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

Iowa’s AEAs Continue Pear Deck Funding for 2021-22 + News on Seesaw, ClassLink OneClick and BrightBytes

Learn more about all of these opportunities in this March AEA Update for Districts!

Pear Deck
Thanks to the overwhelming use and positive feedback from educators across the state, Iowa’s AEAs are planning to continue to fund district access to the Pear Deck platform for the 2021-22 school year. AEAs will monitor usage, future costs and factors to determine AEA involvement in the purchase of Pear Deck beyond 2021-22. Future funding options will be communicated in early 2022.

Seesaw
To support the high usage of Seesaw for Schools across the state, Iowa’s AEAs are negotiating a statewide pricing model to reduce the costs for districts interested in utilizing Seesaw for Schools during the 2021-22 school year. By aggregating Iowa districts under one contract, Seesaw for Schools can offer their service for significant per student savings.

Districts new to Seesaw for Schools or whose contracts expire before Dec. 2021 can opt in and be eligible for consortium pricing that includes a significant discount off of the standard $5.50 per student rate. (Districts who have prepaid subscriptions and are under contract past 2021 can transition their agreement and opt into the statewide pricing per student when their contracts are up for renewal. This can be coordinated through your AEA contact when they reach out to you.)

ClassLink OneClick
The AEA system has purchased AEA ClassLink OneClick for Iowa districts. AEA ClassLink OneClick is a launchpad that provides district teachers and students single sign-on access to AEA resources, such as the Professional Learning System, AEA Learning Online, Online Resources and more. AEA ClassLink OneClick is managed entirely by Iowa AEAs, this resource is a low maintenance solution for school administrators—no on-site district support is required to use this high-impact resource.

Teachers and students around the state have started using this intuitive interface to organize and display the online applications and resources they use. The AEAs are working on an implementation plan that includes access for ALL districts by early fall 2021.

BrightBytes
For several years Iowa AEAs, in partnership with BrightBytes, have provided tools to assist districts with collecting actionable data to aid in decision making. Districts currently have access to several BrightBytes modules including Technology & Learning, Modern Learning Solution and Digital Privacy, Safety & Security.

The AEAs want to help ensure districts do not miss out on the opportunity to collect this important data as AEA financial support for these BrightBytes tools will end June 30, 2021. This spring is the last opportunity for Iowa districts to collect data for FREE.

Learn more about all of these opportunities in this March AEA Update for Districts!

Iowa’s Therapeutic Classroom Grant is Now Open

This one-time competitive grant is offered to public school districts in Iowa and is part of requirements set in place by Iowa Code 256.25. The grant supports public school districts to establish therapeutic classrooms for learners whose emotional, social, or behavioral needs interfere with their ability to be successful in their current educational environment. Districts applying for the grant may seek funds to establish new classrooms and/or install critical components into current classroom/programs that they are developing into therapeutic classrooms. Listen to a webinar providing details about the grant and learn more on the Therapeutic Classroom Grant Webpage. Timeline: March 12: Grant applicant questions due March 19: FAQ released for grant application questions April 30: Applications due May 31: Awards announced No later than Aug. 1: Funds distributed For questions contact Barb Anderson at barb.anderson@iowa.gov or (515) 664-6732 or Kathy Bertsch at kathy.bertsch@iowa.gov or (515) 419-2444.

New Website Designed to Help Iowans with Mental Health Needs

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.

Collaborating to Build Inclusive Learning Experiences: An Introduction to Culturally Responsive Teaching Starts Online March 31

Featuring a webinar with Desiree Alexander, Ed.D.

April 8
Register at this link: https://bit.ly/3b7M9U4

More Instructional Technology Opportunities:

• Virtual Field Trips
• Heart of Innovation Summit
• Teaching and Learning with Technology Courses

Learn more in the Instructional Technology newsletter.

March 2021 School Leader Update

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