Region 9 Comprehensive Center: Illinois and Iowa
The Region 9 Comprehensive Center, operated by AIR through a U.S. Department of Education grant since October 2019, provides intensive capacity-building services to state education agencies and other education stakeholders in Illinois and Iowa.
The Region 9 Comprehensive Center, operated by AIR through a U.S. Department of Education grant since October 2019, provides intensive capacity-building services to state education agencies and other education stakeholders in Illinois and Iowa. We help state, district, and school leaders in our region successfully identify, implement, and sustain evidence-based programs and practices, with the goal of improving outcomes for educators and students alike. This work supports states in the implementation of their Every Student Succeeds Act and strategic plans.
Our project plans are tailored to address high-leverage challenges articulated by education leaders in the region. Some of our work builds from projects started by the previous Midwest Comprehensive Center, operated by AIR in the 2012–2019 grant cycle. In addition, we work closely with the Regional Educational Laboratory Midwest, which partners with regional education stakeholders to use data and research to improve student outcomes and also serves Illinois and Iowa.
Current Projects
Supporting Continuous Improvement of the Iowa Teacher Leadership and Compensation System
In this project, the Iowa Department of Education will develop a continuous improvement process and sustainability plan for the state’s Teacher Leadership and Compensation system.
Equitable Access to Quality Instruction
Working with the Iowa Department of Education, this project facilitates the school district-level implementation of practices to improve equitable access to quality instruction and student engagement programs.
Improving Teacher Leadership to Support Teacher Retention in Chicago Public Schools
This project works with the Illinois State Board of Education as they create a plan to recruit and retain a diverse, effective teacher workforce to rectify the statewide teacher shortage in Illinois.
Continuous Improvement for Statewide Plan for Teacher Recruitment, Retention, and Recognition in Illinois
Region 9 and the Illinois State Board of Education are developing a plan to recruit and retain a diverse, effective teacher workforce to address the statewide teacher shortage.
