Building Strong Systems That Support Strong Schools
Iowa’s Area Education Agencies (AEAs) provide leadership and infrastructure supports that help districts strengthen capacity, improve outcomes, and stay aligned with state and federal expectations. These services guide schools in using data, planning strategically, and creating systems that drive continuous improvement.
Strategic & Systems Support
AEAs partner with districts to facilitate data reviews, SAMI, action planning, and ESSA progress reporting, as well as to guide the development and implementation of district and school improvement plans. Infrastructure supports include:
- Program evaluation
- Paraeducator training and certification
- Crisis response and school safety planning
- Early warning system development
- Comprehensive strategic planning, including mission, vision, and measurable goal setting
Through these efforts, AEAs help schools build clear, actionable plans that reflect community needs and result in meaningful progress.
Leadership Development
Leadership growth is central to AEA support. Services are designed for superintendents, principals, curriculum directors, counselors, teacher leaders, and technology directors—helping leaders guide improvement and sustain results. AEA leadership development includes:
- Individualized coaching and consultation
- Support for professional learning communities (PLCs) and mentoring programs
- Implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
These services strengthen both individual leadership and systemwide collaboration.
Postsecondary Readiness & Partnerships
AEAs also play a key role in preparing students for life beyond high school. Leadership extends to Career and Technical Education (CTE), Perkins, Regional Planning Partnerships (RPPs), and work-based learning collaborations that connect students to real-world opportunities.
Modes of Support
- Coaching and consultation
- Classroom modeling and debriefing
- Classroom observations and walkthroughs
- Implementation coaching (leadership or staff)
- Ongoing professional learning with embedded coaching
- Resource integration
- Structured time for planning, reflection, and collaboration
- Leadership teams (district and/or building)
- Teacher teams (PLCs, CLCs, etc.)