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
Heartland AEA is beginning year three of the online Request for Transportation Approval process.
Chapter 285.9(3) of the Iowa Code requires the Area Education Agency Board of Directors to approve all bus routes outside the boundaries of the school district operating the buses. This has been interpreted to mean regular routes and regular special education routes, not bussing for field trips or activity trips. The Code requires you to request permission from neighboring district(s) before any bus routes cross district boundaries.
Refer to this document to see if your district has completed Steps I - II.
Please review the instructions and timelines to complete the process for 2017-18, including the video tutorials. Districts are asked to begin the multi-step process this month. For more information, contact Jenny Ugolini at jugolini@heartlandaea.org or (515) 270-0405 ext. 14441.
Dr. Laurie Noll, Superintendent in the Fairfield Community School District, is asking school districts if they allow community colleges to hand out AA diplomas at district graduations. Dr. Noll has provided a link to a Google spreadsheet where you can add your information if you like.
There are still a few remaining seats open for the upcoming Special Education for ELLs Workshop on May 8. Register at this link by May 1, 2017. Registration is free. Title III will be able to provide district reimbursement for subs with Claim Forms available at the workshop.
The workshop provides collaborative principles for participants to practice with school-based teams, explore student’s performance from an English Learner (ELs) and special education perspective, practice culturally and linguistically responsive solution-seeking process for ELs, and examine use of a framework to build a more culturally and linguistically responsive Multi-Tiered System of Supports for ELs.
Special Education Considerations for English Language Learners Workshop
Date: May 8, 2017
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Where: FFA Enrichment Center, 1055 SW Prairie Trail Parkway, Ankeny
Register at this link by May 1, 2017
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.
For more information, contact Becca Lindahl, at blindahl@heartlandaea.org or (515) 270-9030 Ext. 14355.
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 Link
The TLC Administrator Support Program is a comprehensive, year-long professional development program focused on building your capacity as the principal to develop and facilitate distributed leadership in your school, namely by supporting and leveraging teacher leaders as part of your leadership team.
The program includes a three-day summer intensive training for principals followed by three half-day workshops during the school year for principals and their team, and 36 hours of one-on-one school-based coaching.
The TLC Administrative Support Program for 2017-18 will have a registration fee, however the school district may use their TLC funds to pay for the registration fee of their participating principal(s). This program is a collaborative effort among Iowa’s AEAs, Iowa Department of Education, School Administrators of Iowa, and the New York City Leadership Academy.
100% satisfaction rating from current participants!
For more information, contact Lora Rasey at the Iowa Department of Education at (515) 281-6719 or lora.rasey@iowa.gov.
The Iowa Department of Education April 2017 School Leader Update is now available.
There are literally thousands of talented Iowa educators who lead and inspire their students. But only one is chosen annually as the state’s top teacher. The deadline to nominate the 2018 Iowa Teacher of the Year is April 28.
The award is an opportunity to recognize an exceptional Iowa teacher who is helping to redefine education. Nominations will be accepted from anyone, including students, parents, school administrators, colleagues, college faculty members and associations. Nomination forms can be found on the Iowa Department of Education website.
The Iowa Teacher of the Year award was established in 1958. The annual program is sponsored by the Iowa Department of Education through an appropriation from the Iowa Legislature. The Teacher of the Year serves as an ambassador to education and as a liaison to primary and secondary schools, higher education and organizations across the state. The 2018 Teacher of the Year will be announced this fall.
