This bill requires the Iowa Department of Education to create and submit a report on cardiac emergency preparedness in schools. The report will detail how many schools have implemented cardiac emergency response plans and list the number and locations of automated external defibrillators at each school. The department must complete this report and send it to the General Assembly by January 15, 2027. The legislation applies to all public school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools in the state.
SF 2220 modifies Iowa's statewide student assessments, requiring math and English language arts testing in grades 3-11 and science in grades 5, 8, and 10. It mandates school districts to develop procedures for identifying gifted and talented students using multiple data points (like standardized tests and teacher input), ensuring equitable access across all student groups. The bill requires districts to create an "advanced mathematics pathway" enabling students to complete algebra I by grade nine and automatically enroll students scoring "advanced" in math or ELA assessments in the next rigorous course level. These provisions directly affect all Iowa public school districts, students in grades 4-12, and gifted education programs by changing assessment requirements, identification processes, and access to accelerated math courses.
HF 2610 mandates Iowa high schools to require students to complete sequential career and technical education (CTE) courses across six defined content areas (like health sciences, business, and manufacturing) starting in 2023. It establishes a statewide common course numbering system for Iowa community colleges by 2027 to standardize transfer pathways and ensure course equivalency across institutions. The bill also requires all Iowa community colleges to replace traditional remedial math and English courses with corequisite models by the 2028-2029 academic year. These changes directly affect K-12 students, community college learners, and educators by aligning CTE programs with high-demand, high-wage occupations and improving academic transfer consistency.
This bill requires students (or their parents/guardians if minors) to reimburse school districts for community college courses taken through concurrent enrollment programs if the student fails the course. Specifically, if a student fails a class offered by a community college or taught by its instructor, the school district can request payment equal to the amount it paid the college for that specific course. The policy applies to high school students enrolled in Iowa's district-to-community college sharing program, which allows them to earn college credits while in high school. This change modifies existing rules under Code section 261E.8 to shift the financial responsibility for failed courses back to the student or family.
HF 2493 modifies Iowa's statewide preschool program to expand eligibility to include five-year-olds who turn five on or after March 15 but on or before September 15 of the school year, in addition to four-year-olds. It adjusts funding rules so children counted for state funding in prior years cannot be counted again, and updates terminology to refer to "young children" instead of exclusively "four-year-olds." The bill affects school districts operating approved preschool programs, children meeting the new age criteria, and state funding allocations for preschool services. These changes apply to school budget years starting July 1, 2027.
This bill allows Iowa public and nonpublic high schools to offer an elective junior firefighter program for 11th and 12th graders. Schools must coordinate with fire departments and the fire service training bureau to ensure students receive training for firefighter I certification, including meeting specific program requirements like teaching life skills and fostering community relationships. Students must submit a liability waiver (signed by a parent/guardian if a minor) to participate. If a student passes certification exams before turning 18, they cannot receive official firefighter I certification until their 18th birthday.
HF 2231 establishes Iowa's "Seal of Civics Excellence" program administered by the Department of Education. It recognizes high school students who demonstrate civics proficiency through knowledge of American government and participation in community activities. Schools may voluntarily participate, and the Department will determine requirements, create a seal (like a sticker for transcripts or a certificate), and require it to be affixed to diplomas. The program is voluntary for schools, with the Department potentially charging a small fee for printing.
This comprehensive education bill modifies various aspects of Iowa's public school system, with a primary focus on charter schools, funding, and student services. It establishes the state board of education and the University of Northern Iowa as the sole entities authorized to approve new charter schools, while also defining how these schools can be created within or outside existing public school districts. The legislation mandates that all schools provide specific information regarding immunization exemptions to parents and requires the development of state-wide resources to support mathematics proficiency and civics education. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for teacher licensure, education savings accounts, and funding allocations, aiming to standardize oversight and operational requirements across different types of educational institutions.
This bill requires school districts, charter schools, and accredited nonpublic schools to adopt policies that exempt student absences for 4-H club or FFA activities from unexcused absence records. The policies must also allow students to make up any missed classwork due to these absences. It applies directly to all covered schools in Iowa, ensuring consistent treatment for students participating in these agricultural education programs. The requirement standardizes how schools handle absences related to 4-H and FFA activities without penalizing student participation.
HF 703, the "Increasing Student Financial Aid Awareness Act," requires Iowa's Student Loan Liquidity Corporation to provide the Bureau of Iowa College Aid with annual estimates of federal direct PLUS loan interest rates and comparisons between state and federal loan terms. The Bureau must analyze this data to determine if Iowa's college family or partnership loans offer lower interest rates than federal PLUS loans. If they do, the Bureau must publish a clear online statement explaining this difference and require all Iowa colleges to include this information in financial aid offers to students. This bill directly affects Iowa students, families, and higher education institutions by improving transparency around loan options and ensuring they receive standardized comparisons of state and federal student loan rates.
