Branstad-Reynolds Administration’s Final Recommendations for World-Class Schools Available

This morning, Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds released their final recommendations for making Iowa’s schools world-class. Find a link to the report here as well as the Department’s press release about the recommendations.

Bookmark HEART’s New URL

In September 2011, the HEART database was moved to a new address. We recently discontinued the redirect messages from the old server addresses. All HEART users in the Heartland area now use this address: https://heart1.aea11.k12.ia.us to log in. If you haven't already, please update your bookmarks to this address.

Check Out the Latest Issue of Our Educator Connection Newsletter!

On Wednesday, Heartland AEA Communications Department sent out the latest issue of the Educator Connection newsletter. It was e-mailed to all educators in the Heartland area and is intended to keep our educators better connected to our agency and to the many programs and services we offer to educators, students and families. Click here to download the newsletter. We've already heard some positive feedback and requests for information to be included in the next issue. We're eager to hear your thoughts and suggestions as well! If you have any comments, please post a comment below or e-mail them to the Heartland AEA Communications Department at comms@aea11.k12.ia.us.

IEC Winter Paper Buy Extended to Jan. 13

In an effort to be more accommodating for Iowa schools, the Iowa Educators Consortium (IEC) has extended the date for schools to order their winter paper supply to January 13, 2012. Ordering and pricing information is available on the IEC website at http://www.iec-ia.org/vnews/display.v/ART/4cea867abe0cf. If you have questions regarding the IEC ordering process, contact Joni Puffett at jpuffett@iec-ia.org or (319) 268-9008.

Save the Date: 2012 Statewide Special Education Conference

The Iowa Department of Education is excited to announce a statewide meeting of state and federal policy makers, special educators, school administrators, higher education representatives, community partners, parents and students to be held June 11-13, 2012 in Des Moines, Iowa.

Presenters include:
Jason E. Glass, Director, Iowa Department of Education
Martin J. Ikeda, State Director of Special Education
Keynote speakers focusing on Students with Disabilities Coming to School Ready to Learn, Going Through School in Safe and Caring Environments, Achieving at High Levels, and Leaving School Ready for Life

Including: VSA Iowa

Additional details including speakers, programming, accommodations and registration will be available at www.educateiowa.gov at a later date. Please mark your calendars and join us as we work together to discuss the future of our children's education.

June 11-13, 2012
Iowa Events Center
Hy-Vee Hall
730 Third Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
Registration: Free

Feb. 20 Sessions Added to Heartland AEA Budget Workshops

Registrations for our February Budget Workshop sessions filled very quickly. In order to ensure that everyone got a chance to participate, we have added a third day with two sessions on February 20. Larry Sigel and Margaret Buckton will facilitate all sessions in the computer lab at the Johnston Regional Education Center at 6500 Corporate Drive. Click here for session descriptions and registration information for this year’s budget workshops.

Ed. Department Seeks Students for New State Advisory Council

Iowa students are invited to apply for a seat on a new state advisory council formed by Iowa Department of Education Director Jason Glass.

The Learning Council, which will be made up of 15 students, complements efforts by the Branstad-Reynolds administration and Director Glass to get input from various stakeholders across the state on transforming Iowa’s education system. The administration will release a comprehensive education package on Friday that focuses on three key areas: highly effective educators, high expectations for all students with fair measures for results, and innovation that boosts learning.

“Students deserve a seat at the table in discussions about the future of their schools,” Glass said. “I look forward to hearing their input and ideas.”

Students enrolled in grades 8-12 from public and nonpublic schools in Iowa may apply. Meetings will take place in March, May, September and December. Council members also will communicate via e-mail.

Applications can be found here and must be returned by January 31. Students who are chosen to serve on the council will be notified by February 10.