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
Based on requests we have received from our district partners, Heartland AEA is exploring the possibility of offering a Behavior Coach / Behavior Specialist / Behavior Interventionist professional learning sequence and Community of Practice. The goals would be to provide a sequence of learning and increase the use of evidence-based practices, as well as an ongoing connection to a Community of Practice to support those who serve in this role.
As we begin to design this learning sequence and community of practice, we would appreciate feedback from those who guide the work of this type of role in their district. We are seeking feedback regarding the intention/goals of the role so we can align the learning.
Listening Sessions - May 20 or 24
We will offer listening sessions on May 20 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Zoom Link) or May 24 from 11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. (Zoom Link) to learn more about your needs related to these positions (you only need to attend one session).
Provide Feedback
In preparation for the listening session, we would appreciate your feedback on the questions below. Please submit this Google Form with your feedback by May 11.
- Which role is most preferred: better farmers (cultivate prevention) or better firefighters (reactive / responsive)? Or both? What percentage of their time do you anticipate will be spent on prevention vs. response/reaction?
- How do you envision this role differing from your school counselor?
- If your Behavior Coach / Behavior Specialist / Behavior Interventionist was successful in their job, what are the top three outcomes that would be achieved?
- What structure(s) would you prefer to be offered: structured course, a community of practice, or a combination of both?
- Would you release your Behavior Coach / Behavior Specialist / Behavior Interventionist to attend and participate in the professional learning sequence and/or Community of Practice? Please share any relevant thoughts.
- Will you plan to participate in one of the listening sessions? If so, please indicate which date/time you will plan to attend (May 20 or May 24).
- Any additional thoughts, comments, feedback, or questions?
If you have any questions, contact Jadie Boens, Director of Special Programs.
Quality, affordable & 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 our website to choose your planner style from the many options we offer. Order by May 1 to ensure delivery by the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year.
In this issue:
- Heart of Innovation Summer Summit, Keynote Speakers
- Computer Science Updates
- Physical Computing Loaner Kits
- Graduate & Renewal License Options
Iowa Career and Academic Planning via the CTE Bureau is providing an amazing opportunity to engage educators in a PK-20 professional development experience. Please see the information below about the Iowa Meaningful Career Conversations training program this spring.
As research shows, as we engage students in conversations and opportunities to learn more about their skills, aptitudes and career passions we find that they are more prepared to graduate from high school, move on to post-secondary training of some sort, and are better prepared mentally and emotionally for life. By introducing students to careers earlier in their schooling, we are providing them with more options and understanding of the world of work and how their career passions can be attained. The Iowa Meaningful Career Conversations training is a step in the right direction to support students in our PK-20 system.
We are thrilled to announce that nine training sessions have been scheduled and the registration form is now live. The sessions are listed on the flyers below and the time of the training is either 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Heartland AEA Training - May 11, 2022
All Session Trainings
We are looking to provide training for anyone in education who has a touchpoint with students in PK-20 settings — this could be school counselors, intermediaries, financial aid officers, teachers, coaches, administrators, librarians, nutritional staff members, school nurses, administrative assistants, college advisers, CCTCs, WBL Coordinators, STEM Council members, Career and Technical Student Organization EDs or State Officer Advisers, etc. Please share!
*Please note: Perkins funding or Regional Planning Partnership funds may be available to cover sub or travel costs.
In this issue:
- Paraeducator Class
- VOX: Digital Audio Picture Books
- New Articles in PebbleGo
- Pashto/Persian Books
- Newer Books for the School Teacher Librarian
- Take a Look at Creative Services Online
- AEA Scout Module Is Online
In this issue:
- Time Sensitive Updates for MTSS, Fastbridge and Panorama Student Success from Iowa Department of Education
- Decoding Tips for Parents and Educators
- Five Common Word Reading Errors and How to Help
- Reading 101: A Guide for Parents
- Looking for Courses to Take This Summer?
The University of Northern Iowa Institute for Educational Leadership received a grant called Leading and Learning with Character through the Kern Family Foundation. As part of the grant, UNI continues to host Leadership Camps which are approved for evaluator renewal. The course focuses on the three pillars of an effective evaluation process (standards, aligned evidence and coaching conversations).
Participants consider the evaluation process through the lens of the New Iowa Leadership Standards as they collaborate with colleagues to consider how to implement the evaluation process in an authentic, meaningful manner to most fully support those they serve. The class is very engaging and interactive. Heartland AEA has hosted Leadership Camps in the past, and the feedback from participants has been exceptional.
Opportunity 1
June 8-9, 2022
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
40 participants
Heartland AEA, Johnston Regional Education Center, Room 152B
Opportunity 2
June 23-24, 2022
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
40 participants
Heartland AEA, Johnston Regional Education Center, Room 107A
Cost and Credit
- One graduate credit needed to renew Evaluator Approval license
- $75 includes one graduate credit, all materials and lunches
RegistrationContact Denise Schares to sign up. Indicate your choice of dates in your email.
During these two days, participants with curriculum leadership responsibilities will come together to learn, grow and network. This learning will include concepts, skills, and processes that support someone new to this role as well as a more seasoned individual that wants to dig deeper into the leadership strategies for community building, creating a positive learning environment for students and adults, navigating change and helping others navigate through change, and of course, curriculum, instruction and assessment.
Iowa ASCD Curriculum Leadership Academy
Dates: July 20-21, 2022
Location: FFA Enrichment Center, DMACC, Ankeny
In the Iowa Department of Education’s Spring 2022 School Leader Update:
- #MyTeacherMyChampion
- Computer Science Curriculum and Professional Development Grants Modification
- Teacher Leadership and Compensation (TLC) End of Year Report 2021-22
- Violence Prevention and Mental Health Training grants available
- School meals for SY 2022-23
- Professional Standards for School Nutrition Programs
- myIGDIs implementation updates and professional learning
- 2021 Annual Condition of Secondary Career and Technical Education report
