Preparing Students to Create, Think Critically, and Solve Problems
Iowa’s Area Education Agencies (AEAs) support schools and districts in building high-quality, equitable computer science programs that empower students to create, design, and problem-solve. Computer Science education helps students understand how and why technology works – and how it can be used to solve real-world problems. Students learn to think creatively, use technology responsibly, and innovate with purpose. Our consultants provide:
- Professional learning and instructional coaching to help educators integrate computer science into core content areas through project-based learning and curriculum adoption.
- Guidance on using the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework to make computer science instruction accessible to all students.
- Support for developing PK–12 computer science pathways and implementing stand-alone or integrated courses aligned with Iowa’s Computer Science Standards.
- SCRIPT (Strategic CS for All Resource & Implementation Planning Tool) facilitation to guide district and school-level planning.
- Consultation and coaching to strengthen instructional practice through classroom modeling, observation, and feedback cycles.
Building Systems for Sustainable Success
AEAs also support district and school teams through:
- Leadership facilitation and collaboration within PLCs/CLCs.
- Guidance for grant planning, career counseling, and work-based learning that connects students to industry-recognized credentials and future-ready opportunities.
- Alignment of resources and systems that expand access to computer science education across all grade levels.
Through these focused efforts, Iowa AEAs help schools design sustainable, standards-aligned computer science programs that prepare students to think critically, create confidently, and contribute meaningfully in a technology-driven world.
How We Support
- Coaching and consultation
- Classroom modeling and debriefing
- Observations and walkthroughs
- Leadership or staff implementation coaching
- Ongoing professional learning with embedded coaching
- Resource alignment and integration
- Facilitated time for planning, reflection, and collaboration with:
- Leadership teams (district and/or building)
- Teacher teams (PLCs, CLCs, etc.)