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

SAC and HAA Meetings Cancelled on Sept. 1

The Superintendents' Advisory Council (SAC) and Heartland Administrators' Association (HAA) meetings scheduled on Sept. 1 are cancelled. Superintendents will continue to meet via Zoom as scheduled.

Heartland Administrators’ Association and Superintendent Advisory Meeting Dates 2020-21

The following dates are reserved for when we return to a regular, in-person meeting schedule. During the pandemic outbreak, more frequent virtual check-ins are being scheduled as needed.

The Heartland Administrators’ Association (HAA) meets from 9 to 11:30 a.m. on the first Tuesday of every month, September through May, in Conference Rooms 107A/B of Heartland AEA’s Johnston Regional Education Center (6500 Corporate Drive). Agenda items are both informational and professional learning-driven for superintendents. The meetings are jointly planned by the Superintendent Advisory Committee and Heartland AEA staff, including the chief administrator.

2020-21 dates:
Sept. 1, 2020 (canceled)
Oct. 6, 2020
Nov. 3, 2020
Dec. 8, 2020 (second Tuesday of month)
Jan. 5, 2021
No meeting in February
March 2, 2021
April 6, 2021
May 4, 2021

For meeting agendas, handouts and other important documents, visit the HAA Google Site.

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

2020-21 dates:
Sept. 1, 2020 (canceled)
Nov. 3, 2020
Jan. 5, 2021
April 6, 2021
May 4, 2021

For more information or questions, contact your regional director or Jennifer Ugolini, Board Secretary/Executive Assistant, Heartland AEA.

Heartland AEA Curriculum Network Meeting Dates 2020-21

The Heartland AEA Curriculum Network meets from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on the first Friday of every month, September through May. Meetings for 2020-21 will be held virtually until further notice and may be shorter in length. We will not be originating from a central location in Johnston.


Dates for 2020-21:
Sept. 4, 2020
Oct. 2, 2020
Nov. 6, 2020
Dec. 4, 2020
Jan. 8, 2021
Feb. 5, 2021
March 5, 2021
April 2, 2021
May 7, 2021

For meeting agendas, handouts and other important documents, visit the Curriculum Network Google Site. For more information or questions, contact your regional director or Kevin Fangman, Chief Academic Officer, (800) 255-0405 ext. 14374.

Update on Use of Heartland AEA Agency Workspaces

At this time, access to Heartland AEA workspaces is restricted for guests. All library and Creative Services materials are being delivered on our vans, and we are not holding agency meetings or professional learning events on site until further notice.

However, our staff may access our facilities to deliver services for those times when services cannot be delivered virtually or in the typical workplace setting. If you are scheduled to receive services on-site, AEA staff will meet you at the main entrance.

We have requirements in place to safeguard staff and visitors:

• Read the posted signs about common symptoms and what to do if you have symptoms.
• Only those who are COVID-19 symptom-free may enter a Heartland AEA office.
• Sign in and out at the office’s reception desk.
• Wear a mask and/or face shield. If you do not have a face covering, a disposable mask will be provided.
• Go directly with AEA staff to the area of the office you need to access.
• Practice social distancing and good hygiene while on-site including using hand sanitizer that’s available in Agency workspaces.

Heartland AEA ESOL Network Meetings Dates 2020-21

All public and non-public school districts in the Heartland AEA service area are encouraged to send a representative(s) the ESOL network meetings to share their voices, receive updates and network with colleagues around topics related to English Learners and their families. All meetings are from 4 - 5 p.m. and will be held virtually until further notice. Zoom links will be emailed to participants as the dates approach.

2020-21 schedule:
Sept. 8, 2020
Dec. 7, 2020
Feb. 22, 2021
May 3, 2021

MIDTESOL Conference 2020 Moves to Online Format

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the MIDTESOL 2020 Conference will now be held online on Oct. 3, 2020.

Community at a Crossroads: The Right to Education
Oct. 3, 2020
Virtual Conference

Hear keynotes from renowned lexicographer and senior Cambridge ELL dictionary editor Kory Stamper, as well as Dr. Christel Broady, director of the ESL Teacher Education Program at Georgetown College, current member of the TESOL International Board of Directors, specialist in K-12 biliteracy, and fierce advocate for immigrants and their teachers.

Fees (paid by registrant):

• MIDTESOL Members - $25
• TESOL Affiliate Members - $35
• Students and Paraprofessionals - $10
• Non-members - $45

Honorarium: $135 for full-day attendance (for schools and districts served by Heartland Title III)

• Individuals register on their own
• Following the conference, participants submit proof of registration and documentation of key learnings to their assigned ESL/Diversity Consultant (form posted soon)
• Once received, individuals will be sent an electronic Claim form to submit for an honorarium

More Information: MIDTESOL Conference Site
Registration: At the MIDTESOL 2020 Registration Site

CPI Training: Requesting Certification Extensions

As a follow-up to our communication last month about CPI training adjustments, in an effort to maintain the highest level of safety, and to reduce physical contact, we are asking districts to prioritize those staff with the highest level of risk (staff with the highest likelihood of needing to be involved with physical restraint and/or seclusion) to attend the training.

Due to COVID-19, we are going to grant up to a 1-year extension to staff who do not fall within the “high-risk” category (staff with the highest likelihood of needing to be involved with physical restraint and/or seclusion) and whose current Blue Card Certification expires during the 2020-21 school year.

Our CPI trainers have been working with districts and schools to grant these extensions. If you still have staff members who need to request an extension, please contact your Heartland AEA Regional Director or CPI Trainers.

CPI Trainers by Region:
Region 1 - Becky Tigges, Lauren Vanderhorst, Jenny Henscheid
Region 2 - Sue Klein and Angela Dvorak
Region 3 - Aimee Schuppe and Stacey Warren
Region 5 - Todd York and Amanda Khader
Region 6 - Gina Koehler
Region 7 - Chris Rial and Dawn Grimes
Region 8 - Brenda Gerdes and Shaylinn Crone

IMPORTANT: Alternate Assessment 2020-21 Updates

For Teachers: If you are teaching students who are on the alternate assessment, you must complete student profiles and certification training. This document contains the deadlines, new information and links to the state commencement letter, training sites, office hours and other resources.


For Administrators: All teachers who have students on the alternate assessment must be certified as strategist II ID and complete certification training. Administrators are responsible for creating teacher accounts for the ELAA system, as well as creating rosters for DLM. This document contains deadlines, new information, and links to the state commencement letter, training sites, office hours and other resources.

Instructional Coaching Network Meetings 2020-21

The purpose of the Instructional Coaching Network is to provide support for instructional coaches in the areas of partnership principles, components of instructional coaching, content planning, instruction, formative assessment and community building. Support for implementation of MTSS, universal screening, Iowa Core and technology integration will be areas of focus as well Participants will have an opportunity to network and share resources. Differentiation based on knowledge and experience will be provided. We are aware that teacher leaders will have other professional development opportunities and meetings and may not be able to attend all the sessions.

2020-21 Network Dates
Our Instructional Coaching Network will continue to be held virtually for the beginning of the 2020-21 school year. Each network will run approximately 90 minutes and will be offered twice a month. The second monthly session will be a repeat of content from the first monthly session. The goal is to provide support for distance or virtual coaching, time to talk with colleagues and share ideas, and to continue to ensure self-care and support for our coaching community. To help us plan for each opportunity, RSVP for networking sessions by completing the form linked to each date. A Zoom link will be emailed out to each participant prior to the network session. Stay informed with network meeting dates and other important information at the Instructional Coaching Network site.

Sept. Network (RSVP here)
Sept. 15 - 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Sept. 24 - 8:30-10:00 a.m.

Heartland AEA Technology Coordinator Meeting Dates and Resources 2020-21

Heartland AEA organizes meetings for technology coordinators in the Agency's service area so area technology staff members can come together to discuss current technology topics and to learn from one another. These meetings are held approximately six times a year. The agenda for each meeting, as well as exact times and locations, is distributed via email to the tech coordinator listserv in advance of the meeting.

Tech Coordinators are meeting virtually every Friday through the coronavirus pandemic to collaborate and support one another. The following dates reflect the anticipated regular meeting schedule for the 2020-21 school year.

2020-21 Schedule:
Sept. 25, 2020
Oct. 30, 2020
Jan. 29, 2021
Feb. 26, 2021
April 8, 2021
April 30, 2021

For more information, contact Heartland AEA Director of Technology Jeff S. Weinberg.

Tech Coordinator Listserv
Technology directors/coordinators from the districts/schools in Heartland AEA's service area belong to a listserv that is focused on questions, problems, policies, products and solutions related to educational technology at the PK-12 level. To become a member of the listserv, contact Heartland AEA Director of Technology Jeff S. Weinberg at 800) 255-0405 ext. 14324 or Network Administrator Tuan Dao at (800) 255-0405 ext. 14413.

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

Agency Announces Change of Official Name – to Heartland Area Education Agency from Area Education Agency 11

A resolution was passed at the Aug. 11, 2020, Heartland AEA Board of Directors meeting to change the official name of the Agency to Heartland Area Education Agency from Area Education Agency 11. The Agency has been operating as Heartland Area Education Agency (AEA) for decades, but our official name has remained Area Education Agency 11. This change will help clarify any confusion and create continuity regarding the Agency’s business dealings.

2020-21 Heartland AEA Superintendent Directory Available

The 2020-21 Heartland AEA Superintendent Directory is now available. A limited supply of these directories will be distributed by van mail to superintendents. If you didn’t receive a copy, please contact Jenny Ugolini, Board Secretary/Executive Assistant, at jugolini@heartlandaea.org.

FREE Cognitive Coaching Session Available Through Thinking Collaborative

Extraordinary times call for extraordinary responses. In light of the current situation, Thinking Collaborative will offer a brief, pro bono Cognitive CoachingSM opportunity for educators in stress over the opening of school, a “Cognitive CoachingSM Lifeline.”

Go to the Thinking Collaborative website for more detailed information. The free Lifeline will conclude in October, and the regular “for pay” coaching service will continue on the website.

ICAP Virtual Training Coming in Sept.: Diving Deeper with Individual Career & Academic Planning

Join this virtual training led by Lauren Jones to:

• Explore the foundational facets of career development and successful ICAP implementation
• Uncover the expectations and competencies that Iowa wants as a picture of your high school graduates (Career and College Readiness/Postsecondary Workforce Readiness) and how this fits into Iowa’s economic future (Future Ready Iowa)
• Discover CTE and Career Pathway development connections - School Counselors as CTE Champions
• Practice and emulate Meaningful Career Conversation Training
• Address opportunities for Work-based Learning and experiential opportunities where Career Conversations exist naturally
• Apply an equity and inclusion lens to this work
• Facilitate a 'Yes, and....' mindset when conversing about barriers, strengths, challenges and celebrations

Two-Part Virtual Training Sessions (Choose 1 date from each session)
Session 1: Sept. 9 or 10 from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Session 2: Sept. 16 or 17 from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. **Prerequisite- Session 1
Register by going to: https://forms.gle/yaYWPAPeV6TZbFco9 or contacting Dr. Katy Blatnick-Gagne for more information at katy.blatnick-gagne@iowa.gov.

Districts/Schools are encouraged to register as a team (Administrator, CTE Educator, Counselors, Special Education teacher, etc.).

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

Reminder: COVID Posters and Decals Are Available for Your District Buildings

Posters, signs, vinyls and clings related to COVID-19 health and safety measures are available for your district at csonline.heartlandaea.org. You can browse all of the items by searching COVID. Log in with your AEA Learning Online (mandatory reporter) username/password to order.

ASCD’s K-12 Digital Content Report on Ebook and Audiobook Trends for the Classroom and School Library Was Just Released

Download the full report here.

Highlights from the Executive Summary:

• This follow-up to the 2016 research among school leaders and district supervisors clearly indicates increases in the use of digital content (defined here as e-books or audiobooks, as opposed to print materials, that can be used as instructional content or for independent/student choice reading) that was only hypothesized in the 2016 study. The reported use of digital content has grown by 15 percent overall since 2016, with its use as part of a school or district’s curriculum showing a reported increase of 39 percent.

• This research reinforces many of the insights seen in 2016, particularly the benefits of digital content, which largely explain digital content’s growth. Its ability to deliver individualized instruction and encourage independent practice are the most mentioned benefits in both research studies.

• Across the board, in every subgroup, these administrators reported that their teachers were most likely to be using digital content for ELA, rather than for any other subject area. Of the three specific areas in which improving literacy is a goal, they were working with digital content to improve literacy for struggling readers most frequently, followed by using digital content for early readers or for language acquisition/English as a Second Language (ESL).

• Looking a year or two down the road, these leaders have prioritized professional development as the top area for digital content, followed by informational texts/literary nonfiction.

Heartland AEA provides 2,000+ ebooks, 4,000+ digital audiobooks and other rich digital content for preK-12. Learn more at our website or explore AEA Scout (log in with SSO).

New DE/AEA Return-to-Learn Special Education Documents

Additional documents and guidance related to special education were released this week on the DE/AEA Return-to-Learn Compendium of Resources for Districts, Schools and IEP Teams.

• New 8-11-20 R2L Collaboration Considerations: Roles, Infrastructure, Technology, Teaching, and Learning Skills - This document provides considerations for the following audiences: administrators, special educators, general educators, families/caregivers, paraprofessionals, and learners.
• New 8-11-20 R2L Considerations for Collaboration: Paraprofessionals - This document provides considerations around paraprofessionals and their role in virtual and hybrid environments.
• New 8-11-20 Tech Resources for Access and Instruction - This document provides technology resources around the following areas: Teacher Management, Self Regulation/Monitoring, Student Work Flow, Student Collaboration, Accessible Educational Materials, Mindfulness, Website/Digital Resource Evaluation Tools, and Tips and Tricks.
• New 8-11-20 R2L Support for Secondary Transition - This document provides ideas, supports, and resources for providing secondary transition services during typical and continuous/hybrid learning models during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is intended to be a resource, not only for special education teachers, but also for support staff members and non-certified staff who provide transition services to students (such as contracted staff with Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services or IVRS).
• New 8-11-20 R2L Considerations for Collaborating - Overview - This document provides resources applicable for all students, but they are focused here for students receiving special education. These resources are grouped around the following areas: Pre-Planning (Independently), Collaborative Planning, Instruction and Access, and Post-Planning.
• New 8-11-20 The “Sweet Spot” of Building Positive Student Behavior and Engaging Climates for Learning - This document is broken up into three core classroom pillars that can provide the "sweet spot" of optimizing engagement and learning for students, which will give teachers and paraprofessionals ideas and examples of how to meet the ever changing needs of the students in their classroom.
• Updated 8-11-20 Return-to-Learn Compendium of Resources - This document organizes available resources and will be revised on an ongoing basis. The resources provided here are to address the standard of IDEA under the current pandemic situation.

Instructional Technology Webinar Speakers Announced + 3 New Courses for Fall!

Check out the three new courses we are offering this fall and our Heart of Innovation Webinar Series speakers for 2020-21!

New Courses for Fall:

• Using Google Classroom Effectively
• Seesaw in the Classroom Basics
• Going Digital 2.0

Please check out our latest Heartland AEA Tech Newsletter that has our current course offerings and our updated Virtual/Hybrid Learning Guide.

WEBINAR: Re-Engaging Iowa’s Learners and Educators After a Crisis: The Neurochemistry of Hope

With the uncertainty of COVID-19 and the subsequent remote and “socially distanced” instruction, securing our learners’ engagement is more important than ever. Educators also need re-engagement. This webinar session will provide a discussion of the neurochemistry that is needed to spark the drive for new learning, resilience and hope.

Aug. 18, 2020
1-2 p.m.
Presented by Emily Rubin, MS, CCC-SLP

Intended Audience: School District Staff and Administrators

To join the webinar, click this zoom link.
Passcode: 932557

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 Releases its Return-to-Workplace Guide for AEA Staff

Agency has generated and released to staff its Heartland AEA COVID-19 Return-to-Workplace Guide, following board approval on Aug. 4. The guide contains information related to health and safety, protocols when returning to workplaces, office procedures, COVID-19 exposure notification, remote workplace, mental health resources, frequently asked questions, and the process for requesting COVID-19-related leave. Staff also participated in an all-agency webinar on Aug. 6 to hear Chief Administrator Jon Sheldahl review the guide. If you have any questions, contact the Heartland AEA regional director who serves your district.

Pear Deck Update: Heartland AEA will Cover the Cost for Districts for the 2020-21 School Year--Deadline August 10

Heartland AEA will be covering the cost for districts to use Pear Deck during the 2020-21 school year. Pear Deck is a communication platform that lets teachers create interactive assessments and presentations that students can follow from their personal devices. To receive Pear Deck at no cost for the 2020-21 academic year, register here no later than Aug. 10. You can access additional information here. If you have any questions, contact Sheila King, Heartland AEA Chief Information Officer, at sking@heartlandaea.org.

Iowa’s AEAs Are Offering Variety of PD Opportunities to Support Educators with Online Instruction

Iowa’s Area Education Agencies have collaborated to generate multiple professional development opportunities and resources that support appropriate instructional pedagogy for teaching in the online environment. The deliverables include varied formats for independent earning, district facilitated learning or learning in collaboration with an AEA partner, including:

• Competency Scale
• Menu of PD Opportunities
• Learning Opportunity Database
• Supporting Online Learning Webinars
• District IT Webinars
• Modern Teacher Pricing

Return to School Post COVID-19 Closure Considerations for Students with Disabilities and Special Healthcare Needs

Please share this document with your school nurse

The purpose of this document is to guide school nurses when planning for return to school for students with disabilities and special healthcare needs (D/SHN) as defined by Section 504 or Individual Education Program (IEP) teams. School nurses understand the susceptibility of these students to environmental factors. While research is still emerging, results from early studies suggest that students with D/SHN have a higher prevalence of comorbidities associated with less favorable outcomes after infection with COVID-19, including higher fatality rates at younger ages compared to typically developing peers (Turk et al., 2020). 

Special acknowledgement to MaryAnn Tapper Strawhacker, MPH, BSN, RN, SEN (Heartland AEA Special Education Nurse), for her contributions as an author of this article.

Instructional Technology Webinar Speakers Announced + 3 New Courses for Fall!

Check out the three new courses we are offering this fall and our Heart of Innovation Webinar Series speakers for 2020-21!

New Courses for Fall

• Using Google Classroom Effectively
• Seesaw in the Classroom Basics
• Going Digital 2.0

Please check out our latest Heartland AEA Tech Newsletter that has our current course offerings and our updated Virtual/Hybrid Learning Guide.