Monday, October 19, 2020

Our Mission 

To improve the learning outcomes and well-being of all children and youth by providing services and leadership in partnership with families, schools and communities. 


Our Goals

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


Heartland AEA COVID-19 Dashboard for the Week Ending Oct. 16, 2020

We will provide you with COVID-19 case and quarantine data each Monday in The Connection. The numbers will fluctuate on a weekly basis, and our report will show what is current as of the previous Friday. If you have any questions, contact Nia Chiaramonte, Director of Human Resources. Thank you for your continued cooperation and flexibility as we work together to support children, students, families, educators and each other throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

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Those Who Serve Students with Significant Disabilities: DE Would Like You to Complete Priority Needs Survey

The Iowa Department of Education is requesting that staff who support students with significant cognitive disabilities complete a short survey to assist in determining priority needs for the current school year. 

Based on the results of this survey, the Department, in conjunction with AEAs and districts, will develop resources and tools to support teachers and staff in providing instruction and assessments to students with significant disabilities. 

If your current assignment involves working with students with significant cognitive disabilities or supporting teachers who work with students with significant cognitive disabilities, consider completing the Significant Disabilities Priority Needs Survey. The survey closes Friday, Oct. 23, 2020.

Reminder: Early Notification Incentive Again Offered to Certified Union & Management Staff

Last year, Heartland AEA filled 45+ vacancies in the Certified Union and Management staff employee groups. It has been to the Agency’s advantage to enter the recruitment cycle as early as possible.  






For 2020-21, the Heartland AEA Board of Directors has again approved an Early Notification Incentive for staff who have a signed contract and who notify Heartland AEA of their intent to not renew their contract for the 2021-22 school year by Dec. 4, 2020. Details are listed below.





Early Notification Incentive Process & Requirements   
  • Certified Union and Management staff who do not plan to return to Heartland AEA for the 2021-22 school year must submit early notification letters of resignation that are effective at the end of the 2020-21 work year.   
  • Early notification letters must be received in the Human Resources Department by 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 4, 2020.   
  • Heartland AEA’s Board of Directors acts on early notification letters no later than the regular meeting on Dec. 8, 2020.   
  • Departing staff must fulfill their individual employment contract obligations for the 2020-21 work year.   


Early Notification Incentive   
  • A $1,500 early notification incentive will be paid on June 30, 2021, to employees fulfilling these requirements.

If you have any questions about the early notification incentive, contact Nia Chiaramonte, Director of Human Resources, at ext. 14534.

Revisions Made to Agency’s SEBMH Pyramid

The Heartland AEA SEBMH Leadership team has made revisions to the Agency’s SEBMH Pyramid. 

The revised graphic takes into account our growing understanding of the work, an evolving research-base and the desire to have the language we use be more inclusive of all settings in which Heartland AEA provides support and services. 

This video highlights the revisions, and the updated Pyramid is available here as well.

Mathematical Strategies for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities to be Offered in January

This course will cover a framework for the instruction of mathematical ideas for students with significant cognitive disabilities. This course is designed for students who are progressing on the Iowa essential elements aligned to the Iowa Core standards. 

Links to the literacy framework will be made, along with a process for determining whether students are at an emergent or conventional level for instruction. Strategies and routines for each type of learner will be provided. Teachers will participate in mathematical activities in order to increase understanding. 

Jan. 8-12, 2021 
Delivered virtually 
Registration -- Course Now Full