Iowa Department of Education Request for Information

We recently received a request for information from the Iowa Department of Education (DE). The DE needs specific information about the number of paraeducators employed by Iowa’s school districts and the training of them. The DE is requesting the AEAs collect this information because it does not currently have access to these data.

We would like to have this information compiled by Wednesday, April 29, 2009. Please alert your district's Human Resources representative to have the numbers to the following questions ready for when a Heartland representative calls next week. If you would rather not be called, you may e-mail the answers to the following questions to the Heartland Communications Department e-mail address at comms@aea11.k12.ia.us. Questions can also be directed to Heartland Communications or Connor Hood at chood@aea11.k12.ia.us.

1. How many paraeducators are employed by your district who are certified? (include all paraeducator certifications recognized by the Iowa Department of Education or other state agency and their associated licensing boards)

2. How many paraeducators are employed by your district who are NOT certified, but have a degree in education?

3. How many paraeducators are employed by your district that are neither certified nor have a degree in education?

4. What is your starting wage for paraeducators?

5. Do paraeducators receive additional pay if certified?

Customer Satisfaction Survey: The Results are In...And Our Schools Delivered!

The results are in on the Iowa AEA Customer Satisfaction Survey, and Heartland AEA has reason to celebrate. Although we did not reach our goal of a 36% participation rate, we are thrilled with the 30.72% rate that we received! That's a 61.1% increase from last year! We appreciate the 4,594 individuals who took the time to complete the survey. The data collected from the survey will be used to make important program decisions that benefit all schools in the Heartland region. Relevant data results and more information from the survey will be shared by your Partnership Director at a later time. Please be sure to extend our sincere gratitude to your school staff who completed the survey.

Department of Education's Title I Spring Update

Mark your calendars for the Title I Spring update meeting which will be held on Friday, May 8, from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the Johnston Library. Please share this information with others in your district who should be included. Click here for an informational flyer.

To register, click here or visit the Heartland Professional Development Catalog and enter activity number RE011799990901.