a voluntary Student Loan Relief benefit last school year that may be able to help any employee with federal student loans, including Parent Plus Loans, reduce their monthly student loan payment and overall obligation. This voluntary benefit educates your employees about their potential for significant savings on student loan debt. The attached document has information that you may share with your staff. For any follow-up, concerns or questions, contact Rachel Jackson, ISLoan Solutions Program Manager, at (513) 645-1192 or Rachel.jackson@isloansolutions.com.

Sept. 2017 Each and Every Child Newsletter

The Sept. 2017 Each and Every Child Newsletter is now available. The world of special education is complex, challenging and, when done well, enormously satisfying for the educator, parent – and, especially, the student. Each and Every Child is a newsletter aimed at this particular audience, designed to inform, educate and challenge those who live and work within this field.

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

2017-18 Heartland AEA Superintendent Directory Available

Click here to download the 2017-8 Heartland AEA Superintendent Directory. A limited supply of these directories have been printed and will be distributed at the Sept. 5 HAA meeting. If you aren’t able to attend the meeting and would like a copy, please contact Julie McCarty, Communications Specialist, at jmccarty@heartlandaea.org.

Heartland Administrators' Association Meetings Resume Sept. 5

The monthly Heartland Administrators’ Association (HAA) meetings resume Sept. 5, 2017, with the first meeting being held at the Ankeny DMACC Campus. DMACC has offered to sponsor the first meeting and superintendents are invited to stay for lunch immediately following the meeting. For those wishing to participate electronically, a Zoom option will be made available. To view the agenda, campus map and Zoom option, visit the HAA Google Site. If you have any problems accessing the information, contact Jennifer Ugolini, Heartland AEA Board Secretary/Executive Assistant at jugolini@heartlandaea.org or (515) 270-9030 ext. 14441.

Heartland Administrators' Association
Sept. 5, 2017
9:00 - 11:30 a.m., with lunch to follow

DMACC Ankeny Campus
2006 South Ankeny Blvd., Ankeny
Building 5, Student Center
Room 1240D

Would Your Science Teachers Like to Use a STARLAB Planetarium? Get Them Signed Up for Training

At Heartland AEA, we have Classic and Digital STARLAB portable planetarium domes available for checkout. Teachers must receive training to use the domes. Our next training is Sept. 25 in Ames. More details are below. Click here to learn more about our STARLABs.

Digital STARLAB Training
Sept. 25, 2017, 8:30 - 11 a.m.
Stonebrook Church, 3611 Eisenhower Ave., Ames
Registration

The Digital STARLAB portable planetarium projects high-resolution images of celestial bodies of the night (and daytime) sky. The Digital STARLAB consists of an inflatable dome that can hold about 30 children or 25 adults. Inside is a digital projector (with speakers) that can display celestial images and even movies onto the dome. The seasons, the solar system (including the sun, planets, moon, constellations, etc.), as well as numerous other celestial bodies can be observed. There are mythology, weather and biological cell cylinders included with the software, as well.

This training addresses the care and use of the Digital STARLAB planetarium. Participants will learn how to setup and take down the STARLAB, as well as learn the basic functions of the software (Starry Night Small Dome) that powers the Digital STARLAB. If you are new to the Digital STARLAB, you need to attend the training. Returning users need not attend but are welcome if a refresher course is needed. If you are unable to attend this session and would like to use the Digital STARLAB in the future, contact Peggy Christensen at pchristensen@heartlandaea.org or (800) 255-0405 ext. 14553.

Classic STARLAB Training
Sept. 25, 2017, 12:30 - 3 p.m.
Stonebrook Church, 3611 Eisenhower Ave., Ames
Registration

Classic STARLAB consists of an inflatable room which can hold about 30 children or 25 adults. Inside is a novel projector, which can show the night sky with very realistic stars, planets and the moon. By changing the projection cylinder, the projector can also produce constellation outlines, a globe of the Earth or a diagram of a human cell. For astronomy, the changing motions of the sun, moon, planets and stars can be shown with a whole year condensed into a few minutes.

This training addresses the care and use of the Classic STARLAB portable planetarium. Participants will learn how to setup and take down the STARLAB, as well as learn the basic functions of the variety of cylinders available with the Classic STARLAB. If you are new to the Classic STARLAB, you need to attend this training. Returning users need not attend but are welcome if a refresher course is needed.

Good News! A Second Section of 504 Training has Opened for School Staff Who Are Involved in Evaluation and Eligibility Determination for Students

Due to heavy enrollment, a second section of Level 1 Section 504 Training for Public School Staff is being offered Oct. 30 from 9 a.m. to Noon at the Heartland AEA Regional Education Center in Johnston. No additional sections will be offered until fall of 2018. This class is designed for administrators, counselors, and school nurses involved in evaluation and eligibility determination for students.

Topics to be covered include:

• Changes to the interpretation of Section 504 since the ADAA 2008

• How to review and update your district-wide Section 504 Plan

• The interaction of a Section 504 plan and an Individual Health Plan

• Review of obligations under the Child Find and grievance procedures

• Evaluation requirements

• Eligibility determination and eligible but not in need of a plan

• Section 504 vs. IDEA 2004, understanding the distinction

• Resources available to assist districts

Level 1 Section 504 Training for Public School Staff
Oct. 30, 2017
9:00 a.m. - Noon
Heartland AEA, Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston

Registration Information
Register at this link

The class is free for school districts residing within the service area of Heartland AEA. Class size is limited to 70 persons and first priority is given to districts within the service area of Heartland AEA.

Become a Part of the Drake Continual Improvement Network

As an educational leader, are you faced with increasingly complex challenges to tackle? Do you try to tackle them alone? Would you be interested in being part of a group that identifies, examines and addresses real problems of practice leaders face? Explore and develop systems leadership? Have access to Drake University? Then...

Become a part of the Drake Continual Improvement Network. The vision is to transform education in Iowa in order to restore joy in learning, teaching and leading in Iowa’s schools. The network provides opportunities to learn and work together to solve real problems of practice through the process of systemic continual improvement.

Interested? Read more here or contact Dr. Doug Stilwell, Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership, Drake University at doug.stilwell@drake.edu or (515) 271-1993.