Iowa’s AEAs Ready to Assist School Administrators in Learning About Iowa Standards for School Leaders

Iowa’s Area Education Agencies are ready to help district administrators in learning about and implementing the Iowa Standards for School Leaders (ISSL 2021). We’ve put together three different options so administrators can choose the learning that best fits their needs. By partnering as a system, Iowa’s AEAs can establish common outcomes, resources, and learning opportunities for school leaders around the new school leader standards. 

• Asynchronous Modules 
• Micro-Learning Opportunities 
• Face-to-Face Sessions 

Refer to this document for more information or contact Amy Wichman, Director of Instructional Services.

DE Announces Changes to Structure of Statewide School Improvement Team

During the August AEA system meetings, the Iowa Department of Education shared plans for changing the structure for the collaborative work of (Statewide School Improvement Team) SSIT. We understand there are changes and the Department is setting direction around Future Ready. We appreciate the time that many of you have committed to this work. As an AEA system, we will continue to support our districts and partner with the Department to improve student learning.

Reminder: Share with District Partners: Chapter 103 Resources Created by Iowa’s AEAs

In response to district needs surrounding Iowa Code Chapter 103, Iowa’s Area Education Agencies have developed Frequently Asked Questions along with supporting forms/templates. These resources are intended for district use and should be shared as needed. The templates below will force you to make a copy, and districts can format them with their district’s branding.  

• Guardian Debriefing Letter Template
 
• Incident Debriefing Meeting Template
 
• Use of Physical Restraint and/or Seclusion Documentation Form
 
• All Users
 
• PDF Version (Fillable PDF, but does not track data like the below options)
 
• Google Users
 
• Instructions (Download and link to autofilled Parent Report)
 
• Microsoft Users 
 
• Instructions (Download and make form your own)
   

If you have any questions about these materials, contact your regional director and/or Kristi Upah, Chief Student Services Officer.

Share with District Partners: Chapter 103 Resources Created by Iowa’s AEAs

In response to district needs surrounding Iowa Code Chapter 103, Iowa’s Area Education Agencies have developed Frequently Asked Questions along with supporting forms/templates. These resources are intended for district use and should be shared as needed. The templates below will force you to make a copy, and districts can format them with their district’s branding.  

• Guardian Debriefing Letter Template
 
• Incident Debriefing Meeting Template
 
• Use of Physical Restraint and/or Seclusion Documentation Form
 
• All Users
 
• PDF Version (Fillable PDF, but does not track data like the below options)
 
• Google Users
 
• Instructions (Download and link to autofilled Parent Report)
 
• Microsoft Users 
 
• Instructions (Download and make form your own)
   

If you have any questions about these materials, contact your regional director and/or Kristi Upah, Chief Student Services Officer.

Iowa’s AEAs Announce Deliverables for Online Learning Professional Development

Iowa’s Area Education Agencies have collaborated to generate multiple professional development opportunities and resources that support appropriate instructional pedagogy for teaching in the online environment. The deliverables include varied formats for independent earning, district facilitated learning, or learning in collaboration with an AEA partner.

Competency Scale for Online Learning
The Competency Scale for Online Learning was developed to support the Continuous Learning Technology Integration Continuum released by the Iowa Department of Education and Iowa’s AEAs. The scale measures one’s ability to demonstrate competency for teaching online.

Menu of PD Opportunities & Learning Opportunity Database
Review the scope of learning opportunities available on AEA Learning Online, courses, modules, articles and webinars. The Menu of PD Opportunities is an abbreviated, condensed list and infographic. The Learning Opportunity Database is a comprehensive, searchable tool with an abundance of resources for educators in developing online learning experiences.

Supporting Online Learning: An AEA Webinar Series
This three-week, AEA Webinar Series, will cover topics around creating an online learning environment, designing and delivering online learning, how to facilitate good communication & collaboration and embedding feedback & assessment. Iowa’s AEA and LEA educators will deliver webinars that will be streamed on the Iowa AEA Facebook page and made available for “anytime viewing” following the live sessions.

District IT Support for Online Learning: An AEA Webinar Series
In partnership with Google for Education, this free webinar series is specifically for IT professionals.

Modern Teacher
This platform offers flexibility to align professional learning with the district’s vision for digital proficiency. Negotiated pricing is available. An overview of the product can be found here. NOTE: Contact the vendor to arrange a specific contract for your district for the upcoming academic year. Please note that the AEAs are pleased to coordinate information about this resource, but the AEAs are not subsidizing or purchasing the resource for districts.

Supporting the Class of 2020 with Postsecondary Plans

Did you know that almost 60% of seniors in the Class of 2020 are reconsidering their postsecondary school choice due to COVID-19 closures? That’s over 20,000 Iowa high school seniors. Do you know how many of your students are reconsidering their plans? 


While many of you are already connecting with your graduating seniors, AEA PREP is sharing this resource to assist you in organizing and focusing your response to the needs of your seniors as we close out the 2020 school year.



The attached document provides step-by-step strategies to ensure the Class of 2020 successfully pursues its postsecondary plans and includes resources to collect data or use existing data from your seniors to organize follow-up supports. These are Iowa-specific resources, adapted from this National College Attainment Network (NCAN) document.



This work should be done in collaboration with a team of educators consisting of school personnel with additional capacity or existing relationships with students who can share in this work. Additionally, the information collected in this process will help your school complete the post-graduation plans required for state reporting (SRI).



If you have questions about this message or the attachment, contact AEA PREP.

AEAs Announce FAST Registration for the 2020-21 School Year

This year Iowa’s AEAs again will be subsidizing the costs for schools to upgrade their DE-provided FAST subscriptions that include the expanded assessment suite in math and behavior for K-6 and literacy, math and behavior for grades 7 & 8. Participation is available both to schools that purchased the expanded assessment suite in previous years and those that want to use it for the first time in 2020-21.  

Subscriptions are based on a per-student annual cost, and your AEA and the statewide AEA system have committed to covering 50 percent of the cost for each K-8 student in Iowa. The deadline to register is May 16. If you have any questions, contact Kevin Fangman, Chief Academic Officer. 

FAST Registration for the 2020-21 School Year

Meade Selected as Next Prairie Lakes AEA Chief Administrator

Susie Meade

The Prairie Lakes Area Education Agency Board of Directors has selected Dr. Susie Meade as its next Chief Administrator.  

In her new role, Meade will support the agency’s 247 full- and part-time employees who provide special education and school improvement services in 14 counties across north-central Iowa. These counties include 38 public school districts and 11 state-accredited non-public schools with a combined enrollment of almost 32,000 students. The agency also provides services for children from birth-age 3 and their families.  

"My entire career has been focused on helping students and improving teaching and learning. I'm honored to continue that effort by working with the dedicated staff at Prairie Lakes AEA," Meade said. "I feel like this is a unique opportunity to expand my reach and focus by impacting even more students and districts. I’m excited to begin working in an organization known for quality people and programs.  

Meade has been the superintendent at Winterset Community School District since 2012. She brings experience in school leadership positions, including as a school principal. Meade also has perspectives from the classroom as she has been a special education teacher. Meade holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa and a master’s degree in special education from Mankato State University. She earned a Ph.D. in educational administration from Iowa State University and has National Superintendent Certification through the American Association of School Administrators. 

The Prairie Lakes AEA board began its search for a new chief administrator after Jeff Herzberg announced his resignation effective June 2020. Herzberg, who has served as the Chief Administrator since 2010, plans to return to the classroom as a teacher/coach.

Reminder: Nominate a Deserving Individual for an AEA Award!

Do you know someone who has made outstanding contributions to education and Iowa’s AEAs? Please take a few minutes to nominate this person for recognition! 

Iowa’s AEAs bestow three awards annually to outstanding candidates for their contributions to education and the work of Iowa’s AEAs. To submit a nomination, complete this application by Feb. 14, 2020. Anyone is welcome to submit a nomination. 

Awards will be presented during the annual Iowa’s AEAs Boards of Directors’ Conference, and the ceremony will be held at 6:30 p.m. on March 26, 2020, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Johnston. 

The three awards and criteria can be found below. Each nomination should include examples of why your nominee should receive the award. 

Friend of the AEA Award
Acknowledges contributions by policymakers, citizens, board members, school district partners, businesses and organizations who have been great partners and demonstrate strong support for furthering the mission of Iowa’s AEAs. Open to all policymakers, citizens, board members, school district partners, businesses and organizations. 

E. Robert Stephens Award 
Dr. E. Robert Stephens, better known as “Dr. Bob” and the father of Iowa’s AEAs, acknowledges contributions in the area of innovation and support to local districts, AEAs, the Department of Education and other partners/organizations. There should be evidence of outstanding contributions to the well-being of the educational community including: 

• Benefits of this individual’s leadership; 
• Creative leadership in inspiring and motivating others to achieve and contribute; 
• Strong commitment to the profession by active participation in professional activities; and 
• Evidence that the individual is respected by his/her colleagues and the community.   

Open to AEA staff who serve in an administrative role and AEA board members. 

Innovative Creator Award
Celebrates amazingly innovative and creative thinking and actions to get results for students, educators, Iowa’s AEAs, school districts and other partners. Open to all AEA staff, board members, educators, policymakers, students...we are all creators! 

For more information, contact Connie Johnson, Iowa’s AEAs Communications Director.

Reminder: Iowa’s AEAs Seek Nominations for Fourth Annual Awards Recognition

Do you know someone who has made outstanding contributions to education and Iowa’s AEAs? Please take a few minutes to nominate this person for recognition! 

Iowa’s AEAs bestow three awards annually to outstanding candidates for their contributions to education and the work of Iowa’s AEAs. To submit a nomination, complete this application by Feb. 14, 2020. Anyone is welcome to submit a nomination. 

Awards will be presented during the annual Iowa’s AEAs Boards of Directors’ Conference, and the ceremony will be held at 6:30 p.m. on March 26, 2020, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Johnston. 

The three awards and criteria can be found below. Each nomination should include examples of why your nominee should receive the award. 

Friend of the AEA Award
Acknowledges contributions by policymakers, citizens, board members, school district partners, businesses and organizations who have been great partners and demonstrate strong support for furthering the mission of Iowa’s AEAs. Open to all policymakers, citizens, board members, school district partners, businesses and organizations. 

E. Robert Stephens Award 
Dr. E. Robert Stephens, better known as “Dr. Bob” and the father of Iowa’s AEAs, acknowledges contributions in the area of innovation and support to local districts, AEAs, the Department of Education and other partners/organizations. There should be evidence of outstanding contributions to the well-being of the educational community including: 

• Benefits of this individual’s leadership; 
• Creative leadership in inspiring and motivating others to achieve and contribute; 
• Strong commitment to the profession by active participation in professional activities; and 
• Evidence that the individual is respected by his/her colleagues and the community.   

Open to AEA staff who serve in an administrative role and AEA board members. 

Innovative Creator Award
Celebrates amazingly innovative and creative thinking and actions to get results for students, educators, Iowa’s AEAs, school districts and other partners. Open to all AEA staff, board members, educators, policymakers, students...we are all creators! 

For more information, contact Connie Johnson, Iowa’s AEAs Communications Director.

Gearing Up for Session: Iowa’s AEAs’ Legislative Priorities for the 2020 Iowa Legislative Session

Each individual AEA Board of Directors in the AEA system has approved these legislative priorities this fall. 

This year our system is advocating for financial support and policies that provide critical services for Iowa students, including student behavior, mental health, and well-being, as well as access to equitable supports across Iowa’s AEAs. We believe a solid foundation in these areas will position Iowa students for a life well-lived. We will be working with legislators to understand the impact of these priorities on our work with local school districts, families and educators.



PRIORITY: Well-being

Iowa’s Area Education Agencies (AEAs) are committed to supporting schools in promoting healthy learning environments that address the social, emotional, behavioral and mental health needs of students. Iowa’s AEAs can ensure that services are aligned equitably to every student, in every county, and every school. 

PRIORITY: Future Ready

Iowa’s Area Education Agencies can support a Future Ready vision for every child, in every county, in every Iowa school.  Our agency is equipped to support teachers and districts with access to resources like the Work-Based Clearinghouse and ready them to embrace performance and work-based learning opportunities. 

PRIORITY: Updated and Equitable Funding

Just as school districts operate at different funding levels, the same funding challenge is hindering the effectiveness of the Iowa AEA system. The current funding formula for the AEAs was established by the Iowa legislature in 1974 and needs to be updated to reflect per pupil inequities and changes in student populations. 

PRIORITY: Supplemental State Aid (SSA)

To truly provide the children of our state with the education they deserve, we have to move beyond the rhetoric about world-class education and fund education appropriately. 

PRIORITY: Fully Funding Iowa’s Area Education Agencies

For many years the Department of Management has reduced the annual appropriation designated to the AEA system. This shortfall has been in place since 2002 and is impacting service delivery for Iowa’s students. 

Any staff with questions about these priorities is encouraged to reach out to Chief Administrator Jon Sheldahl.

Iowa’s AEAs Seek Nominations for Fourth Annual Awards Recognition

Do you know someone who has made outstanding contributions to education and Iowa’s AEAs? Please take a few minutes to nominate this person for recognition! 

Iowa’s AEAs bestow three awards annually to outstanding candidates for their contributions to education and the work of Iowa’s AEAs. To submit a nomination, complete this application by Feb. 14, 2020. Anyone is welcome to submit a nomination. 

Awards will be presented during the annual Iowa’s AEAs Boards of Directors’ Conference, and the ceremony will be held at 6:30 p.m. on March 26, 2020, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Johnston. 

The three awards and criteria can be found below. Each nomination should include examples of why your nominee should receive the award. 

Friend of the AEA Award
Acknowledges contributions by policymakers, citizens, board members, school district partners, businesses and organizations who have been great partners and demonstrate strong support for furthering the mission of Iowa’s AEAs. Open to all policymakers, citizens, board members, school district partners, businesses and organizations. 

E. Robert Stephens Award 
Dr. E. Robert Stephens, better known as “Dr. Bob” and the father of Iowa’s AEAs, acknowledges contributions in the area of innovation and support to local districts, AEAs, the Department of Education and other partners/organizations. There should be evidence of outstanding contributions to the well-being of the educational community including: 

• Benefits of this individual’s leadership; 
• Creative leadership in inspiring and motivating others to achieve and contribute; 
• Strong commitment to the profession by active participation in professional activities; and • Evidence that the individual is respected by his/her colleagues and the community.   

Open to AEA staff who serve in an administrative role and AEA board members. 

Innovative Creator Award
Celebrates amazingly innovative and creative thinking and actions to get results for students, educators, Iowa’s AEAs, school districts and other partners. Open to all AEA staff, board members, educators, policymakers, students...we are all creators! 

For more information, contact Connie Johnson, Iowa’s AEAs Communications Director.

Iowa’s AEAs Renew Commitment to Stakeholders Through Updated Strategic Plan

Iowa’s Area Education Agencies (AEAs) have solidified their commitment to all of Iowa’s 500,000 K-12 students, 327 public school districts, 182 accredited, non-public schools and thousands of children birth to age 3 with its updated strategic plan. 

The plan, which builds on the work outlined in the AEA Compact, reflects our renewed commitment to the priorities and actions that Iowa’s nine AEAs will take to meet the needs of those we serve. 

The strategic plan outlines the essential functions of Special Education, Media Services and Educational Services that were identified when the AEAs were established in 1975. It also incorporates recent efforts to maximize efficiencies and align equities in services, such as children’s mental health and well-being and real-world, in-depth work experiences into schools (i.e., Future Ready Iowa). 

Heartland AEA has staff members represented on the teams to support the work outlined in the action plans: 

• Synergy: Kurt Subra, Chief Financial Officer
• Future Ready: Jon Sheldahl, Chief Administrator; Julie McGinnis, Special Education Consultant and Sue Schirmer, Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant 
• Well-being: Jadie Boens, Director of Special Programs

We are also aligning some of our agency priorities and focus areas with the Iowa AEA Strategic Plan, as we told you about at the September All-Staff Meeting.  

While each AEA may differentiate its services slightly according to the needs of its districts, the statewide AEA system is committed to uniting all of its essential services with this common plan. We believe we’re stronger together, and our statewide system is grounding the equitable, efficient, and effective experience of our districts with this strategic, system-wide plan. 

We encourage you to review the plan and its supporting documents.

Iowa's AEAs Strategic Plan
Iowa's AEAs Playbook

Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention Training Available for Iowa Educators Through AEA Learning Online

In response to Iowa’s new requirement that school districts provide at least one hour of annual training on suicide prevention, intervention and postvention, the Iowa AEA Directors of Special Education and AEA Learning Online have developed training that meets the state’s requirements. Information about AEA Learning Online’s Postvention Training and a link to additional training options are also noted below. 

AEA Learning Online Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention Training 
The AEA Learning Online Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention Training was developed by an Iowa AEA Suicide Prevention work group to support school districts in meeting the suicide prevention and postvention required training. This training is provided at no cost to districts. 

Training Objectives 

• Increase awareness of the problem of youth suicide 
• Know the suicide warning signs and risk and protective factors 
• Understand the role of a “Gatekeeper” 
• Locate school and/or community resources for at-risk students and their families 
• Understand the role of postvention 
• Know school district suicide prevention and postvention policy and/or contact person 

School staff may use their AEA Login to access the training. Individuals may register in the AEA Learning Online system if they do not have an existing account. 

AEA Learning Online Postvention-only Training 
The AEA Learning Online Postvention Training module was developed to support school districts in meeting the suicide postvention training content requirement. This is a postvention-only training module that is intended to be used with other training opportunities that do not include postvention, such as Kognito or Lifeguard training. Including this postvention-only module with such training opportunities would help ensure a district meets Iowa’s full suicide prevention and postvention training requirements. The online postvention training is offered at no cost to Iowa school districts and AEA staff. 

Additional Training Options 
This is an overview of additional training options that provide the required suicide prevention and postvention content.

Reminder: AEAs Provide Programs Free Access to myIGDIs for 2019-20 Literacy Screening

Iowa’s AEAs are pleased to continue providing consistency with their preschool programs for the 2019-20 school year for districts and community partners in the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program (SWVPP) for 4-year-old children. Iowa’s AEAs will continue to cover the full cost ($3 per child) to access the online data system and iPad app for preschool programs that are currently using or are interested in starting to use the Individual Growth and Development Indicators (myIGDIs) for literacy screening for preschool learners during the 2019-20 school year. 

Read full article…

Iowa’s AEAs Legislative Update Available

Each week during the Iowa legislative session, we will bring you an AEA Legislative Update from the Iowa’s AEAs legislative advocacy team. 
 

April 12, 2019 Legislative Update

Iowa’s AEAs Legislative Update Available

Each week during the Iowa legislative session, we will bring you an AEA Legislative Update from the Iowa’s AEAs legislative advocacy team. 
 

March 29, 2019 Legislative Update

Iowa’s AEAs Legislative Update Available

Each week during the Iowa legislative session, we will bring you an AEA Legislative Update from the Iowa’s AEAs legislative advocacy team. 
 

March 15, 2019 Legislative Update

Iowa’s AEAs Legislative Update Available

Each week during the Iowa legislative session, we will bring you an AEA Legislative Update from the Iowa’s AEAs legislative advocacy team. 
 

March 8, 2019 Legislative Update

David Ludwig Named New Executive Director for Iowa’s AEAs

David Ludwig

This message was emailed to staff on Feb. 22 and is being repeated here for your information. 

Iowa’s AEAs have selected David Ludwig to be the AEA system’s next Executive Director. Ludwig has over 30 years of experience as a school administrator in Nebraska, with the past five years serving as the State Executive Director for the Educational Service Unit Coordinating Council (ESUCC) of Nebraska. 
 

Today, the Iowa Association of AEAs (IAAEA) Executive Board approved a two-year contract with Ludwig, and he will begin his duties on July 1, 2019. He will be based out of the Heartland AEA office in Johnston. 
 

In his new role with Iowa’s AEAs, Ludwig will facilitate and coordinate Iowa's nine AEAs in working collaboratively to support and provide services to the children, families and educators served by all of Iowa’s 333 public schools and 182 accredited, non-public schools. The AEA system also provides direct services to nearly 56,000 students who receive special education services. 
 

"We are extremely proud to offer the position to someone with the leadership and experiences that Mr. Ludwig has,” said Jim Green, president of the IAAEA Executive Board. “David’s experience with rural and urban districts, legislative advocacy, along with his leadership at local and state levels, are a perfect fit for the AEA system." 
 

Ludwig began his education career as a special education teacher and coach and has also been a special education director, principal and ESU (Educational Service Unit) Administrator. A graduate of Midland College with a bachelor’s degree in special education, elementary education and physical education, Ludwig earned a master’s degree in school administration and an education specialist degree from Wayne State College. He is currently working on a doctorate degree in education at the University of Nebraska Omaha and is expected to complete that work in May 2021. 
 

"I’m excited to begin the next phase of my professional career with an organization known nationally for its focus on student learning and outcomes, quality people and programs and attention to providing equitable services to all Iowa children, families and educators,” Ludwig said. 
 

Dr. Tom Lane, who has served Iowa’s AEAs since 2013, will retire on June 30, 2019.