A bill for an act relating to education, including by requiring the director of the department of education to review the state’s high school graduation requirements, core curriculum, core content standards, and educational standards, requiring the state board of education to review and revise the state’s social studies standards, requiring that the social studies instruction provided to students enrolled in school districts and accredited nonpublic schools in grades seven and eight include instruction related to civics, and including effective date provisions.

This bill directs Iowa's Department of Education to conduct a comprehensive review of high school graduation requirements and core standards, aiming to improve them while allowing local flexibility. It specifically requires the State Board of Education to revise social studies standards and mandates that civics instruction be included in grades seven and eight for both public and accredited private school students. Additionally, the legislation establishes a statewide literacy plan that prioritizes phonics-based reading instruction and explicitly excludes the three-cueing system from teacher training. These changes are designed to ensure graduates possess essential skills in civics, United States history, and core academic subjects.