A selected summary is provided of: (1) Iowa school laws relating to area schools; and (2) standards for area community colleges and area vocational schools. Part one contains the specific Chapters (280A and 286A, Code of Iowa) which pertain to the area schools. Chapter 280A deals with the organization of the school and county systems; plans for merging areas; the roles of state boards, governing boards, and directors of merged areas; budgeting and financial support; district organization and administration; limitations on land and fund use; elections; faculty development; and the area vocational school attendance center. Chapter 286A covers general aid to schools; area vocational schools, community and junior colleges; resource allocation; and a uniform accounting system. The second section contains standards for area community colleges and area vocational schools as set forth in Chapter 670-5 of the Iowa Administrative Code and guidelines for these standards. Rules are cited for administration; faculty; curriculum and evaluation; library and learning resource center; student services; laboratories, shops, equipment, and supplies; physical plant; building and site approval; approval procedures; progress toward regional accreditation; and standards for area schools. The appendices identify related chapters of the Code of Iowa, the grading symbols used by area schools, and the uniform residency policy of area schools. (MB)