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 

Redesign Remarks: Child Find Team Shares Initial Work Team Content

The Child Find Professional Development Redesign Work Team has been working hard to identify critical content that will be part of the professional development redesign. This group has also vetted its initial draft of work (video and critical components) with the PLC Committee as the Adult Learning and Data & Assessment Work Teams did earlier (see the May 2nd and May 9th Connection for more information on these teams’ continuum).

The Child Find Work Team lead received feedback on the team’s initial continuum of work related to the following questions:

• How does the identified continuum of learning connect to the work you do for the Agency?
• What items in the identified continuum of learning are essential to the work you do for the Agency?
• What appears to be missing from the continuum of learning?
  

The following Child Find information was shared with the PLC group earlier this spring:

Focus of the Child Find Work Team
The Child Find Work Team will determine key concepts and develop professional learning content to ensure all Heartland AEA, LEA and community stakeholders will understand and be able to communicate the legal requirements for AEA to engage in Child Find activities and the processes by which this is accomplished.

Staff who display the identified key components will be able to:

• engage with LEA staff, team members, students and parents and to ensure appropriate and informative evaluations occur for students in a timely manner.
• identify individual student needs to improve outcomes and close educational gaps for eligible individuals.
• access and identify appropriate services for diverse learners.
  

This video outlines the initial work of the Child Find Work Team, including the initial key components of learning they have focused on. The video will also reference the original proposed Key Components. The team will incorporate the feedback received from the PLC group into its continued work on Key Components and professional learning that supports them.

We hope you will take a moment to listen to the overview and review the first draft of key components of the Child Find Work Team. Hopefully you will get a sense of how the critical content this team has identified connects to you in the work you do for children, families and educators.

Deadline Extended! Get Us Your Pecha Kucha Presentation Ideas by June 1

Call for Presenters for September All-Staff Meeting
The Agency is looking forward to trying a new format for this year’s All-Staff Meeting on Sept. 9, 2016. We’re planning for an all-day meeting that features an afternoon of presentations from YOU! We are excited about the possibilities that we hope will come from staff members learning from and connecting with each other.

PechaKucha Info
These presentations will be in the spirit of a Pecha Kucha presentation, during which speakers give quick presentations that include 20 images shown for 20 seconds each for a total of 6 minutes and 40 seconds.

Our All-Staff Planning Committee will review and select presentations, and they will use the following question as one way to evaluate your proposal: Does this Pecha Kucha reflect, educate, touch on or celebrate areas that we’ve emphasized as an organization—our core values, our mission, our goals and wellness?

This new approach to learning during our All-Staff meeting gives us a unique opportunity to feel the pulse of the Agency in just a few hours, to celebrate together, learn together and get re-connected. More than a PowerPoint slideshow, Pecha Kuchas generate discussion and innovation, so don’t be shy, show your work, make an impact!

Pecha Kucha Q & A
Can you explain this Pecha Kucha format?
This is a simple presentation format where you show 20 images, each for 20 seconds. The images advance automatically, and you talk along to the images. The idea is a short, concise presentation. There’s no “next slide” or “go back one, please” in this format. This isn’t a “typical” PowerPoint presentation - it relies heavily on images rather than bullet points and sentences.

Why have this format at our all staff meeting?
This style helps people focus on what they really want to say and as a result, ends up making a more interesting presentation for the audience. Your audience won’t be bored because the tempo is good and presentations are easy to understand.

Who in the Agency can present?
Anyone! Talk to your supervisor about content and purpose, and if you have additional questions, consult with the Communications Department.

What can I present and what would make it appealing to others?
The key to a great presentation is to present something you are passionate about in your work. Good Pecha Kucha-style presentations are the ones that uncover the unexpected -- unexpected talent, unexpected ideas, a-ha moments. Some are personal, some are incredibly funny, but all are very different, and they allow our all staff meeting to be like “a box of chocolates.”

Can I record my presentation and just show it at the meeting?
No, this is designed to be a live presentation. There’s a lot of energy with live events and this particular style of presentation. Your co-workers will want to know more once you’re done, so be ready for questions!

Will I be presenting in front of the entire Agency?
No, these presentations are planned to be delivered in breakout rooms. The audience size will vary but can be as many as 100.

How do I make a Pecha Kucha?
The format works best when you pick a main idea, write a script for the presentation that supports that main idea and then break the script into 20 "scenes" that become slides. Only at this point should you begin to think about finding or creating images to go with each slide. Part of the spirit of Pecha Kucha is that an image on a slide should support what you’re saying and not be something the audience has to read. *Note: While a consistent slide design is good, avoid most PowerPoint templates. Neutral backgrounds and easy to read fonts are best if you’re using any text.

Can I present with other people?
Yes, this works well in teams of two or more. You could alternate slide by slide or split the presentation into two, 10-panel segments.

How to Apply
If you or a team of your co-workers are interested in presenting, complete this presentation application by June 1, 2016.

If you have any questions, contact the Communications Department.

Changes in Flexible Scheduling Coming on July 1

Flexible Scheduling

As many of you know, the Agency has in the past had “summer hours,” which have allowed employees to request a modified work schedule during the summer. In addition, employees have been able to request a change in scheduled work hours to their supervisor once every quarter. Going forward, the Agency will instead use a “Flexible Scheduling” policy. Employees will be allowed to request reconsideration of their scheduled hours and length of lunch (30 or 60 minutes) with supervisor approval at any time, instead of just the summer or on the quarter. Decisions regarding scheduled work hours will take into consideration issues such as impact on students, programs and services, administration of flexible scheduling and any budget implications. When considering approval of scheduled hours, priority will be placed on coverage of work functions over staff preference. Therefore, there may be some variation of individual schedules within or across workgroups. In regional offices, regional directors set office hours based on the needs of the region. Regional directors will schedule staff accordingly and will communicate their office hours to their districts, their staff and the Agency receptionist. A flexible schedule is not guaranteed in the first instance, and if granted one time, may not be approved other times or on an on-going basis. Flexible scheduling arrangements will be evaluated on a periodic basis.



As a reminder, Heartland AEA’s official hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Also, for most staff members who complete timesheets, the regular workweek (Monday through Sunday) consists of 5 days of 7.5 hours each. An unpaid lunch period should be taken near mid-work day and can be 30 minutes to 1 hour based on supervisor approval. Timesheets must accurately reflect start, end, lunch break and leave times. Staff members whose timesheets don’t accurately reflect this information may be subject to disciplinary action.



Flexible Workweek

In addition, in order to increase consistency and allow the maximum flexibility for Classified staff, the Agency will be introducing a new “Flexible Workweek” policy. Should the need arise, employees may request a flexible workweek. A flexible workweek would not be an ongoing schedule, but rather a departure from the normal employee schedule.



Example 1: An employee may need to work 2 hours extra on a Monday. Instead of taking overtime, the employee may request to leave early another day of the week, so as to not go over 37.5 hours for the work week.



Example 2: An employee may have a doctor’s appointment on a Monday and only work 6.5 hours. A request could be made to the supervisor to work an extra hour later in the week, rather than put in a leave request for the initial hour off.



Supervisors may approve or deny requests for a flexible workweek based on issues such as impact on students, programs and services, administration of flexible scheduling and any budget implications. When considering approval of a flexible workweek, priority will be placed on coverage of work functions over staff preference. Therefore, there may be some variation of individual schedules within or across workgroups. 



If a flexible workweek is used, all actual time worked should be recorded on the timesheet. Anytime a flexible workweek is used, it should be marked as “Flex Hours” on the timesheet.



All flexible workweek instances must be approved by a supervisor in advance. Flexible workweek hours can only be used within a single workweek. For example, if a staff member has an appointment at 3 p.m. on Friday afternoon, he or she can not make the time up the following week. Remember, the workweek is Monday through Sunday. In all cases, if a staff member works more than his or her typical hours with approval, he or she would still be eligible to take overtime or compensatory time if applicable.



This policy will be for instances where partial days of leave are needed or overtime is worked only, and is not intended for use where full days of leave are needed. 



If you have any questions about these changes, first contact your supervisor, then direct any questions to Tony Chiaramonte, Human Resources Manager.

2016-17 Medical Plan Changes to Vision and Hearing Benefits

Effective July 1, 2016, both of Heartland AEA’s medical plan options will provide additional coverage for vision exams, hearing exams and hearing aids, as follows:

• Vision exams – Routine vision exams will be covered once per year, at 100%.
• Hearing exams – Routine hearing exams will be covered once per year, at 100%.
• Hearing aids – Hearing aids will be covered, subject to deductible and coinsurance. The benefit is limited to once every three years and is capped at $2,500.
• Important: Members must see a medical plan network provider to receive these benefits.
  

Vision and Hearing Benefit Q & A:
Who do I make an appointment with?
For these plan benefits, you must make an appointment with an in-network provider, however, you may schedule directly with any network provider; you do not need a referral.

Where can I purchase a hearing aid?
You must purchase a hearing aid through a network Durable Medical Equipment provider to be covered under your medical plan.

Does our plan have specific audiologists?
Yes, for the hearing exam benefit, you must see a network provider. 

To find a network provider in your area:
Use the “Find a Doctor or Hospital tool” on Wellmark.com to make sure your provider is in the Blue Choice network. Search on “Find a Doctor” and select “Specialist” with a specialty type of Audiologist.

Hearing Aids must be purchased through a network Durable Medical Equipment provider. Search on “Find a Facility” and select “Specialty Facilities/Supplier” with a facility type of Durable Medical Equipment and Suppliers.

If you would rather call, use the Wellmark customer service number on your ID card.

What if it is less expensive to purchase my hearing aids from Costco or through a discount program?
It may be less expensive to purchase hearing aids from non-network providers, and you are not required to use the medical plan. However, hearing aids purchased from non-network providers will not be covered or reimbursed by the medical plan. You will want to consider your medical plan benefits, how much you have already met towards deductible and your out-of-pocket maximum, in determining the most cost-effective provider to purchase hearing aids.

If the $2,500 is being paid towards my hearing aids, is that towards both of them?
Yes, the medical plan will cover up to $2,500 total for both hearing aids. After the $2,500 cap, you will be responsible for the balance (as well as any deductible and/or coinsurance cost share).

Can I request reimbursement for my hearing aids through my HRA?
Yes, hearing aids are a reimbursable expense under both the HRA and our Flexible Spending Account plan.  These are reimbursable regardless if you purchase the hearing aids through the medical plan or not.

How much is this going to cost me?
Routine vision and hearing exams from network providers will be covered at 100% by the medical plan.

Your cost share for hearing aids will depend on your medical plan enrollment, and your medical plan benefit utilization. Following are some examples to help illustrate.

Example 1

• Both hearing aids cost $3,500 through the network provider.
• Member has not had any medical claims applied to deductible or out of pocket maximum during the current calendar year.

 

Click the image for larger size.

Example 2

• Both hearing aids cost $4,000 through the network provider.
• Member has met $500 of the deductible and out of pocket maximum.

 Click the image for larger size.

Example 3

• Both hearing aids cost $3,000 through the network provider.
• Member has met both the deductible and out of pocket maximum.

 Click the image for larger size.

 If you have any questions, contact Juliette Houseman, Benefits Specialist.  

Still Time to Earn Your Wellness T-shirt!

Don't forget you have until May 31 to complete your Wellness challenges! Even if you can't complete them all, if you complete half of them, you can still earn a wellness t-shirt. Please keep in mind that the t-shirts, even though Heartland AEA-branded, are typically not considered professional or business casual attire, so please refrain from wearing them to the office or school worksite. If you finish the Wellness challenges and earn Wellness catalog points, those points must be redeemed before June 17. If you have any questions, contact Katie Streff, Human Resources Assistant.

Retirement Reception for Carol Price

June 1, 2016 

3:00-5:00 p.m. 

Heartland AEA Administration Center, Board Room 

6445 Corporate Drive, Johnston

New Technology Courses Available to Heartland AEA Staff in iTunesU

This spring a group of Heartland AEA staff participated in a two-day Apple for Education certification. One of the many results of this training is a new set of 20 iTunesU courses available to all Heartland AEA employees. These courses cover a wide range of content areas, from assistive technology tips to iPad 101 resources. Each iTunesU course has many different types of resources, such as apps to download, videos to watch and links to follow for more resources. Below you will find a list of the courses that are available. (To access iTunesU, you will need to use an iPad. If you are not familiar with iTunesU, take a minute to read up on the app here or reach out to Mande Gamble, Technology Training Specialist, for more information.) 

Apple iTunes Enrollment Code        Title of Course 
FZB-ZLE-YYF                                     Building Number Sense through Daily Routines
DNB-KMX-ZKB                                   iPads in the Early Childhood Classroom
EWX-HTN-KRJ                                    iPads 101 
CPL-KRW-YKF                                    Understanding Digital Citizenship for Educators 
ENS-BRH-SBJ                                    Makerspace Exploration 
FDP-XKT-EJE                                     Note Taking Tips 
CRB-LSB-YCC                                    Introduction to the Iowa Science Standards
EEC-TZS-SAK                                    Accessible Learning Materials 
FCL-XLL-XMH                                    Digital Resources - Heartland AEA 
ERN-FNX-JJL                                     Accessible Books in the Classroom 
FHL-JDF-YDF                                     Introduction to Mathematical Teaching Practices
FTW-NPP-THJ                                   AT Core Vocabulary 
CDE-AMZ-SRL                                  5 Big Ideas of Reading 
DZN-TEB-YHA                                  Reaching Reluctant Readers 
DEM-WNA-FDA                                 Cultivating Capacity and Impact of Teacher Leaders
CAT-XDR-KPB                                  Text Readers for Accessible Education Materials
DMC-CBF-TFD                                  Communication Applications for the iPad 
FPF-CAL-APB                                   Technology and Instruction 
EZN-ZZK-BLE                                  Proloquo2go 
DBP-ACA-JYH                                  Grilling Meat like a Pro: A Metaphor for Quality Teaching