Our Mission
To provide services and leadership, in partnership with families, schools and communities, that improve the learning outcomes and well-being of all children and youth.

Our Goals
• Increase learning growth for students
• Decrease the gap in achievement
• Increase annual graduation rates
• Increase gateways to post-secondary success 

Come and Get It! Google Apps Training Now Available

As noted in earlier issues of The Connection, our agency is investing in building your technology skills this year! The first online assessment and training modules -- focused on Google Apps -- are now available.

To get started, click HERE. The link will take you to an assessment that will gauge your overall knowledge of Google Apps. If you get 80% or more of the questions correct, you will have “tested out” of the requirement to complete further training. If you get less than 80%, we want you to grow in your knowledge of Google Apps and ask that you complete the Google training module within the next month.

•    We anticipate the assessment at the link above will take about 15-20 minutes to complete.
•    Once you have finished all 60 questions, you will get an email with your results.
•    If you do not test out, you will be provided information about how to log in to the training system to go through the six Google training modules.
•    As you work through each module, there will be post-assessment questions. If your answers to these assessment questions indicate proficiency, you will be notified and can print a certificate of completion for that module.
•    If more learning is indicated, you will return to the content module and do further study using the embedded resources.
•    Then you can retake the post-assessment.
•    (Even if you do test out, you are welcome to take advantage of the learning opportunity! Directions to access the training are listed below.)

Q: How do I log in to the AEA PD Online Learning System?
A: First, you will need to have an AEA PD Online account. (If you have an account, but don’t remember your login information, contact Shelley Christensen for assistance. This is the same system that you’ve used to take Bloodborne Pathogens, Mandatory Reporter, etc.)

If you haven’t created an account, follow the steps below:
1.    Begin on the AEA PD Online Learning System.
2.    First time user??? Click on Register here.
3.    Enter your first and last name.
4.    Enter your email address.
5.    Enter your BoEE folder number
If you don't know this number, you can look it up at the BoEE Website.
 If you don't have one, indicate N/A.
6.    Click Yes to indicate that you are an AEA or District Employee.
7.    Locate Heartland AEA from the district list.
8.    Enter the District Password - aea11
9.    You may complete the other fields, but they are not required.
10.  Click on Submit Registration Info.
11.  The screen will not appear to change, but you will see a Continue button under the Submit button.
12.  Click on Continue.

Q: Once I login, how will I know where to start?
A: Once logged in to the AEA PD Online Learning System, you will choose the catalog link in the upper left hand sidebar. Then, click on district modules, and all of Heartland AEA’s content for our capacity building training will be listed. Begin by clicking on the course you want to take. If you did not test out, you will need to take the Google Docs, Calendar, Sheets, Slides, Sites and Gmail modules.

Q: Who will keep track of the learning modules I complete?
A: You will be able to keep track by printing a certificate when you complete each learning module. The Agency will also keep a master record of the learning modules completed by each staff member, which will be shared with supervisors.

Q: What supports are in place for me while I’m accessing these training modules?
A: We have a number of supports to offer.
•    Some of your professional learning time this year will be about expanding your technology skills through an online learning experience. Work with your supervisor if you have questions about when you should be accessing the technology training during your work schedule.
•    You can participate in face-to-face regional seminars to work on the online content in a setting where you can learn with others and be supported by a coach who knows that particular area of content. Seminars to support Google learning will be in various offices in the second half of October. More details to come.
•    You can collaborate with others who are working on the same content.
•    Significant resources are included within every learning module that you can access.
•    Tech Support Leads and agency Internal Technology staff continue in their roles to provide technical support for routine questions and issues.

Q: When I finish Google, what’s next?
A: Additional information about other modules will be shared via The Connection once they are available. These modules will include digital citizenship, agency systems and online media resources.

Q: Whom do I contact if I have questions about the learning system?
A: You can contact Lynn McCartney, Instructional Technology Consultant, or Mande Gamble, Technology Training Specialist, for help with Heartland AEA-specific technology trainings. Continue to contact Shelley Christensen for help with the Bloodborne Pathogens, Mandatory Reporting and other statewide trainings.

Remember That Cell Phone Reimbursement is $50 Per MONTH

Beginning July 1, 2015 the Agency implemented a cap of 500 minutes ($50) per month for cell phone reimbursement. When submitting an expense claim, indicate the billing dates associated with your cell phone reimbursement, for example, ‘Cell Phone Minutes 7/5/15 – 8/4/15’. 

The dates on the claim should be the same as your cell phone bill dates. We need to have the dates listed on the expense claim so we know the 30-day period being submitted. Employees are still required to retain their cell phone bills along with other receipts in accordance with the Staff Handbook. If you have any questions, contact Mary Heaberlin, Accounting Technician, at ext. 14818 or Brian Whalen, Business Manager, at ext. 14005. Thank you for your attention to this!

One Conversation Can Change a Life: Suicide Prevention Month

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and the National Alliance on Mental Health observes this month to help promote resources and awareness around the issues of suicide prevention, how you can help others and how to talk about suicide without increasing the risk of harm.

Suicide is often related to serious depression, substance use disorders and other mental health conditions. That’s why recognizing the warning signs is crucial, as well as ensuring that care and services are available to all.

Warning Signs
•    Threats or comments about killing themselves, also known as suicidal ideation, can begin with seemingly harmless thoughts like “I wish I wasn’t here” but can become more overt and dangerous
•    Increased alcohol and drug use
•    Aggressive behavior
•    Social withdrawal from friends, family and the community
•    Dramatic mood swings
•    Talking, writing or thinking about death
•    Impulsive or reckless behavior

If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-TALK (8255) or call 911 immediately. Visit the National Alliance on Mental Health for more information.

Help is Available 24/7 Through Employee Assistance Program
Everyday life can be stressful and can affect your health, well-being and performance. Fortunately, as Heartland AEA employees, we have support in finding solutions through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This is free, confidential help for a wide variety of concerns such as anxiety, relationship issues, family conflict, financial or legal concerns, childcare or elder care and much more. Contact the EAP at (866) 451-5465.

Volunteer Leave Now an Option in Leave Online System

As a reminder, all agency staff members are granted four hours of volunteer time per fiscal year (July 1-June 30) to volunteer their time to serve their communities. 

This year, we are asking staff to submit leave through the Leave Online system as you would for any other leave. This new procedure will hopefully give us a better idea of how many staff members are using the volunteer time off, as well as give supervisors the ability to approve/deny the time off request as they would any other leave. 

If you don’t know where to start when it comes to volunteering, you can always check out the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service for opportunities and events that need help in your area. We love to see you serving our communities – please consider volunteering your time for others!

NCLB Annual Update Released, Includes New & Updated Guidance

Iowa Department of Education Deputy Director Dr. David Tilly has sent out annual information to public school districts regarding requirements included in the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation.

If you have any questions, contact Kevin Fangman, Executive Director of District Services, at ext. 14374.

Iowa Adopts New Iowa Science Standards; Learning Opportunities Coming Soon

New Iowa Science Standards were adopted by the Iowa State Board of Education. In order to support the implementation of the new Iowa Science Standards, the science learning community of Iowa will partner together to offer several professional development opportunities over the next three years. A few key dates and events for the upcoming year are:

 

• Iowa Science Standards Kick-off: Oct. 20, 2015, the University of Iowa and Grand View University will host a day of learning from national experts on the new science standards in Iowa City. This is intended to orient leaders to the new standards and prepare them to support classroom implementation. Register HERE.

• AEA Professional Development: Throughout the school year, science consultants from each AEA will be ready to provide the necessary professional development about the three-dimensional learning to science teachers. Contact Heartland AEA’s science consultants for more information.

• Summer Symposium - Implementing the Standards: On June 15-17, 2016, a symposium for teachers will be held. National experts in science and the new standards will lead educators in job-alike groups: after school providers, elementary teachers, middle school teachers and high school teachers. The goal is to give educators tools they need to implement the innovations in their practice.

Additional resources:

1. Visit the Iowa Department of Education website to read about the opportunities for learning new science standards.
2. Read the letter or watch the video announcing the Standards.
3. Read the Iowa Science Standards Proposed Strategic Plan.

If you have any questions, contact the Heartland AEA Science Consultants.

Transition Results Show Improvement in Outcomes for Students and Families

Heartland AEA was recently notified of the results of work completed through transition activities during the 2014-15 school year. Our agency had a significant increase in B13 compliance this year—from 90.95% to 98.74%. We are very excited about this progress and would like to thank everyone for their time and effort in continuing to improve transition outcomes for students and families! Congratulations and thank you!

Save Dates for STRIVE Informational Sessions at DMACC

A visit to DMACC and STRIVE is strongly recommended for prospective students. It helps to familiarize a student with vocational program requirements as well as the role of STRIVE.

Informational Sessions for STRIVE will be offered ONLY on the following dates this year:
•    Oct. 23, 2015, - Ankeny Campus - Building 9, Room 1
•    Nov. 20, 2015 - Ankeny Campus - Building 9, Room 1
•    Jan. 29, 2016 - Ankeny Campus - Building 6, Room 14
•    Feb. 26, 2016 - Ankeny Campus - Building 6, Room 14

Arrive for Informational Sessions at 10:00 a.m.
 
10:10 - 10:40 a.m.
Meet in a large group to discuss general DMACC/STRIVE information.
 
10:40 - 11:30 a.m.
 (times may vary)
Meet with a STRIVE instructor to discuss a specific vocational program.
 
To schedule an informational session, call (515) 965-7138 or (800) 362-7138 ext. 7138 or email maeach@dmacc.edu.

Technology Tip of the Week

Use Great Caution in Installing Programs
Do you know what malware and adware are? They are tricks, certainly not treats!

These are programs that try to trick you into installing them, and if you do, they can do the same kind of malicious damage that viruses do, including stealing your passwords and taking over your computer. Our antivirus software helps to keep programs like this from spreading, but sometimes our staff members have been fooled by programs of this type and have installed them.

If you open an email, an attachment or a website and see messages like the ones below, you should contact the Internal Technology Department as soon as possible. View any such screen with great caution. The Internal Technology Department will let our staff know in The Connection or via an email from the Communications Department if any updates need to be made or if there are programs in Self Service that need to be installed.