Research for Better Schools studied regional educational service agencies (RESA's) to learn how they contribute to school improvement activities. This report outlines the variety of training and assistance services that RESA's provide to local school districts. Identifying two important conditions in the delivery of these services--trust and the availability of useful services--the report outlines the factors promoting this trust and availability of services. Since RESA's work with both local districts and the state, divergent interests can create tension. In most states, careful designwork and attention to the divergent expectations of those interested in the work of RESA's can ensure a constructive relationship between the education agency and the RESA. An annotated bibliography and a list of references are provided with the report. (MD)