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 Winter Break and Van Delivery Schedule

Heartland AEA offices will be closed to the public from Dec. 25 - Jan. 1. Van delivery schedule will be as follows:

• Regular van delivery: through Dec. 21
• No van delivery: Dec. 22 - Jan. 1
• Regular van delivery resumes: Jan. 2, 2024

Heartland Administrators’ Association Jan. 2 Meeting is Via Zoom

Since this is the first day back for many school districts following winter break, the Jan. 2 HAA meeting will be held entirely via Zoom. It will begin at 9:00 a.m. Superintendents have received a calendar invitation with links to the Zoom meeting and agenda.

Register Now: One day at the Capitol—three organizations—one unified voice for public education

The AEAs, IASB and SAI are uniting for the 2024 Day on the Hill! With three events across two days, along with two pre-training webinars, you will be well equipped to advocate for public schools and student success!

Advocacy and Alignment Workshop: Feb. 12
Hilton Garden Inn, 8600 Northpark Dr., Johnston

This evening event on Feb. 12 will include a panel discussion with legislators and educational lobbyists on how to best engage with legislators. Panelists will provide up-to-date legislative insights in advance of the next day's Day on the Hill event. All attendees are invited to stay for a hosted dinner after the presentation. Thank you to the AEAs for hosting.

5 p.m. Name Tags/Registration
5:30–6:30 p.m. Legislative Panel Presentation
6:30 p.m. Dinner


Day On the Hill: Feb. 13
State Historical Building and Iowa State Capitol
600 E Locust St, Des Moines

Join us on Feb. 13 for a session on talking points, key issues and logistical information for advocating at the Capitol.

The morning training will include:

• Welcome remarks
• Lobbyist panel featuring Katie Walton (AEAs), Emily Piper (IASB), and Dave Daughton (SAI) with key points to make with your legislators
• SAI Leadership Director Dana Schon on managing controversial discussions/issues
• IASB Government Relations Director Michelle Johnson with logistical information on navigating the Capitol, how to request a meeting with your legislator, and committee and subcommittee schedules
• Closing/send-off

Following this hour-long training, you’ll head to the Capitol to meet and network with legislators in the rotunda.

Student feature! School districts across Iowa have been invited to showcase innovative programs and initiatives. Be sure to stop by their displays and support these students and staff!

Training Agenda
8 a.m. Registration and Breakfast
9 a.m. Advocacy Briefing/Training
10:30 a.m. Travel to the Capitol
10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Advocate at the Capitol*
2–3 p.m. Return from the Capitol*

*Please note that there will be a shuttle available for those who are unable to walk to the Capitol, and in case of inclement weather. The Historical Building is a short distance from the Capitol and an easy walk!

REGISTER HERE

Fee: $45 for members. Fee includes continental breakfast and snacks on Feb. 13, materials and transportation to and from the Capitol. Special thanks to Iowa’s AEAs for hosting the workshop and dinner on Feb. 12.

Registration Fees Covered for Districts to Recruit Quality Educators at Annual ISU Teacher Education Career Fair

Heartland AEA is once again excited to offer our districts an opportunity to participate in an event that will assist you in recruiting quality educators to your district -- the annual Iowa State University School of Education Teacher Education Career Fair! The Fair is open to the public and is predicted to host 250+ students in multiple content areas.

March 4, 2024
1 - 4 p.m.
Iowa State Alumni Center

To encourage your participation in this worthwhile event, Heartland AEA will cover the cost of your district/school's $75 Career Fair registration fee.

Registration for the Career Fair is open!
You will register for the event on your own, designating that you're a Heartland AEA area district. ISU will invoice Heartland AEA for all applicable registration fees. Please note that space is limited, and it fills up quickly!

Registration
Registration takes place through Iowa State's CyHire system. To log in or create a new account, visit the CyHire website. If you don't remember your password, click on "Forgot Password" and enter your email address. On your CyHire homepage, click on the "Teacher Education Career Fair - Spring 2024" link under "Attend Events" to complete the registration form.

Career Fair Details
Registration includes lunch for two, a 6' skirted table, Wi-Fi, electricity (upon request), parking and unloading/set-up assistance. Lunch will be provided before set up. There is a limit of two recruiters per booth, at one time. Booths will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, according to the date of registration.

Mock Interviews
On the morning of the Career Fair, we will provide professional development sessions, including mock interviews, for our current student teachers. Consider participating in our mock interview session to provide tips and suggestions to upcoming graduates. An option to sign up is included in your registration.

On-Site Interviews
You may sign up to conduct on-campus interviews with students you meet immediately following the fair. If you select this option, ISU will provide a blank interview schedule for you to fill at the fair.

Questions?
For more information about the fair, visit the ISU Teacher Education Career Fair website. If you have any questions, contact CHS Career Services, Teacher Education Services, tecareerfair@iastate.edu or (515) 294-7559.

We hope you will consider participating in this great event -- not only for your district but for students getting ready to begin their careers serving our schools and students!

December and January Future Ready Network Features Work-Based Learning and DCAP

The Dec. 21 Future Ready Network will have time devoted to Work-Based and Authentic Learning. View the agenda here. Participants can join in person in the Heartland AEA REC, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, or via zoom at this link. Several districts will present about their Work-Based Learning programs and how they use the Iowa Clearinghouse for Work-Based Learning to manage their projects in the morning. The afternoon workshop from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. is for district Work-Based Learning leaders who are interested in becoming a district project board manager in the Clearinghouse. If you are interested in becoming a Clearinghouse project board manager for your district, please complete this survey.

The Jan. 18 Future Ready Network will be a DCAP Workshop from 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. and will be face-to-face ONLY in two central Iowa locations:

• Heartland AEA, 602 Visions Parkway, Adel
• Learning Resource Center, 3550 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines

District DCAP Teams can join the DCAP Workshop to network and hear from other districts about their DCAP implementation. The afternoon will be saved for work time with your team. We will review feedback from the DCAP rubrics and utilize resources and tools to revise and refine your DCAP plans. Please complete the registration link to let us know if you plan to attend and the location you prefer by Jan. 5. DCAP plans are due to the RPP by March 29, 2024.

From Weeding Tools to Award-Winning Libraries: The Heartland AEA Library & Digital Resources Newsletter Has It All!

In this issue of the Heartland AEA Library & Digital Resources Newsletter:

• Weeding Tools and Resources
• More New Titles in Learn360
• 21st Century Model School Library Award
• Professional Reading

Chapter 102 Investigation Training for Elementary and Secondary Principals and Superintendents

Heartland AEA is hosting two Chapter 102 Investigation training sessions led by Ahlers and Cooney, P.C. One session is specifically for secondary principals and superintendents, while the other is tailored for elementary principals. Registration is required as space is limited. Participation is free of charge.

Ch. 102 Investigation Training for Secondary Principals and Superintendents (Course #226258)
Dec. 18, 2023
Location: Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston

Ch. 102 Investigation Training for Elementary Principals (Course #226259)
Jan. 11, 2024
Location: Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston

Section 504 Workshop - Back by Popular Demand

Looking to increase your knowledge of the Section 504 requirements, or to enhance your district's Section 504 processes and procedures? We have the workshop for you! This Section 504 Workshop is intended for school/district teams who would like to increase their knowledge and understanding of the Section 504 educational regulations. Participants will have the opportunity to apply their learning through scenarios and will also have the opportunity to analyze their current district/school Section 504 processes and procedures.

Feb. 8, 2024
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Heartland AEA, 511 S. 17th Street, Ames
Register here

Upcoming Professional Learning Sessions Focus on Students With Significant Cognitive Disabilities

The Heartland AEA Significant Disabilities Leadership team has revamped the Site it maintains with links and resources for those who serve students with significant disabilities. The Site has a new organizational structure and includes new tools and resources, such as a page for transition and one for behavior. The Team is also offering the following classes for the second semester.

Emergent Mathematical Strategies for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities (Alternate Assessment)
Dates: Jan. 16, 17 and 25, 2024
Location: Heartland AEA, 115 W. Salem Avenue, Indianola
registration link

Conventional Mathematical Strategies for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities (Alternate Assessment)
Dates: Jan. 16 and 26, 2024
Location: Heartland AEA, 115 W. Salem Avenue, Indianola
registration link

Conventional Literacy Strategies for Students on Alternate Assessment
Dates: March 26, April 3 and 15, 2024
Location: Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston
registration link

Emergent Literacy Strategies for Students on Alternate Assessment
Dates: March 26, April 2 and 8, 2024
Location: Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston
registration link

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 Winter Break and Van Delivery Schedule

Heartland AEA offices will be closed to the public from Dec. 25 - Jan. 1. Van delivery schedule will be as follows:

• Regular van delivery: through Dec. 21
• No van delivery: Dec. 22 - Jan. 1
• Regular van delivery resumes: Jan. 2, 2024

Plan to Attend: Heartland Administrators' Association Dec. 5

The next Heartland Administrators' Association (HAA) meeting will be held on Dec. 5 from 9-11:30 a.m. at the Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive in Johnston. This will be an in-person meeting with lunch provided. The agenda features Session 1 of INspired Leadership Overview with guest speaker Tamara Lindholm, ESSDACK. Tamara is a certified professional coach and energy leadership index master practitioner. There will also be time for partnership updates.

Heartland Administrators’ Association Jan. 2 Meeting is Via Zoom

Since this is the first day back for many school districts following winter break, the Jan. 2 HAA meeting will be held entirely via Zoom. It will begin at 9:00 a.m. and consist of partnership updates only. Superintendents will receive a calendar invitation with links to the Zoom meeting and agenda.

Save the Date: Advocacy Day on the Hill, Feb. 12-13

Mark your calendars for the 2024 Day on the Hill to advocate for Iowa students. This year's Day on the Hill will be hosted collaboratively with the Iowa Association of School Boards, School Administrators of Iowa, and Iowa's Area Education Agencies.

Save the Dates: Feb. 12-13, 2024
Feb. 12 Legislative Advocacy Briefing: This event will bring together school board members, administrators and partners from across Iowa to gain up-to-date legislative insights, and will briefly summarize how to best engage with legislators. A panel of legislators will discuss the session and answer questions.

Feb. 13 Day on the Hill: Join your colleagues from around the state for a day promoting public education in Iowa. In the morning, educational lobbyists will share the three things to communicate with legislators and tips on how to handle confrontational situations. Later that morning, attendees will go to the Capitol to celebrate public education and meet with legislators. Representatives from districts and AEAs from around the state are encouraged to attend to showcase their positive stories.

Save these dates for these two upcoming webinars in 2024 designed to help educational leaders

Deeper Dive into the Issues with AEA, IASB and SAI lobbyists
Jan. 30: Noon-1:00 p.m.

State of the Budget and the Impact on AEAs with Finance experts from AEA and IASB
Feb. 7: Noon-1:00 p.m.

More details coming!

Celebrate 2023 Computer Science Ed Week - Dec. 4-10

Computer Science Education week is an annual call to action to inspire K-12 students to learn computer science, advocate for equity and celebrate the contributions of students, teachers and partners to the field. Join us for a week of events perfect for students, educators, businesses, community partners and school leaders. Visit Iowa's AEAs CSEd Week website for a calendar of events and resources.

Curriculum Network Huddles: Connect, Discuss and Share

Join us for a monthly Curriculum Network Huddle on the third Friday of each month! These informal Zoom meetings are an opportunity for Heartland AEA leaders to connect, discuss curriculum topics, ask questions, and share ideas.

Agenda:

• Welcome and introductions
• Curriculum discussion: This is where we focus on the most pressing curriculum topics and questions. The agenda is open-ended, so please feel free to add items you would like to discuss.
• Sharing of ideas: This is a time to share your best practices, lessons learned, and creative ideas.

To join:
https://heartlandaea.zoom.us/j/8376018864
Meeting ID: 837 601 8864

AI and CSEd Week Take Center Stage in Heartland AEA Digital Learning Newsletter

In this issue of the Heartland AEA Digital Learning newsletter:

• AI in Education Webinar Recording
• CSEdWeek Is coming up!
• Iowa Ranks In The Top 10 For CS Education
• AI Resources for Educators
• Upcoming Fall Technology Courses from Heartland AEA

Supporting Newcomer Families: A Resource Guide for Translation and Interpretation Services

As the number of Newcomer students in Iowa schools grows, there is a rising demand for interpreters and translators to facilitate communication with their families. This academic year has created numerous inquiries regarding the school's obligations to interpret and translate messages between home and school. In our Heartland AEA ESL/Diversity newsletter, our goal is to provide resources that assist educators and administrators in recognizing both the legal requirements and essential steps needed to ensure accessible communication for families with a home language other than English.

Future Ready Focus: December is Work-Based & Authentic Learning

The Dec. 21 Future Ready Network will have time devoted to Work-Based and Authentic Learning. Several districts will also present their Work-Based Learning programs and how they use the Iowa Clearinghouse for Work-Based Learning to manage their projects in the morning. The afternoon workshop from 12:30-2:30 p.m. is for district Work-Based Learning leaders who are interested in becoming a district project board manager in the Clearinghouse. If you are interested in becoming a Clearinghouse project board manager for your district, complete this survey.

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 at sschirmer@heartlandaea.org or Angela Dvorak at advorak@heartlandaea.org.

Education Resources and Opportunities Abound in Gifted & Talented Newsletter

In this issue of the Heartland AEA Gifted & Talented News:

• National Association for Gifted Children Conference
• Gifted Self-Audit and Planner (G-SAP)
• 2023-24 Gifted Education Learning Series
• New GT Teacher Network

Heartland AEA Library & Digital Resources Newsletter: Level Up Your Learning with Poetry, AI and More!

In this issue of the Heartland AEA Library & Digital Resources Newsletter:

• OneClick Impact
• Benefits of Reading Poetry
• 238 New Titles in Learn 360
• AI and Video Transcripts
• AI and Video Transcripts, part 2
• New Ebooks on Social Skills
• Try AI to Level Text

Heartland AEA Literacy Newsletter: Unlocking the Power of Practice and Beyond

In this issue of the Heartland AEA Literacy newsletter:

• The Power of Practice
• Updates from the Iowa Department of Education for Panorama, FAST and MTSS updates
• Parent Resources
• Research Corner
• Upcoming Virtual Literacy Professional Learning Opportunities

Chapter 102 Investigation Training for Elementary and Secondary Principals and Superintendents

Heartland AEA is hosting two Chapter 102 Investigation training sessions led by Ahlers and Cooney, P.C. One session is specifically for secondary principals and superintendents, while the other is tailored for elementary principals. Registration is required as space is limited. Participation is free of charge.

Ch. 102 Investigation Training for Secondary Principals and Superintendents (Course #226258)
Dec. 18, 2023
Location: Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston


Ch. 102 Investigation Training for Elementary Principals (Course #226259)
Jan. 11, 2024
Location: Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston

Principal Alliance Nov. Network Recording Now Available

The recording of the Nov. 30 Principal Alliance meeting has been added to the Statewide Principal Alliance running agenda. This document will include all meetings and materials for the year.

Section 504 Workshop - Back by Popular Demand

Looking to increase your knowledge of the Section 504 requirements, or to enhance your district's Section 504 processes and procedures? We have the workshop for you! This Section 504 Workshop is intended for school/district teams who would like to increase their knowledge and understanding of the Section 504 educational regulations. Participants will have the opportunity to apply their learning through scenarios and will also have the opportunity to analyze their current district/school Section 504 processes and procedures.

We have two options available for teams. Select one to attend:

Dec. 13, 2023
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Heartland AEA, 602 Visions Parkway, Adel
Register here

OR

Feb. 8, 2024
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Heartland AEA, 511 S. 17th Street, Ames
Register here

Spring Classes Offered for Teachers Who Work With Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities

Emergent Mathematical Strategies for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities (Alternate Assessment)
Dates: Jan. 16, 17 and 25, 2024
Location: Heartland AEA, 115 W. Salem Avenue, Indianola

registration link

Conventional Mathematical Strategies for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities (Alternate Assessment)
Dates: Jan. 16 and 26, 2024
Location: Heartland AEA, 115 W. Salem Avenue, Indianola
registration link

Conventional Literacy Strategies for Students on Alternate Assessment
Dates: March 26, April 3 and 15, 2024
Location: Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston
registration link

Emergent Literacy Strategies for Students on Alternate Assessment
Dates: March 26, April 2 and 8, 2024
Location: Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston
registration link

Teachers who work with students with significant cognitive disabilities are invited to visit the Heartland AEA Significant Cognitive Disabilities: Teaching and Learning Site. The newly enhanced site improves organization and includes new tools and resources, such as pages for transition and behavior.