Friday, October 28, 2022

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

  

Save the Date: Heartland Administrators’ Association (HAA) Meeting Nov. 1

reminder

The Heartland Administrators’ Association (HAA) meeting will be held on Nov. 1 from 9-11:30 a.m. at Heartland AEA, Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston. The meeting will include an update from Dr. Ann Lebo and the Iowa Department of Education, and a legislative update from guest panel members Dave Daughton, School Administrators of Iowa, Emily Piper, Iowa Association of School Boards, and Kate Walton, Eide and Walton. View the agenda. There is no Zoom option for this meeting. Lunch will be provided immediately following.

Assistance with Redistricting is Available

just a friendly reminder
Iowa redistricting is currently underway. Redistricting is the process of redrawing electoral districts to equalize population between districts and is required by Iowa law following each decennial Census. If existing school director districts meet the standards in Iowa Code and the 2020 population between districts is still within the required parameters, existing districts can remain in place - though do still need to be recertified by the Iowa Secretary of State.

Redistricting Resources


Cornerstone
Owner Jodi Flory is an Experienced Geographic Information Systems Specialist with a 20+ year history of working with GIS mapping technologies and data analytics. Skilled in administering enterprise GIS for both municipal, county and state government operations. Extensive experience in legislative and local redistricting. Demonstrated experience with the ESRI suite of products in both desktop and web platforms. Superintendents may use this form to enter some basic information to request a meeting. This Frequently Asked Questions may also be helpful.

Jodi Flory
(970) 409-9238
jodiflory@gmail.com
Cornerstone website


Mapping Strategies
Mapping Strategies, LLC., is a data analytics firm focused on practical solutions to public policy issues. Mapping Strategies has provided redistricting services to school districts and is experienced in geographic information systems (GIS) projects. Jim Addy is a former Administrator of School Services and Information for the Iowa Department of Education. Jim oversaw departmental research, information technology, school finance, nutrition, health and transportation programs. Now the president of Mapping Strategies, Addy has personally provided spatial analysis solutions and redistricting for government jurisdictions.

Jim Addy
(515) 554-1049
info@mappingstrategies.com
Mapping Strategies website

Timeline
  • Nov. 15, 2022 - First day that school boards can adopt a resolution redrawing director district boundaries
  • May 15, 2023 - Deadline for school boards to complete redistricting
  • July 1, 2023 - School director district boundaries become effective

Student Success Webinar on Nov. 9 Dedicated to Navigating Preschool Data in Student Success

Educators at a round table
Panorama will host a webinar dedicated to navigating the preschool data contained within Student Success on Nov. 9. Attendees will learn how to find and drill down into data for preschool children.

Date: Nov. 9, 2022
Time: 2-3 p.m.

Register in advance for this webinar at this link. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Immediately following the conclusion of the event, Renaissance will host a professional learning session to answer the question, "myIGDIs Fall Data...Now What?" Teams and teachers administering myIGDIs are encouraged to attend. The webinar is scheduled to last 90 minutes. Click here for the link to register or to join on Nov. 9.

Explore Robots and Physical Computing Devices in our Physical Computing Playground!

  • Physical Computing Playground
    Learn best practices and strategies to implement physical computing in classrooms
  • Review computer science standards and how they apply to physical computing devices
  • Explore what materials Heartland AEA has for checkout
When
Nov. 15, 2022
3:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
No registration required - this is an open house format

Where
Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston

Family Friendly!
Classroom teachers, teacher librarians and instructional coaches are invited to attend.
Kids are welcome! Who better to test our robots than students!

Information
Contact our Playground Facilitator, Marisa Dahl at mdahl@heartlandaea.org


Friday, October 21, 2022

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

  

Save the Date: Heartland Administrators’ Association (HAA) Meeting Nov. 1

Put this on your calendar!
The Heartland Administrators’ Association (HAA) meeting will be held on Nov. 1 from 9-11:30 a.m. at Heartland AEA, Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston. The meeting will include an update from Dr. Ann Lebo and the Iowa Department of Education, and a legislative update from guest panel members Dave Daughton, School Administrators of Iowa, Emily Piper, Iowa Association of School Boards, and Kate Walton, Eide and Walton. Agenda here. There is no Zoom option for this meeting. Lunch will be provided immediately following.

Math Minutes Newsletter is Now Available

Math professional learning courses
The Heartland AEA math newsletter is now available at this link. In this issue:
  • Responding to Universal Screening
  • Professional Learning:
  • Figuring Out Fluency Virtual Book Study
  • Numeracy Project
  • Early Childhood Math Activities and Routines

Introduction to Learning Acceleration Virtual Learning Series, Coming Oct. 24

Educators talking
How can so many students be graduating from high school unprepared to meet their goals for college and careers?

Students have big, clear plans.

Most students do what they’re asked in school—but are still not ready to succeed after school!

Students spend most of their time in school without access to 4 key resources:
  • grade-appropriate assignments
  • strong instruction
  • deep engagement
  • teachers who hold high expectations
Students of color, those from low-income families, English language learners, and students with mild to moderate disabilities have even less access to these resources than their peers.

When students who started the year behind grade level had access to stronger instruction, they closed gaps with their peers by six months.

Come learn more about how to support providing these four key resources!

Introduction to Learning Acceleration will lead development sessions for district and school instructional leaders as well as AEA consultants to ensure they have the knowledge, skills and mindsets they need to provide students access to grade-appropriate assignments and strong instruction.
  • The Opportunity Myth
  • Introduction to learning acceleration and systems reflection on readiness
  • Ensuring access to strong grade level instruction to accelerate to grade level
  • Observational tools and feedback for accelerated instruction
TNTP Learning Series: Introduction to Learning Acceleration
Cost: 1 hour recertification credit = $235.00 (Instructor fees + license renewal)
Participation only - $200.00 (Instructor fees)
Led by TNTP (The New Teacher Project) via zoom

Intended Audience: Administrators, AEA Staff, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Instructors, District & School Leaders

Virtually Oct. 24, Nov. 2 & 11 and Dec. 1, 2022 (8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.)
If participants need to miss a session, they will be sent a recording.

Registration: #204431 HL Introduction to Learning Acceleration

Course credit is awarded once all requirements are met and the end of the course date (Dec. 15, 2022)

More information here: Virtual learning series flyer

Approved as Evidence-based Practice

Learning acceleration is approved by the Iowa Department of Education as an evidence-based practice. This may be of particular interest to schools with ESSA designations since it is focused on growth of all students. Heartland AEA is committed to supporting this work and already trained a majority of our professional learning providers and will be supporting their attendance in the Application and Coaching Series.

COMING 2023! TNTP Learning Series: Application and Coaching

**Dates for Part 2 of the Learning Acceleration Series--Application and Coaching will be announced in late November/early December.

Friday, October 14, 2022

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

  

Assistance with Redistricting is Available

Reminder!
Iowa redistricting is currently underway. Redistricting is the process of redrawing electoral districts to equalize population between districts and is required by Iowa law following each decennial Census. If existing school director districts meet the standards in Iowa Code and the 2020 population between districts is still within the required parameters, existing districts can remain in place - though do still need to be recertified by the Iowa Secretary of State.

Redistricting Resources

Cornerstone
Owner Jodi Flory is an Experienced Geographic Information Systems Specialist with a 20+ year history of working with GIS mapping technologies and data analytics. Skilled in administering enterprise GIS for both municipal, county and state government operations. Extensive experience in legislative and local redistricting. Demonstrated experience with the ESRI suite of products in both desktop and web platforms. Superintendents may use this form to enter some basic information to request a meeting. This Frequently Asked Questions may also be helpful.

Jodi Flory
(970) 409-9238
jodiflory@gmail.com
Cornerstone website


Mapping Strategies
Mapping Strategies, LLC., is a data analytics firm focused on practical solutions to public policy issues. Mapping Strategies has provided redistricting services to school districts and is experienced in geographic information systems (GIS) projects. Jim Addy is a former Administrator of School Services and Information for the Iowa Department of Education. Jim oversaw departmental research, information technology, school finance, nutrition, health and transportation programs. Now the president of Mapping Strategies, Addy has personally provided spatial analysis solutions and redistricting for government jurisdictions.

Jim Addy
(515) 554-1049
info@mappingstrategies.com
Mapping Strategies website

Timeline
  • Nov. 15, 2022 - First day that school boards can adopt a resolution redrawing director district boundaries
  • May 15, 2023 - Deadline for school boards to complete redistricting
  • July 1, 2023 - School director district boundaries become effective

Future Ready Network - District Career Guidance Plan Workshop Oct. 20 *Location Update*

Announcement
The October Future Ready Network - District Career Guidance Workshop on Oct. 20 is just around the corner. The day will include time to review local District Career Guidance Plans, review trends and data across Heartland AEA, and time to hear about opportunities districts are providing students in each of the five components of the ICAP. The afternoon will include work time for districts to update their plans with the new 2022 District Career Guidance Template with AEA Future Ready team members available to assist.

There has been a change in location options to attend this workshop:

ORIGINATION SITE
Johnston - Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston - Rooms 152 A & B

REMOTE SITES
  • Adel: Heartland AEA, 602 Visions Parkway, Adel
  • Ames: Heartland AEA, 511 S. 17th Street, Ames
  • Indianola: Heartland AEA, 115 W. Salem Avenue, Indianola
VIRTUAL
Virtually via Zoom (if you would like AEA support for the afternoon time, please let us know in the survey)

If your district plans to attend this workshop, please complete this survey by Oct. 17, to indicate which office your team plans to attend or if your team would like to participate virtually. Please just complete one survey for your district team. This will help us plan to have enough AEA support in each office.

We are excited to see all the districts who plan to attend the District Career Guidance Plan workshop next week. If your district cannot attend this workshop, other options will be available later this year.

Iowa Principal Leadership Academy to Begin Two New Cohorts

Educational leaders in training
Prairie Lakes AEA and Keystone AEA will begin two new cohorts of the Iowa Principal Leadership Academy in April 2023. We would appreciate district administrators sharing this brochure with any interested staff.

Iowa Principal Leadership Academy is an alternative licensure program for PK-12 Principal and PK-12 Supervisor of Special Education endorsements. Upon completion of the program participants are recommended for endorsement for Iowa only.

We are not affiliated with any college or university and don't confer any credits except for teaching license renewal. Our program is a stand-alone in that candidates have to be part of the program for the full two years for us to recommend them for a license with the Iowa Bureau of Educational Examiners.

Participants in the program need to already have received a master's degree before beginning our program. We meet one in-person Saturday per month for two years and then we have additional five days that are scheduled to complete evaluator training components during the course of the two years. Coursework and internship is completed in your current district with the assistance of a mentor principal. This is not an online program and requires work with other participants onsite in collaborative work.

Total tuition cost is $6,600 with additional if license renewal is desired. Our next group begins on April 8, 2023. We have two sites for the program - Storm Lake and also a partner program in Keystone AEA in Elkader.

Attached is a program brochure that can be shared with your staff. Other additional information about the program and the application process is available on the Prairie Lakes AEA website. Application to program is recommended by Jan. 1, 2023.

Contact: 
Dr. Susie Meade
Chief Administrator
Prairie Lakes AEA
smeade@plaea.org

READ: Heartland AEA Library & Digital Resources Newsletter

Heartland AEA one click
The Heartland AEA Library & Digital Resources newsletter is now available. In this issue:
  • New Federal School Library Legislation Introduced
  • Misinformation Resources
  • Where are the spooky books?
  • Core Content and Second Language Learners
  • OneClick Update

Harness the Power of Pear Deck!

Pear
Join the Pear Deck Team to learn more about how to maximize your classroom use of Pear Deck! Whether you are a beginner or have been using Pear Deck for a while, this webinar will help fill your tool box with some hidden gems to help you elevate student engagement. Flyer to learn more!

What to Expect
  • Learn how to build interactive slides from scratch
  • Discover pre-built templates and app smashing with Canva
  • Feature Spotlight: Reflect and Review
  • Introduction to Flashcard Factory
Details and Registration
When: Nov. 3, 2022, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

Register Now! - All registered participants will be sent the resources and recording of the webinar.

Figuring Out Fluency Course, Coming Oct. 27

Educator at white board working on math
In this course, we will engage in conversation and learning around fluency to help develop a deeper understanding of what procedural fluency is and is not. We will identify which utilities, reasoning strategies and automaticities to attend to while teaching. Participants will explore a robust collection of routines, games and other activities that support a fluency agenda. We will also delve into techniques for assessing all components of fluency.

Dates/Times
  • Oct. 27 4-6:30 p.m.
  • Nov. 16 4-6 p.m.
  • Dec. 15 4-6 p.m.
  • Jan. 19 4-6 p.m.
  • Feb. 16 4-6 p.m.
  • March 23 4-6 p.m.
  • April 13 4-6:30 p.m.
Location - Virtual
This course will be offered via Zoom

REGISTER HERE!
Figuring Out Fluency Course #204269 HL

This course is offered at no cost to participants. 1 licensure renewal credit is available.
For more information, contact Molly Sweeney.

Introduction to Learning Acceleration Virtual Learning Series, Coming Oct. 24

Register Today!
How can so many students be graduating from high school unprepared to meet their goals for college and careers?

Students have big, clear plans.

Most students do what they’re asked in school—but are still not ready to succeed after school!

Students spend most of their time in school without access to 4 key resources: 
  • grade-appropriate assignments
  • strong instruction
  • deep engagement
  • teachers who hold high expectations
Students of color, those from low-income families, English language learners, and students with mild to moderate disabilities have even less access to these resources than their peers.

When students who started the year behind grade level had access to stronger instruction, they closed gaps with their peers by six months. 

Come learn more about how to support providing these four key resources!

Introduction to Learning Acceleration will lead development sessions for district and school instructional leaders as well as AEA consultants to ensure they have the knowledge, skills and mindsets they need to provide students access to grade-appropriate assignments and strong instruction.
  • The Opportunity Myth
  • Introduction to learning acceleration and systems reflection on readiness
  • Ensuring access to strong grade level instruction to accelerate to grade level
  • Observational tools and feedback for accelerated instruction
TNTP Learning Series: Introduction to Learning Acceleration
Cost: 1 hour recertification credit = $235.00 (Instructor fees + license renewal)
Participation only - $200.00 (Instructor fees)
  • Led by TNTP (The New Teacher Project) via zoom
  • Intended Audience: Administrators, AEA Staff, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Instructors, District & School Leaders
  • Virtually Oct. 24, Nov. 2 & 11 and Dec. 1, 2022 (8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.) 
If participants need to miss a session, they will be sent a recording.

Registration: #204431 HL Introduction to Learning Acceleration

Course credit is awarded once all requirements are met and the end of the course date (Dec. 15, 2022)

More information here: Virtual learning series flyer

COMING 2023!
TNTP Learning Series: Application and Coaching


Have You Heard? ITEC Conference Registration is Now Open!

ITEC fall conference 2022

The Fall 2022 Iowa Technology Education Conference (ITEC) Conference is less than a month away! Don't miss out on this amazing face-to-face learning opportunity.

Date: Nov. 7-8
Location: Iowa Events Center
Credit Options: 1 LR Credit Available (info here)
Schedule: Conference Session Schedule

Cost: $250 (2 days) or $125 (1 day) includes lunch! If you're bringing 10 or more attendees from your organization, you get a 10% discount. Reach out to executivedirector@itec-ia.org for more information!

Register Today!

Our Heartland AEA Team is looking forward to seeing you there and presenting these sessions:
  • Do More Than Present with Google Slides
  • Comprehension Amplified: Strategies to Harness the Power of Podcasts
  • Using Technology & Science-Backed Strategies to Make Happiness a Priority
  • Methods and Tools for Evaluation, Feedback & Growth
  • Google Tools for Feedback and Assessment
  • Virtual Reality in the Classroom
  • Redefining Geek: The Hidden Habits of Tech-Savvy Teens
  • {Literacy} + {Computational Thinking} + {Computer Science}" = {Integrated “Programming”}
  • Know Better....Do Better....be Tech-Intentional
  • Chromebooks Can Do What?

Friday, October 7, 2022

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 ESL/Diversity Newsletter is Now Available


Welcome to October! Although we are several weeks into the new school year, many school districts are just now welcoming new immigrant and refugee students. We know that EL students often arrive steadily throughout the school year and come from countries that present new language and culture learning opportunities. This newsletter focuses on resources to support some of our newest immigrant families from Afghanistan and Ukraine. Please access the new newsletter at this at this link.

Oct. 20 Future Ready Network Meeting to Focus on District Career Guidance Plans

Smiling teacher at computer
The Heartland AEA Future Ready Network meeting on Oct. 20 will be a District Career Guidance Plan Workshop. This network meeting and workshop will be offered as a hybrid option. District teams can join in person in the Heartland AEA, 602 Visions Parkway in Adel or via zoom at this link.

Districts are encouraged to bring members of their District Career Guidance Team to review their plans and explore the trends with feedback to continue to improve opportunities for all students. This workshop will include the morning network time from 8:30-11:30 a.m., with guest speaker, Erica Woods-Schmitz, Education Program Consultant for Academic and Career Planning from the Iowa Department of Education.

In the extended afternoon work time from 12:30-3:30 p.m., districts can continue to work on revising and updating their plans with their teams and support from AEA consultants. Please complete this survey by Oct. 7 to indicate how and if your team is attending so we can plan for space and activities accordingly.

Visit the Heartland AEA Future Ready Website to stay up to date on news, resources, past network Zoom recordings and more! For more information, contact Sue Schirmer.

Learn With Us: Gale in Context

Students and teachers in classroom
Join us for three webinars to learn more about Gale, including one of our new digital resource offerings: Gale in Context: High School! Both district and AEA staff are invited to join the webinars to learn more about these resources for K-12 students. All three sessions will be recorded. Please register even if you are unable to attend in real-time so you can get access to the recorded sessions!

Gale Resources for the High School Classroom
Oct. 19, 2022
3:00 - 3:45 p.m.
REGISTER NOW!

Discover all the resources available to support learning and curriculum in the high school classroom. Explore the available content within the resources and learn or enjoy a refresher on the navigation and document management tools available within the Gale resources.


Support Learning in the Middle School Classroom with Gale
Oct. 26, 2022
3:00 - 3:45 p.m.
REGISTER NOW!

Learn how Gale resources can supplement your middle school units of study and curriculum standards. Discover more than articles and periodical information but also videos, audio, images and more. Walk through the tools and features of the resources, share best practices and model how to use Gale resources in the classroom.


Explore Gale in Context: Elementary
Nov. 2, 2022
2:00 - 2:45 p.m.
REGISTER NOW!

Gale in Context: Elementary gives students a safe place to find answers to their questions, practice research skills and explore age-appropriate premium sources about their favorite subjects. Discover engaging multimedia, articles and facts and highlight features to help educators and consultants increase student engagement and enhance classroom instruction.

If you have any questions, contact: Tracie Marshall, Media/Technology Project & Purchasing Coordinator, tmarshall@iowaaea.org.

Heartland AEA Literacy Newsletter is Now Available

Vocabulary practice activities
In this issue of the Heartland AEA Literacy Newsletter:
  • October is National Dyslexia Awareness Month
  • Instructional Response to Universal Screening Data
  • UFLI Parent Resource Hub
  • Vocabulary
  • Topic Reads
  • Learning Bit by Bit - Automaticity
  • Professional Learning Opportunities

Introduction to Learning Acceleration Virtual Learning Series, Coming Oct. 24

Register Today!
Introduction to Learning Acceleration
will lead development sessions for district and school instructional leaders as well as AEA consultants to ensure they have the knowledge, skills, and mindsets they need to provide students access to grade-appropriate assignments and strong instruction.
  • The Opportunity Myth
  • Introduction to learning acceleration and systems reflection on readiness
  • Ensuring access to strong grade level instruction to accelerate to grade level
  • Observational tools and feedback for accelerated instruction
TNTP Learning Series: Introduction to Learning Acceleration
Cost: 1 hour recertification credit = $235.00 (Instructor fees + license renewal)
Participation only - $200.00 (Instructor fees)
  • Led by TNTP (The New Teacher Project) via zoom
  • Intended Audience: Administrators, AEA Staff, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Instructors, District & School Leaders
  • Virtually October 24, 2022, November 2 & 11, 2022, December 1, 2022 (8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.)
Registration: #204431 HL Introduction to Learning Acceleration
Course credit is awarded once all requirements are met and the end of the course date (December 15, 2022)

More information here: Virtual learning series flyer

COMING 2023!
TNTP Learning Series: Application and Coaching


Fierce Conversations Course Approved for Evaluator Approval Renewal

Two adults in conversation
Learners will engage in a variety of instructional methods (group processing, modeling, lecture, group presentations, coaching) to accomplish these learning goals:
  • utilize the transformational ideas and seven principles that define a Fierce Conversation in group and real-life situations
  • identify key conversations that will support individual professional development and the development of the organization
  • prepare and implement Team Conversation, Coaching Conversation, Delegation Conversation and Confrontation Conversation
  • develop and submit a personal communication plan
Dates & Times: Oct. 27 & 28 and Nov. 10 & 17, 2022 (8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.)
Held via Zoom
Registration Link: Course 180172, Section 313360

Cost: $170 + $200 for a 12-month Fierce for Life membership (required materials) = $370
2 License Renewal Credits (approved for Evaluator Approval renewal)

Additional Courses Available for Evaluator Approval Renewal Credit
Heartland AEA also has multiple sections of Cognitive Coaching Level 1, Cognitive Coaching Level 2 and Education Technologies for Administrators that are available for Evaluator Approval renewal credit. These courses are listed on the statewide Evaluator Training Course Schedule on the Iowa Department of Education website.

Iowa State University Offering Ed.D. Program in School Leadership

Iowa State University School of Education

Please circulate this Ed.D. information to promising leaders.

The ISU Ed.D. program in School Leadership:
  • specializes in P-12 Systems Leadership and provides recommendation for Superintendent and AEA Chief Certification
  • is designed for working practitioners and is offered online with limited face-to-face opportunities
  • an Ed.D. dissertation specializes in the work of a professional practitioner, resulting in improved understanding, experience and outcomes
The next cohort begins May 2023. Final application deadline is March 1, 2023. You may explore the program through the following links:

Tuition Information
EdD Curriculum
Graduate Education Handbook
PowerPoint with Program Information

The application process can be found at: Ed.D. Application Process

Contact the ISU Professors of Practice: