Friday, August 23, 2024

Iowa’s AEAs Enter a New Era: Changes as the 2024-25 School Year Begins

Legislation passed during the 2024 legislative session has ushered Iowa’s AEAs into a new era. Many services that have been offered at no cost to districts will now have a fee. Iowa’s AEAs are committed to partnership, communication, relationships and quality service as we go through this transition.  


Download a synopsis of AEA Changes as We Enter the 2024-25 School Year

Heartland Administrators’ Association Meeting Reminder for Sept. 3


The first Heartland Administrators’ Association meeting for the 2024-25 school year will be held on Sept. 3 from 9-11:30 a.m. at the Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston. Look for a meeting reminder and finalized agenda within the next week.

Iowa’s AEAs Implement New Creative Services Fees


We are pleased to announce that all aspects of Creative Services (including print, production and graphic design) remain available and on-demand to all educators within our service area!

Please note that as required by the new legislation, effective Oct. 1, 2024, there will be a modest fee increase for some of our products and services. We’ve made every effort to keep these changes minimal and ensure our pricing remains extremely competitive. You can contact our Creative Services Department to receive an estimate on a request before you order it. Information can be found on our Creative Services webpage.

Stay Connected: Curriculum Network Begins Sept. 6


Curriculum Network is an opportunity for educators to increase their knowledge and skills, gain support from peers and connect to AEA resources.

Curriculum Network begins Sept. 6, 2024 and is held on the first Friday of each month from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Join the network at this Statewide Zoom link.

*Local AEA meetings will follow statewide updates and will have an agency-specific Zoom link.

Sept. 2024 Agenda
Iowa Department of Education Updates:
  • Attendance requirements (Senate File 2435)
  • Open Enrollment (Senate File 2435)
  • Chapter 12
  • ESSA
AEA Updates:
  • AEA Statewide Networks
  • Chronic Absenteeism
  • Literacy and Math Standards Support
  • Personalized Learning Plan for Literacy
  • ESSA Supports - Your AEA can help

Facilitator & Director Contact: Susie Meade, Chief Academic Officer, Heartland AEA

Iowa AEAs to Continue Whole-Grade Hearing Screenings in 2024-25


Iowa’s AEAs will continue to provide universal whole-grade hearing screenings this school year. The roles and responsibilities of AEA hearing departments have changed, and this Fall 2024 AEA Hearing Screenings document provides guidance to start the school year. Additional information will be shared as more decisions are made.

Iowa’s AEAs Expand Educator Learning Networks


Iowa’s AEAs are pleased to provide opportunities for educators to increase their knowledge and skills, gain support from peers and connect to AEA resources through its AEA Learning Networks. There is no cost to attend these opportunities! Educators can engage in these learning opportunities with other educators, not only from their area but from across the state. We’re confident these networks will lead to increased learning, collegiality and connection to AEA resources.

Statewide AEA Networks
  • Canvas Users
  • Curriculum Directors
  • English Learners
  • Instructional Technology
  • Principal Alliance
  • School Counselors
  • Special Education – TBD
  • Talented & Gifted/Extended Learning
  • Teacher Librarians
  • Technology Directors
Heartland AEA Networks
  • Curriculum Directors
  • Mentoring
  • Post-secondary Success
  • Special Education Directors
  • Superintendents
  • Teacher Leaders/Instructional Coaches
Dates, times, facilitator names, Zoom links and/or meeting locations are available here: 2024-25 Professional Learning Networks.

Iowa’s AEAs Implement New Course Fee Structure


On Aug. 1, 2024, Iowa’s AEAs implemented a new fee structure for professional learning courses. This new structure is being put in place due to funding changes experienced by the AEAs due to legislation (HF 2612) passed during the 2024 Iowa legislative session. The AEA Course Fee Structure outlines changes in fees for all categories of courses including the new microcredentials category.

Additional Details
  • AEAs may offer courses with additional fees to cover costs related to specific courses.
  • Coaching for implementation will not be embedded in any course, but it is strongly recommended. Districts may access these supports at the daily rate.
  • A minimum number of participants may be required for specific courses. Registered participants will be notified if a course is canceled.
  • Out-of-network fees may differ for educators or retirees (i.e., police officers, private citizens).
  • All AEA professional learning opportunities are subject to approval from the Iowa Department of Education beginning July 1, 2025.
If you have any questions, contact the Heartland AEA Professional Learning Department.