BetterLesson is now an official provider of Leadership and Literacy Support for Iowa’s Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant
BetterLesson has been approved by the Iowa Department of Education as a Grant Support Provider (GSP) for the state’s Comprehensive Literacy State Development (IA-CLSD) Grant. As a key partner in this five-year, $24.1 million federal initiative, BetterLesson will support Iowa school districts in transforming literacy outcomes across the state.
The IA-CLSD grant is designed to advance literacy achievement by supporting districts in establishing strong leadership, implementing evidence-based instructional practices grounded in the Science of Reading, enhancing professional development, and fostering deep partnerships with families and communities.
A unique, dual-role partnership
In a rigorous review process, BetterLesson was approved to support Iowa’s school districts in two distinct but deeply connected roles:
- Leadership Grant Support Provider: BetterLesson will partner with district and school administrators to navigate the crucial planning year of the grant. Our services are designed to facilitate the grant’s required activities, including the formation of Literacy Leadership Teams (LLTs), the completion of a Comprehensive Literacy Needs Assessment (CLNA), and the development of a data-driven Local Literacy Plan (LLP). We provide the strategic planning framework and targeted leadership coaching necessary to build a sustainable foundation for literacy improvement.
- Literacy Grant Support Provider: We will provide the job-embedded, evidence-based professional learning that brings each district’s Local Literacy Plan to life. Our support for educators is grounded in the Science of Reading and designed to strengthen a district’s Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework. Through personalized 1:1 coaching and engaging workshops, we build teacher capacity to deliver high-quality, equitable literacy instruction for every student.
We're excited to partner with the Iowa Department of Education to support its vision for literacy. We believe that empowering leaders is the most powerful lever for creating sustainable, systemic change. Our dual role as both a Leadership and Literacy GSP allows us to provide a seamless solution that supports districts from the initial stages of strategic planning to measurable shifts in classroom practice.
Matthew Kennard CEO of BetterLessonOur approach is rooted in partnership. We work collaboratively with districts to tailor our support to their unique needs, ensuring our professional learning is relevant, practical, and impactful.
We look forward to partnering with Iowa’s dedicated educators to help them achieve the goals of the IA-CLSD grant and foster a new generation of resourceful, compassionate, and resilient learners.
BetterLesson offers Iowa districts evidence-based asynchronous courses, in-person and virtual workshops, 1:1 virtual coaching, and Learning Walks that are proven to build literacy leadership, strengthen instructional practice, and transform student outcomes.
Learn more about our IA-CLSD supports
