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
The Feb. 2 Heartland Administrators' Association (HAA) agenda is now available. Link here. The meeting will be held via Zoom from 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.
These professional learning resources were compiled and developed to assist school districts in meeting the requirements of Senate File 2360 (Guidance for Safe Classroom Learning Environments) and Chapter 103 (Corporal Punishment, Physical Restraint, Seclusion and Other Physical Contact with Students). Information is included on research-based intervention strategies for students with Social, Emotional, Behavior, and/or Mental Health (SEBMH) needs in the school setting.
Foundational Behavior Principles
- Understand the functions of behavior
- Recognize the ABCs (Antecedent - Behavior - Consequences) of behavior
- Realize the importance of building relationships with our students as the key way to prevent behavior
Prevention Strategies
- Know what prevention strategies mean
- Understand how to use prevention strategies to minimize triggers for problem behaviors
- Recognize prevention strategies that can be used in your classroom to promote appropriate behavior
Supporting Communication
- Know the definition and purpose of teaching replacement behaviors
- Understand how replacement behaviors reduce the occurrence of problem behavior
- Know general procedures for teaching replacement behaviors in the classroom
Response Strategies
- Know strategies for responding to problem behavior in the classroom
- Understand the importance of reducing reinforcement for problem behavior
- Know a decision making plan for responding to crisis behavior in the classroom
De-Escalation
- Understand the importance of preventing crises
- Gain knowledge of effective verbal de-escalation strategies
Access the Safe Classroom Learning Environment modules at this link.
Heartland AEA in collaboration with the Iowa Department of Education will be holding a series of workshops for districts interested in revisiting and revising their Teacher Leadership Compensation Plan.
Each workshop will focus on a critical part of the Teacher Leadership plan, allowing time for new learning, reflection and collaboration across districts. Workshops will be held via Zoom from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. with an optional Q&A/networking opportunity from 1-1:30 p.m. The series will cover the following areas:
Improving Teacher Leadership
- Roles and Responsibilities - Feb. 25, 2021
- Hiring and Sustaining TLC - March 25, 2021
- Mentoring and Induction - April 22, 2021
- Plan Revision and Site Based Teams - May 13, 2021
If you are a district administrator or staff primarily responsible for TLC, building leader, TLC site-based team member or instructional coach and are interested in attending, complete the form found here.
All sessions will be recorded and made available on our Teacher Leadership Professional Development Google Site.
For more information, contact:
Michelle Vaughan
Danyel Reiter
Wendy Robinson
Lora Rasey
The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners newsletter is now available. In this issue: Frequently Asked Questions, Rule Changes, Renewal Credit Providers and Renewal Credit Options, Ethics Spotlight, and Recent Cases.
Many of you were on the webinar hosted by the Iowa Department of Education on Jan. 27 outlining these new positions that can be used with operational sharing dollars and partnering with DMACC. If you are not aware or have not seen the recording of the webinar, it will be posted on the DE website soon. In the meantime, the playbook explaining these positions can be found here. If you would like more information, please contact Sue Schirmer at sschirmer@heartlandaea.org.
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
Each January/February, ISFIS partners with Piper Sandler and Iowa's Area Education Agencies to host ISFIS Budget Workshops. This is the 11th year of these hands-on workshops that provide the opportunity for superintendents, SBOs and their teams to prepare their individual district Certified Budget in one highly productive day. Districts will leave the workshop with a completed Certified Budget and will know all options for publications. Attendees also learn about sales and property tax debt and other variables affecting district finances.
Typically, ISFIS Budget Workshops are held in-person at an Iowa AEA location, but after much deliberation, we decided the 2021 workshops will be virtual to ensure safety for all involved.
ISFIS Budget Workshop
Jan. 25, 2021
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Virtual format
Cost to attend is $250 per district.
Register online at this link: https://www.iowaschoolfinance.com/Budget_workshops
For more information, contact Jen Albers at jen@iowaschoolfinance.com or (515) 251-5970.
The next regular meeting of the Heartland Administrators' Association will be held via Zoom on Feb. 2 from 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. An agenda will be sent next week.
The meeting will include guest speaker Todd Whitthorne, President and CEO of Cooper Concepts, Inc., who will present on wellness. Look for more details soon.
Paul Gorski from the Equity Literacy Institute will share four racial equity detours commonly embraced in schools, followed by equity principles that can help educators avoid these detours and build a more transformational racial equity approach. This webinar will be held during Heartland AEA Curriculum Network. If you want to attend, please fill out this form and a Zoom link will be emailed to you the week of the webinar. There is no cost to participate.
Avoiding Racial Equity Detours
Feb. 5, 2021
10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Audience: School administrators, teacher leaders and Heartland AEA staff
Welcome to the first Heartland AEA ESL/Diversity newsletter of 2021. In this newsletter, we highlight topics related to preparing our students learning English to be Future Ready. Please access this LINK to view our latest newsletter. Contact your ESL/Diversity consultants if you would like to expand on information from this newsletter and create Future Ready opportunities for students in your school.
Iowa’s AEAs are collaborating to improve access for Iowa’s PK-12 educators to creative services (printing, lamination, graphic design, production of instructional materials). Equity and access are guiding principles that influence the common pricing of materials and services across the state. As a result, a common statewide pricing structure will be implemented for schools in the Heartland AEA service area beginning Feb. 1, 2021. Statewide pricing impacts costs for lamination, graphic design time and our various printing services (color, black/white, posters, banners, binding, special print, etc.). Production costs are subsidized by each AEA, and the AEAs do not profit from the schools’ purchase of these services and materials. If you have any questions, contact Kurt Subra, Heartland AEA Chief Financial Officer or Susan Schrader, Heartland AEA Director of Resources and Library Services.
These professional learning resources were compiled and developed to assist school districts in meeting the requirements of Senate File 2360 (Guidance for Safe Classroom Learning Environments) and Chapter 103 (Corporal Punishment, Physical Restraint, Seclusion and Other Physical Contact with Students). Information is included on research-based intervention strategies for students with Social, Emotional, Behavior, and/or Mental Health (SEBMH) needs in the school setting.
Foundational Behavior Principles
- Understand the functions of behavior
- Recognize the ABCs (Antecedent - Behavior - Consequences) of behavior
- Realize the importance of building relationships with our students as the key way to prevent behavior
Prevention Strategies
- Know what prevention strategies mean
- Understand how to use prevention strategies to minimize triggers for problem behaviors
- Recognize prevention strategies that can be used in your classroom to promote appropriate behavior
Supporting Communication
- Know the definition and purpose of teaching replacement behaviors
- Understand how replacement behaviors reduce the occurrence of problem behavior
- Know general procedures for teaching replacement behaviors in the classroom
Response Strategies
- Know strategies for responding to problem behavior in the classroom
- Understand the importance of reducing reinforcement for problem behavior
- Know a decision making plan for responding to crisis behavior in the classroom
De-Escalation
- Understand the importance of preventing crises
- Gain knowledge of effective verbal de-escalation strategies
Access the Safe Classroom Learning Environment modules at this link.
In an effort to support the well-being of districts, students, educators and families, we're pleased to bring you "Wellness Inspiration," a resource dedicated to well-being. Check out the Wellness Inspiration site for well-being resources, tips and fun and share with colleagues and families! This week features:
- How to Build a Strong Inner Foundation for Your Life
- 21 Tips for a Positive New Year
The United Way Homework Helpers Hotline was launched last week. United Way Homework Helpers Hotline is a volunteer-based hotline aiming to support students with homework questions outside of the school day during this time of ever-changing learning models.
Operating hours are from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m., Sunday through Thursday. Call 211 for FREE Homework Help for students K - 12 and select #7 to speak with a Homework Hotline Helper. Interpreters also available.
Please share with students, teachers and families that could benefit from this resource.
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
Each January/February, ISFIS partners with Piper Sandler and Iowa's Area Education Agencies to host ISFIS Budget Workshops. This is the 11th year of these hands-on workshops that provide the opportunity for superintendents, SBOs and their teams to prepare their individual district Certified Budget in one highly productive day. Districts will leave the workshop with a completed Certified Budget and will know all options for publications. Attendees also learn about sales and property tax debt and other variables affecting district finances.
Typically, ISFIS Budget Workshops are held in-person at an Iowa AEA location, but after much deliberation, we decided the 2021 workshops will be virtual to ensure safety for all involved.
ISFIS Budget Workshop
Jan. 25, 2021
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Virtual format
Cost to attend is $250 per district.
Register online at this link: https://www.iowaschoolfinance.com/Budget_workshops
For more information, contact Jen Albers at jen@iowaschoolfinance.com or (515) 251-5970.
Paul Gorski from the Equity Literacy Institute will share four racial equity detours commonly embraced in schools, followed by equity principles that can help educators avoid these detours and build a more transformational racial equity approach. This webinar will be held during Heartland AEA Curriculum Network. If you want to attend, please fill out this form and a Zoom link will be emailed to you the week of the webinar. There is no cost to participate.
Avoiding Racial Equity Detours
Feb. 5, 2021
10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Audience: School administrators, teacher leaders and Heartland AEA staff
Iowa’s AEAs are collaborating to improve access for Iowa’s PK-12 educators to creative services (printing, lamination, graphic design, production of instructional materials). Equity and access are guiding principles that influence the common pricing of materials and services across the state. As a result, a common statewide pricing structure will be implemented for schools in the Heartland AEA service area beginning Feb. 1, 2021. Statewide pricing impacts costs for lamination, graphic design time and our various printing services (color, black/white, posters, banners, binding, special print, etc.). Production costs are subsidized by each AEA, and the AEAs do not profit from the schools’ purchase of these services and materials. If you have any questions, contact Kurt Subra, Heartland AEA Chief Financial Officer or Susan Schrader, Heartland AEA Director of Resources and Library Services.
The Heartland AEA Library & Digital Resources newsletter is now available. Make sure to follow the newsletter and share it with your colleagues!
In this issue:
- Inaugural Primary Sources
- Civics Education Ebooks
- IASL Award Books 2021-22
- Civic Discourse Online
The Heartland AEA Literacy Newsletter is now available. Make sure to follow the newsletter and share it with your colleagues! In this issue:
- Data-based Decision Making
- Corresponding with Parents and Guardians
- Tips for Parents
- Fluency and Comprehension
- Foundational Skills Practice
- Text Complexity Webinar Series
- And so much more!
As digital learning becomes more prevalent in face-to-face, blended and remote classrooms, it is essential that educators recognize the knowledge and behaviors that empower teachers and learners in a technology-rich environment. Dr. Jennifer Gonzalez, a leader in education, will lead a webinar session highlighting what it takes to be a leader in a digital world. The course is designed around the ISTE Standards highlighting the standards for Education Leaders. Participants will examine the ISTE Standards and create a plan to implement their learning. Learn more about the course and register at this link: https://bit.ly/2K77FO3.
Instructional Technology Newsletter
Take a look at the Instructional Technology newsletter for information on:
- Pear Deck Resources
- STEM Scale-Up Applications
- New Tech Tools
- Heartland AEA Online Resources
The Iowa Department of Education has released Frequently Asked Questions and additional guidance related to Senate File 2360: Safe Classroom Learning Environments. This resource answers common questions from educators regarding Senate File 2360 and state guidance. The DE anticipates this document will expand as it works through the rules writing process, the Therapeutic Classroom Grant, and development of standards and guidelines for response to classroom behavior. This represents the most current official position of the Department related to these questions and supersedes previous Department guidance on this topic. The Department will continue to review previous and new FAQs to include here and to ensure complete alignment with these responses. If your question is not answered in this resource, please email your question to barb.anderson@iowa.gov and the DE will update this list regularly.
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
Each January/February, ISFIS partners with Piper Sandler and Iowa's Area Education Agencies to host ISFIS Budget Workshops. This is the 11th year of these hands-on workshops that provide the opportunity for superintendents, SBOs and their teams to prepare their individual district Certified Budget in one highly productive day. Districts will leave the workshop with a completed Certified Budget and will know all options for publications. Attendees also learn about sales and property tax debt and other variables affecting district finances.
Typically, ISFIS Budget Workshops are held in-person at an Iowa AEA location, but after much deliberation, we decided the 2021 workshops will be virtual to ensure safety for all involved.
ISFIS Budget Workshop
Jan. 25, 2021
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Virtual format
Cost to attend is $250 per district.
Register online at this link: https://www.iowaschoolfinance.com/Budget_workshops
For more information, contact Jen Albers at jen@iowaschoolfinance.com or (515) 251-5970.
The Chapter 103B training available on the AEA Learning Online training system has been revised and expected to be released on Jan. 11, permitting a final run-through with legal counsel. When the training goes live, it will be available in the catalog and entitled: 2021 Revision.
We have archived the former training, so while records of completion are still available from past participants, individuals can no longer register for the older training.
What is new in the training?
Among many things, the training has updated information on:
- Room clears (SF 2360 legislation passed in June 2020)
- New changes in the rules from November 2020
- Seclusion room requirements as well as requirements for supervision of students
- Debriefing meetings and notification requirements
- Time limitations for seclusion and restraint, and the process to extend time if more is needed
Who needs to be trained, and when?
The new requirements go into effect Jan. 20. The law states that employees engaging in seclusion or restraint have been trained prior to engaging. Thus, we recommend employees taking the training before Jan. 20, especially those with a higher likelihood of engaging in seclusion or restraint.
Keep in mind that incident documentation requires districts to identify when individuals involved in the seclusion or restraint were last trained. With the AEA Learning Online training system, you will be able to access that information.
How long does the training last?
While the standard disclaimer of text-based trainings vary depending on reading speed applies, we rate the training to take 45 minutes in length. As part of the training, we will link out to additional materials and videos which are optional.
A large thank you goes out to Ahlers' Law Firm (Des Moines), who was instrumental in the revisions and update for the training. For additional questions regarding the training itself, please contact Evan Abbey.
These sessions are open-ended conversations held via Zoom about concerns, barriers or learning around Standards-Based Learning (SBL) including Grading and Reporting. There will be allotted time for questions, conversation and networking. You may attend whatever sessions are of interest to you; you do not need to attend all sessions. Curriculum directors, principals, TLC leaders, Professional Learning leaders and members of SBL guiding teams can benefit from attending these sessions. Learn more about the learning opportunities and register at this link.
Matt Townsley: Secondary Level Standards Based Learning & Grading
Live Coaching Session via Zoom on Feb. 23 from 3-4 p.m.
This Google Classroom workshop consists of self-paced PD modules, access to resources, and videos of Matt Townsley, Ph.D., leading learning around SBL for Secondary Educators. Gain insights and information on reporting and grading at the secondary level. Then, participate in the end-of-course event on Feb. 23, which is a live, synchronous session with Dr. Townsley.
Register at this link: https://bit.ly/3sdGkv0
Cost: $25.00
Lee Ann Jung: Grading for Exceptional Learners
Live Coaching Session: April 28 from 3-4 p.m.
This Google Classroom workshop consists of PD modules, access to resources, and videos of Lee Ann Jung, Ph.D., sharing insights and leading learning around varied student groups. Gain information on inclusion and accommodations within the context of SBL, grading and reporting. Then, participate in the end-of-course event on April 28 which is a live, synchronous session with Dr. Jung.
Register at this link: https://bit.ly/3sdGkv0
Cost: $25.00
Mental health professionals from Iowa’s nine AEAs recently collaborated to create a website for Iowans who are searching for mental health assistance. The website at www.IowaAEAMentalHealth.org came from a request by the state legislature to help educators, parents and students navigate resources related to mental health and well-being in Iowa. In addition to AEA contacts for the schools, the site provides contacts for the home setting from Iowa’s Mental Health and Disability Services (MHDS).
The website features vetted sources to educate visitors about addiction and substance abuse, anxiety and stress disorders, attention deficit disorder, depression, eating disorders and self-harm.
“A call was put out by educational committee legislators last year to offer support to Iowa families and educators in the area of mental health,” said Tom Lane, a lobbyist for Iowa’s AEAs. “The site was designed to alleviate the frustration of finding contacts for services. When educators visit the site, they will find a point of contact at their respective AEA and family members can reach out to mental health regions of MHDS.”
A listing of Iowa groups and agencies that advocate for children and families is part of an education component of the site, as well as reducing the stigma associated with mental health.
The site also provides information about proactive measures people can take for self-care.
“People who pay attention to their own physical and emotional health are better able to handle the challenges of supporting someone with mental health issues,” said Lane.
School employees are encouraged to check out the site, especially the “Find Support” page, in order to demonstrate how to navigate the resources. Schools should contact their local AEA for assistance with students who need mental health supports.
The Heartland AEA Library & Digital Resources newsletter is now available. Make sure to follow the newsletter and share it with your colleagues!
In this issue:
- Public Domain Day 2021 and The Great Gatsby
- Research in the Elementary Classroom Course
- Paraeducator Online Course
- New Ebooks and Digital Audiobooks
- Civil Discourse Online
- 1,500+ Full Videos of Stories and Literature
The Heartland AEA Math Minutes Newsletter is now available. Make sure to follow the newsletter and share it with your colleagues! In this issue…
- Dynamic Number Line Through Clothesline Math
- Mental Health and Wellbeing: What is your one word?
Join us Jan. 11 at 3:45 p.m. as Iowa’s AEAs across the state host networking sessions to support science instruction during face-to-face, blended and distance learning. This month’s topic is Phenomenon. The Zoom networking sessions are facilitated by AEA Science Consultants and are being held to provide learning and networking opportunities for science teachers across the state.
Register in advance for this session at this link. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Save these dates for upcoming networking sessions:
- February 1
- March 1
- April 12
- May 3
The Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council selects some of the state’s and nation’s high-quality programs and offers their professional development/training and materials to Iowa educators through the STEM Scale-Up Program. Each year, the STEM Council equips thousands of educators with STEM programs that inspire nearly 100,000 Iowa youth.
One of the priorities of the STEM Council is to achieve STEM for All! That means, any formal or informal Iowa educator is eligible to apply. The STEM Scale-Up Program application is open for educators from Jan. 11 to March 5, 2021.
Click here to learn more about the programs
Click here to apply
Congress has approved, and President Trump signed a $900 billion COVID-19 relief package, along with the 2021 federal government budget set at $1.4 trillion, designed to help businesses, schools, supports for vaccine testing, distribution and contact tracing efforts, and direct payments of up to $600 to every adult and child. In addition to those provisions, the legislation provides $82 billion for education, four times the amount given to schools in the CARES Act. Read the full summary of the relief package.
The January 2021 School Leader Update from the Iowa Department of Education is available.
School districts and community colleges in Iowa have the opportunity to create shared positions for College and Career Transition Counselors (CCTCs) funded by a grant from the Iowa Department of Education. CCTCs are funded for three years and support college transition and career exploration for high school juniors and seniors.
Informational Webinar
Jan. 27
3-4 p.m.
Presented by the Iowa Department of Education Bureau of Technical Education in partnership with Iowa College Aid and AEA PREP.
Register at this link.
