Educator Preparation Programs (5498XD) - Education, Department of

This bill requires Iowa's educator preparation programs (which train future teachers) to include specific clinical experiences focused on serving students with disabilities and English learners, starting July 1, 2027. All students must complete at least 15 practicum hours on differentiation strategies, while those seeking an English learner teaching endorsement must complete 40 hours of specialized training. The Department of Education will administer a summative assessment before program completion to measure content readiness, set minimum passing scores, and publish annual program performance data. These changes aim to improve teacher preparedness for diverse student needs through standardized training and accountability measures.