NEW RESOURCE: Effective Strategies for Autism Spectrum Disorder Google Site

Welcome to this new standalone resource from Heartland AEA: Effective Strategies for Autism Spectrum Disorders Google Site. The purpose of this Google Site is to provide educators, families and others with information on evidence-based practices for children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder as well as resources to use in schools, homes and community settings. Some of the content was derived from a professional learning course titled, "Online Effective Programming for Integrated Students on the Autism Spectrum," which was previously offered to educators through AEA Professional Development Online. In an effort to make the materials accessible to a wider audience and eliminate barriers to access, the course content was supplemented with additional information and resources and organized on this site.

Some of the information included on the site:

• Characteristics
• Classroom Supports
• Communication
• Behavior
• Social
• Collaboration
• For Families
• COVID-19 Resources

Pear Deck & Book List + Heart of Innovation Course #2

Check out our latest Smore with Pear Deck and Book Lists created by our Heartland AEA math and literacy consultants, plus registration information for our upcoming instructional technology Heart Of Innovation Course #2.

Math + Pear Deck
Looking for ways to teach math virtually? Use these strategies with Pear Deck.
Link to Math + Pear Deck Resource
Creator: Molly Sweeney, Curriculum Consultant - Math

Book Lists
Are you looking for a diversity book list, books for the start of the school year, or books about math? Check out these book lists for elementary and Young Adult Fiction.
Book List Link
Creator: Janelle Thompson, Curriculum Consultant - Reading

Designing Innovative Learning Experiences to Empower Students
Featuring a webinar from Dr. John Spencer, professor, author, maker.
Sept. 14 - Oct. 26, 2020
100% online
1 LR credit
Register at this link: https://bit.ly/2YV5WzQ

Deaf Awareness Month VIRTUAL Informational Fair, Coming Sept. 10

Deaf Awareness Month Virtual Informational Fair

Sept. 10 @ 6 p.m.

Heartland AEA's Hearing Services Team is participating in this virtual event that will feature a variety of organizations that work with the deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind or those who have difficulty speaking to connect to their communities. There will be representatives on hand to answer questions and explain their services.

In addition, Hamilton Relay will announce the 2020 Iowa Deaf Community Leader Award at the event. Attendees will be eligible for door prizes.

Organizations present:

• Telecommunications Access Iowa
• Relay Iowa
• Iowa Baseball Camp for the Deaf
• Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation
• Iowa State Registry for Interpreters for the Deaf
• Heartland Area Education Agency
• Deaf Iowans Against Abuse

American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters and Communication Access Real-time Translation (CART) services will be provided.

Share with your colleagues, friends and families!

Registration: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8096092651397510414

Nominations Sought for STEM Teacher Awards

Know an outstanding STEM teacher? Someone who demonstrates the incredible impact science, technology, engineering and math have on the world every day? Nominate them for the 2021 Iowa STEM Teacher Award, sponsored by Kemin Industries!


Now in its seventh year, this award celebrates teachers who inspire a passion for STEM in their students. It recognizes leadership and dedication that increases student interest in and awareness of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The award is given to one teacher from each of the six Iowa STEM regions. Recipients receive $1,500 for their classroom, along with an additional $1,500 for personal use.

The deadline to complete nominations is Oct. 9. Recipients will be announced in January 2021.

The nomination process is simple and open to everyone, including fellow teachers, school administrators, students and parents. 

Visit iowastem.gov/teacheraward-application to submit a nomination and learn more.

USJCI Foundation Senate Scholarship Application Process is Open for 2020-21 Year

Applications are now being taken for the United States JCI Senate Foundation Scholarship Program. Graduating high school seniors in the United States, where that state has an active JCI Senate program, are eligible to apply. Each year (April) $1,000 grants will be awarded to graduating high school seniors in the United States, who plan to continue their education at accredited post-secondary colleges, universities or vocational schools. Applications are due by Jan. 22, 2021. For more information, see this scholarship program flyer or contact John Buttolph at (515)-290-0383.

Sept. 2020 School Leader Update Available

The Sept. 2020 School Leader Update from the Iowa Department of Education is available.

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

SAC and HAA Meetings Cancelled on Sept. 1

The Superintendents' Advisory Council (SAC) and Heartland Administrators' Association (HAA) meetings scheduled on Sept. 1 are cancelled. Superintendents will continue to meet via Zoom as scheduled.

Heartland Administrators’ Association and Superintendent Advisory Meeting Dates 2020-21

The following dates are reserved for when we return to a regular, in-person meeting schedule. During the pandemic outbreak, more frequent virtual check-ins are being scheduled as needed.

The Heartland Administrators’ Association (HAA) meets from 9 to 11:30 a.m. on the first Tuesday of every month, September through May, in Conference Rooms 107A/B of Heartland AEA’s Johnston Regional Education Center (6500 Corporate Drive). Agenda items are both informational and professional learning-driven for superintendents. The meetings are jointly planned by the Superintendent Advisory Committee and Heartland AEA staff, including the chief administrator.

2020-21 dates:
Sept. 1, 2020 (canceled)
Oct. 6, 2020
Nov. 3, 2020
Dec. 8, 2020 (second Tuesday of month)
Jan. 5, 2021
No meeting in February
March 2, 2021
April 6, 2021
May 4, 2021

For meeting agendas, handouts and other important documents, visit the HAA Google Site.

Superintendent Advisory Committee
The Superintendent Advisory Committee is comprised of elected area superintendents and meets quarterly from 8 to 8:45 a.m. in Room 109 of the Johnston Regional Education Center.

2020-21 dates:
Sept. 1, 2020 (canceled)
Nov. 3, 2020
Jan. 5, 2021
April 6, 2021
May 4, 2021

For more information or questions, contact your regional director or Jennifer Ugolini, Board Secretary/Executive Assistant, Heartland AEA.

Heartland AEA Curriculum Network Meeting Dates 2020-21

The Heartland AEA Curriculum Network meets from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on the first Friday of every month, September through May. Meetings for 2020-21 will be held virtually until further notice and may be shorter in length. We will not be originating from a central location in Johnston.


Dates for 2020-21:
Sept. 4, 2020
Oct. 2, 2020
Nov. 6, 2020
Dec. 4, 2020
Jan. 8, 2021
Feb. 5, 2021
March 5, 2021
April 2, 2021
May 7, 2021

For meeting agendas, handouts and other important documents, visit the Curriculum Network Google Site. For more information or questions, contact your regional director or Kevin Fangman, Chief Academic Officer, (800) 255-0405 ext. 14374.

Update on Use of Heartland AEA Agency Workspaces

At this time, access to Heartland AEA workspaces is restricted for guests. All library and Creative Services materials are being delivered on our vans, and we are not holding agency meetings or professional learning events on site until further notice.

However, our staff may access our facilities to deliver services for those times when services cannot be delivered virtually or in the typical workplace setting. If you are scheduled to receive services on-site, AEA staff will meet you at the main entrance.

We have requirements in place to safeguard staff and visitors:

• Read the posted signs about common symptoms and what to do if you have symptoms.
• Only those who are COVID-19 symptom-free may enter a Heartland AEA office.
• Sign in and out at the office’s reception desk.
• Wear a mask and/or face shield. If you do not have a face covering, a disposable mask will be provided.
• Go directly with AEA staff to the area of the office you need to access.
• Practice social distancing and good hygiene while on-site including using hand sanitizer that’s available in Agency workspaces.