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

May 4 HAA Meeting Reminder & In-Person Attendance Option Plus Guest Speaker Tim Hoskins

The next HAA meeting will be held on May 4 from 9 - 11:30 a.m. (Agenda) The meeting will be held via Zoom with an in-person option at Heartland AEA, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, Rooms 107A/B. (Calendar invites were already sent to superintendents and include the zoom link.) Covid mitigation efforts are in place, including masks and social distancing. Those who wish to attend in person, please add your name to this list, so we can ensure room capacity.

The meeting will feature guest speaker Tim Hoskins, President of Quester. He will lead us through an informative, interactive and thought-provoking discussion to better understand the anticipated impacts of automation and artificial intelligence (AI), as well as help us think about how we overcome barriers in our systems to better prepare our students for the future.

Tim leads a talented team of strategists, researchers, developers, and innovators who keep Quester at the forefront of the strategy and insights industry. He has been instrumental in the ongoing development of Quester’s artificial intelligence technology that enables new and unique approaches to solving client-side research objectives such as innovation, concept development, brand positioning, segmentation, and path to purchase.

Registration is OPEN for our Heart of Innovation Summer Summit!

The Heart of Innovation Summer Summit on June 15 and 16 is a FREE virtual conference for educators -- designed to enhance your learning and support your work to incorporate new and innovative strategies into your practice. Earn one graduate credit! Be one of the first 50 people to register and receive a Summer Summit Swag Bag!

But wait, there’s more!
Would you like to present at the Summer Summit? Consider submitting a session proposal.

Are you looking to earn credits or learn more about teaching and learning with technology? Check out the course listing in our newsletter!

FastBridge Registration for 2021-22 AEA Subsidy Available for Grades K-8

This year Iowa’s AEAs again will be subsidizing the costs for schools to upgrade their DE-provided FAST subscriptions that includes the expanded assessment suite in math and behavior for K-6, and literacy, math and behavior for grades 7 & 8. Participation is available both to schools that purchased the expanded assessment suite in previous years and those that want to use it for the first time in 2021-22. The registration window closes May 7, 2021. More details are available here.

Heartland AEA Library & Digital Newsletter is Now Available

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:

• Last Call for DVD Give-Away
• NOVA Wonders
• New Tales2Go Digital Audiobooks
• Critical Thinking and Fake News
• New Ebooks
• School Libraries and Iowa Computer Science Standards
• Heartland AEA Newsletters

Summer Professional Learning Opportunities Coming This June and July

In an effort to diminish or limit the spread of COVID-19, most of our summer classes will be offered through video conferencing and online formats. We are offering a limited number of face-to-face courses. Heartland AEA consultants will continue to partner with districts to offer professional learning in the schools they serve. There are a variety of courses available through Iowa’s AEAs as well. Please refer to this document for additional information and links to course catalogs.

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

May 4 HAA Meeting Reminder & In-Person Attendance Option Plus Guest Speaker Tim Hoskins

The next HAA meeting will be held on May 4 from 9 - 11:30 a.m. (Agenda) The meeting will be held via Zoom with an in-person option at Heartland AEA, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, Rooms 107A/B. (Calendar invites were already sent to superintendents and include the zoom link.) Covid mitigation efforts are in place, including masks and social distancing. Those who wish to attend in person, please add your name to this list, so we can ensure room capacity.

The meeting will feature guest speaker Tim Hoskins, President of Quester. He will lead us through an informative, interactive and thought-provoking discussion to better understand the anticipated impacts of automation and artificial intelligence (AI), as well as help us think about how we overcome barriers in our systems to better prepare our students for the future.

Tim leads a talented team of strategists, researchers, developers, and innovators who keep Quester at the forefront of the strategy and insights industry. He has been instrumental in the ongoing development of Quester’s artificial intelligence technology that enables new and unique approaches to solving client-side research objectives such as innovation, concept development, brand positioning, segmentation, and path to purchase.

New Student Planners are Here! Order Your School’s Today!

Quality, affordable and beautifully-designed student planners are available for your school through Heartland AEA. Planners can support student engagement and awareness of school events, activities and projects. Visit Creative Services Online to choose your planner style from the many options we offer. Place your order by May 1 to ensure delivery by the beginning of the 2021-22 school year.

Join Renowned Author Doug Fisher, Corwin Instructors and Heartland AEA Consultants for a Summer Learning Opportunity Like No Other!

Heartland AEA’s “Summer Learning Academy: Reflect, Reconstruct, Rebound” has been designed with area educators, for area educators. Over the past year, you’ve stretched your abilities and increased your confidence as you’ve tried new tools, new models and new ways of teaching.

The vision for our time together in the Summer Learning Academy includes:

• Augmentation of content
• Study around instruction
• Learning about assessment and feedback practices
• Perusal of technology integration

All these topics have been compiled for a steadfast rebound and rich catapult into the 2021-22 school year!

To learn more about the Academy, learning tracks and license renewal credit, view the Academy flyer.

Summer Learning Academy: Reflect, Reconstruct, Rebound
June 21-25, 2021
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. each day
Virtual Format
$100

Registration Links
1 license renewal credit - Register Now
2 license renewal credits - Register Now
No credit/participant only - Register Now

Questions?

Contact Amy Wichman or Wendy Robinson, Directors of Instructional Services, Heartland AEA

VIDEO: Watch How Guidance Counselor Roles Have Transformed in the School Setting

If you are wondering how the "Guidance Counselor" of years past is different from today's "School Counselor" this video is for you! The Transformed School Counselor video explores the role of the transformed school counselor and how they could and should be used in the school setting.

Iowa’s AEAs Offer Special Seesaw Agreement for Districts

Iowa’s Area Education Agencies will be partnering with Seesaw to offer districts a reduced annual subscription starting July 1, 2021 to provide equitable access to Seesaw for Schools. This agreement ensures schools and districts throughout Iowa have equitable access to Seesaw at the same per student price, regardless of student enrollment. Read more about purchasing and billing and next steps in AEAs Offer Special Seesaw Agreement for Districts.

Check Out Our Wellness Inspiration Site: Shareable Resource For Educators, Families and Students

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 issue features:

• Manipulate Time with These Powerful 20 Time Management Tips
• We Celebrated Earth Day on April 22 but You Can Take Care of the Planet Every Day!

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

May 4 HAA Meeting Reminder & In-Person Attendance Option Plus Guest Speaker Tim Hoskins

The next HAA meeting will be held on May 4 from 9 - 11:30 a.m. (Agenda) The meeting will be held via Zoom with an in-person option at Heartland AEA, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, Rooms 107A/B. (Calendar invites were already sent to superintendents and include the zoom link.) Covid mitigation efforts are in place, including masks and social distancing. Those who wish to attend in person, please add your name to this list, so we can ensure room capacity.

The meeting will feature guest speaker Tim Hoskins, President of Quester. He will lead us through an informative, interactive and thought-provoking discussion to better understand the anticipated impacts of automation and artificial intelligence (AI), as well as help us think about how we overcome barriers in our systems to better prepare our students for the future.

Tim leads a talented team of strategists, researchers, developers, and innovators who keep Quester at the forefront of the strategy and insights industry. He has been instrumental in the ongoing development of Quester’s artificial intelligence technology that enables new and unique approaches to solving client-side research objectives such as innovation, concept development, brand positioning, segmentation, and path to purchase.

NEW! 3 Feet Social Distancing Decals & Posters

Given the updated classroom social distance guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Heartland AEA has created 3 Feet posters and decals for your buildings. Find a variety of these posters and decals by logging on to csonline.heartlandaea.org and search COVID.

April/May 2021 ELL Newsletter is Available

The April/May 2021 ELL newsletter is now available at this link: https://www.smore.com/3yepr.

The topic of the current newsletter is The LIEP, or Language Instruction Education Program. This newsletter discusses some of the different program models schools utilize in Iowa and considerations for schools as they design effective programming for the 2021-22 school year. Best wishes on a smooth journey to the end of this school year and we will see you again in the fall!

Join Renowned Author Doug Fisher, Corwin Instructors and Heartland AEA Consultants for a Summer Learning Opportunity Like No Other!

Heartland AEA’s “Summer Learning Academy: Reflect, Reconstruct, Rebound” has been designed with area educators, for area educators. Over the past year, you’ve stretched your abilities and increased your confidence as you’ve tried new tools, new models and new ways of teaching.

The vision for our time together in the Summer Learning Academy includes:

• Augmentation of content
• Study around instruction
• Learning about assessment and feedback practices
• Perusal of technology integration

All these topics have been compiled for a steadfast rebound and rich catapult into the 2021-22 school year!

To learn more about the Academy, learning tracks and license renewal credit, view the Academy flyer.

Summer Learning Academy: Reflect, Reconstruct, Rebound
June 21-25, 2021
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. each day
Virtual Format
$100

Registration Links
1 license renewal credit - Register Now
2 license renewal credits - Register Now
No credit/participant only - Register Now

Questions?Contact Amy Wichman or Wendy Robinson, Directors of Instructional Services, Heartland AEA

FastBridge Registration for 2021-22 AEA Subsidy Available for Grades K-8

This year Iowa’s AEAs again will be subsidizing the costs for schools to upgrade their DE-provided FAST subscriptions that includes the expanded assessment suite in math and behavior for K-6, and literacy, math and behavior for grades 7 & 8. Participation is available both to schools that purchased the expanded assessment suite in previous years and those that want to use it for the first time in 2021-22. The registration window is April 1- May 7, 2021. More details are available here.

Check Out These Opportunities from Google Workspace for Education and Seesaw

Google Workspace for Education Webinar - April 28

Join Anne Nash, a program manager for the Google Education, for an informational webinar highlighting exciting updates coming to districts through Google Workspace for Education!

Iowa’s Area Education Agencies are partnering with Google to provide technology directors and instructional coaches with an informational overview of updates and answer questions districts may have as they prepare for next year, including:

• New Google Workspace for Education Editions (Free and Premium)
• New features coming to: Meet, Classroom, Docs, Drive, Admin Console and more!

April 28, 2021
12 p.m. - 1p.m.
Sign Up Form

Please complete this form to have the Meet link & resources shared with you.

Learn more about this opportunity and a pricing update from Tempus Nova in Tech Director Updates from Iowa’s AEAs.


Iowa’s AEAs Offer Special Seesaw Agreement for Districts
Iowa’s Area Education Agencies will be partnering with Seesaw to offer districts a reduced annual subscription starting July 1, 2021 to provide equitable access to Seesaw for Schools. This agreement ensures schools and districts throughout Iowa have equitable access to Seesaw at the same per student price, regardless of student enrollment. Read more about purchasing and billing and next steps in AEAs Offer Special Seesaw Agreement for Districts.

Heartland AEA Literacy Newsletter is Now Available

The Heartland AEA Literacy Newsletter is now available. Make sure to follow the newsletter and share it with your colleagues! In this issue:

• Intensifying Literacy Instruction
• Science of Reading
• Dyslexia News
• Five Research-Based Ways to Teach Vocabulary
• What We’re Reading

Reach out to your Heartland AEA Literacy Consultant if you need any support.

2021 Global Education Institute for K-12 Teachers: Global Perspectives on Social Justice, Coming in June

The 2021 Global Education Institute for Teachers: Global Perspectives on Social Justice, will be held virtually on June 7-28, 2021. The institute is organized by the Global Education Program at the Stanley Center and the University of Iowa International Programs and presented by the UI Stanley Museum of Art and College of Education.

K-12 teachers of all disciplines are invited to attend this year’s virtual institute, a month-long, one license renewal credit experience taught by University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art curators Kimberly Datchuk and Brady Plunger and UI College of Education’s, Will Coghill-Behrends.

There will be mandatory live sessions every Monday from 9-10:30 a.m. and many other sessions (small-group discussions, videos, office hours, etc.) throughout the month.

FREE tuition and course materials for everyone!

Registration deadline is May 1, 2021.

*Priority preference will be given to teachers who have not participated before.

More information may be found on our website at https://international.uiowa.edu/connect/programs/k-12/institute.

Please contact Amy Green at amy-green-1@uiowa.edu or (319) 335-1433 with any questions.

Virtual STEM Event for Girls in Middle and High School Begins April 26

The American Heart Association will be hosting STEM Goes Red in April. STEM Goes Red is about empowering girls in middle and high school to take control of their health and to inspire their future by providing knowledge and exposure to the many opportunities available to them through further education and careers in STEM. Opportunities that may provide them a seat at the table when breakthroughs made are impacting the health and longevity of all Americans.

During this week-long virtual experience that explores STEM outside the classroom, middle and high school girls will gain knowledge through on demand STEM sessions and live speed mentoring sessions with business leaders from Central Iowa and walk away knowing that they can make an impact through a career in STEM.

STEM Goes Red Central Iowa
April 26-29, 2021
Virtual STEM Experience
Opening Ceremony, April 26

For more information and to register, visit the STEM Goes Red website.

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

New Student Planners are Here! Order Your School’s Today!

Quality, affordable and beautifully-designed student planners are available for your school through Heartland AEA. Planners can support student engagement and awareness of school events, activities and projects. Visit Creative Services Online to choose your planner style from the many options we offer. Place your order by May 1 to ensure delivery by the beginning of the 2021-22 school year.

FastBridge Registration for 2021-22 AEA Subsidy Available for Grades K-8

This year Iowa’s AEAs again will be subsidizing the costs for schools to upgrade their DE-provided FAST subscriptions that includes the expanded assessment suite in math and behavior for K-6, and literacy, math and behavior for grades 7 & 8. Participation is available both to schools that purchased the expanded assessment suite in previous years and those that want to use it for the first time in 2021-22. The registration window is April 1- May 7, 2021. More details are available here.

Our Science Survey is Closing! Please Share Your Thoughts!

Please take 2-3 minutes to complete this short survey to provide information about needs related to science education in your setting. We’d like your responses by April 11.

Iowa State University Wants to Hear from You! Please Complete Their Survey By April 23

Iowa State University is surveying superintendents and teachers to understand the current use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in K-12 classrooms. This confidential survey will provide a snapshot of GIS in K-12 public education in Iowa as well as identify barriers and opportunities for the use of GIS technology among non-users. ISU will use the information collected to create new resources for promoting future K-12 education throughout the state. This survey is a small – but very significant way – to make a difference in your community!

Superintendent Survey: https://iastate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0jQblWlFieMMubj

K-12 Teacher Survey: tinyurl.com/IAK12GIS

Survey deadline is April 23, 2021

 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

April 6 HAA Meeting Reminder & In-Person Attendance Option

The next HAA meeting will be held on April 6 from 9 - 11:30 a.m. (Agenda) The meeting will be held via Zoom with an in-person option at Heartland AEA, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, Rooms 107A/B. Covid mitigation efforts are in place, including masks and social distancing.

• If you wish to attend in-person, add your name to this list, so we can ensure room capacity.
• If you wish to attend via Zoom, use the Zoom link included in your calendar invitation and located on the agenda.

The meeting will feature guest speaker Kristin Anderson, who is an educator, researcher, and founder and CEO of The Brilliance Project. Through her research and consultancy over her 20-plus-year career, Kristin has helped thousands of educators, leaders and aspiring world-changers transform their potential and unleash their personal power through the lens of education. She is the author of Data Teams Success Stories Volume 1, Real Time Decisions, Getting Started with Rigorous Curriculum Design, and soon to be published book on Educator Wellbeing.

Anderson's April 6 presentation will focus on emotional wellbeing. If we are to navigate the storm that has been brewing for the past several years, retain our educators and leaders, and cause human flourishing, then focusing on emotional wellbeing is critical.

Computer Science Update from Heartland AEA

The movement to bring computer science education to all students has quickly been embraced across the United States. Almost every state in the country is developing policies that aim to promote greater access to computer science learning experiences, and at the local level, communities, districts and local education organizations have been involved in launching local initiatives focused on computer science education.

To support our districts in this work, Heartland AEA has created this Computer Science Overview + FAQ which includes a Computer Science In Iowa timeline, upcoming computer science workshops, and additional learning opportunities.

The value should drive what computer science education looks like.
Why should students learn computer science? For creativity? Jobs? Justice? Innovation? The answers to these questions shape what computer science education looks like in practice. Computer science can and should look different, given the diverse aspirations and experiences of students, as well as their educators, families and others who aim to support them.

FastBridge Registration for 2021-22 AEA Subsidy Available for Grades K-8

This year Iowa’s AEAs again will be subsidizing the costs for schools to upgrade their DE-provided FAST subscriptions that includes the expanded assessment suite in math and behavior for K-6, and literacy, math and behavior for grades 7 & 8. Participation is available both to schools that purchased the expanded assessment suite in previous years and those that want to use it for the first time in 2021-22. The registration window is April 1- May 7, 2021. More details are available here.

Heartland AEA Library & Digital Newsletter is Now Available

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:

• 2021-22 IASL Award Books Order Reminder
• New Tech Ebooks
• 2021-22 IASL Award Audiobooks in Tales 2 Go
• Virtual Field Trips
• New MackinVIA Admin
• Bloom's Taxonomy for Digital Learning

Have You Completed Our Science Needs Survey? Share Your Thoughts!

Please take 2-3 minutes to complete this short survey to provide information about needs related to science education in your setting. We’d like your responses by April 9.

FYI: Physical Education for Students with Disabilities Resource from Iowa Dept. of Education

The Iowa Department of Education has released "Guidance for Physical Education for Students with Disabilities" on their website. There is not a change in our procedures or practices, but this document might be a useful resource in working with IEP teams around needs related to physical education programming.

April 2021 School Leader Update Available

The April 2021 School Leader Update from the Iowa Department of Education is available.