HEART and Using the New Iowa Assessments

After some delays, reports and data files for the new Iowa Assessments are starting to be delivered to schools. Naturally, there is some urgency to view the data in HEART and to start using the new reports from the Iowa Testing Program. Here is how the Agency is approaching these issues.

Unfortunately, it will take some time to rewrite the upload, import, storage and reporting features in HEART to handle the new data. The preliminary design ideas have been worked out based on the limited information previously available. Now that we have sample data files, the programming work can begin. Please be aware that it will take at least one to two months to take care of all of the new programming.

Based on what we know so far about the new data, a few changes in HEART are likely. There does not appear to be established proficiency cut points for any tests other than reading, mathematics, written expression, science and social studies for grades 3-11. Without cut points, proficiency graphs cannot be generated for any other tests of the Iowa Assessments or any grades outside of 3-11. Also, we do not have access to the necessary statistical data to build new growth charts which means these graphs will be unusable with the new Iowa Assessment data.

Finally, the individual student report and multi-test display will need some reworking to handle multiple score types in a way that helps prevent misinterpretation of the data. Thank you for your patience with the delays while we make all of the necessary changes.

If you have any further questions about HEART and the transition to the Iowa Assessments, please contact Connor Hood at chood@aea11.k12.ia.us.

As you work with the new Iowa Assessments reports, please remember that Heartland AEA has several resources available to help. There are videos from Iowa Testing Program workshops, handouts, PowerPoint presentations and the support of our Assessment Consultants. Check with your regional director for more details.

Check Out the New & Improved Iowa Educators Consortium Website

In a recent customer experience survey, it was obvious that many Iowa Educators Consortium (IEC) clients found the website difficult to navigate and hard to use. As a result, over the past few months IEC staff has been diligently working to create a more user-friendly site to help customers find the information they need when making a purchasing decision.

The IEC is excited to announce the launch of its new and improved website based on customer feedback. The address is the same (www.iec-ia.org) but the site looks completely different.

Some of the improvements include:

• Top bar navigation that follows your path, page by page
• Detailed category descriptions so you know what type of products are in each category
• Fewer category headings
• A more efficient search box tool to help you find specific products
• At-a-glance list of vendors to make it easier to find your favorite company
• Vendor spotlight feature to provide you with more information on a specific vendor

While the website has changed, the IEC’s focus has not. It still remains dedicated to providing the best products at the best prices for Iowa schools, AEAs, libraries and government offices.

Earn a Reading Endorsement Through Heartland/Morningside Partnership

Heartland AEA and Morningside College have partnered up to offer a reading endorsement opportunity for area educators. The first class begins July 5, 2012. Two informational sessions have been scheduled for March 13 and March 21 for teachers to find out more about the program. Click here for more information about the sessions. If you have any questions, contact Sue Schirmer at sschirmer@aea11.k12.ia.us or Lori Pearson at lpearson@aea11.k12.ia.us.