At the June 18 Iowa State Board of Education meeting, the Board voted to fully accredit Prairie Lakes AEA following the Agency’s accreditation visit in 2026. While this milestone officially marks the successful completion of last year's recommendations, Agency leaders emphasized that the work is an ongoing journey focused on addressing required actions and driving continuous improvement.
Accredited status indicates that the AEA has met all requirements for services designated under Chapter 72 of the Iowa Administrative Code. AEAs undergo this intensive review of services to ensure all state requirements are met, a process that includes interviews with local school personnel, parents, agency staff and board members.
The accreditation report noted a number of our strengths, including:
Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
- AEA administrators were grounded in the continuous improvement process and use of data.
- Interviewees valued the data dashboard and the use of data to drive improvement.
- The AEA can support multiple content areas and districts who received support reported valuing the services.
Special Education Services & Support
- Showed improvements in Early ACCESS evaluation and the delivery of family and child services.
- Special education staff are valued by districts and recognized for their dedication to districts and the work.
- Processes and procedures have been strengthened at Lakes Partnership School, as well as the collaboration with sending districts.
Technology Planning Services
- Data provided showed the AEA is monitoring IEPs and technology usage, resulting in a high correlation between IEPs with reading goals and technology marked as a need.
- AEA provided professional learning to staff to support implementation of AT supports for students.
- PT-OT library, partially supported by Rifton and a community grant, provided equipment trials for students.
Learning Environment
- Provided a variety of professional learning and support and plans to add Teach to Heal support in 2026-27.
The accreditation team recognized and appreciated the significant amount of work completed by the Prairie Lakes Comprehensive Improvement Planning Team. As the review team stated: ‘It is clear that continuous improvement is a mindset amongst leaders and team members and that mindset is translating to the “boots on the ground” AEA staff members.’
“This outstanding result is a direct reflection of our staff members’ dedication, professionalism and commitment to serving students, educators and communities,” said Dan Mart, Prairie Lakes AEA Chief Administrator. “Accreditation is a meaningful affirmation of the quality, impact and integrity of the work our staff do every day. Our strengths are a testament to the culture we’ve built at Prairie Lakes AEA—one rooted in service and continuous improvement.”