SF 78 integrates skilled trades into Iowa's education and workforce programs. It requires school districts, nonpublic schools, and charter schools to include specific trades - like welding, carpentry, electrical work, and HVAC - into curricula. The bill creates internship programs with 1:1 wage matching (up to $5,000 per intern) for students in skilled trades or STEM fields, funded by the Department of Workforce Development. It also establishes regional STEM/trades networks and collaborative initiatives to expand program access statewide. These changes directly affect students, schools, and employers in Iowa's skilled trades sectors.
This bill requires Iowa's Department of Education to create and maintain a list of industry-recognized credentials (like job certifications) for high school students (grades 9-12) aligned with career and technical education programs. School districts must report students who earn these credentials and recognize them by affixing a state-developed seal to high school transcripts or providing a certificate with the seal. It also updates middle school curricula to include career planning in grades 5-6 and career exploration in grades 7-8, focusing on local job opportunities and career pathways. The policy directly affects Iowa public school students, districts, and the Department of Education, with no new state funding required.
This bill requires Iowa public schools to create a list of industry-recognized credentials for high school students (grades 9-12) aligned with career pathways, and develop a transcript seal for students earning these credentials. It mandates career exploration in middle school (grades 5-6 and 7-8) through curriculum including career investigation and connections, helping students plan their academic paths. School districts must confidentially report student credential attainment to the education department and apply the seal to transcripts or issue a certificate for qualifying graduates. The policy directly affects Iowa public school students, districts, and the Department of Education.
HF 33 creates an Iowa Department of Education grant program to expand access to agriculture, food, and natural resources education for high school students (grades 9-12). School districts can apply for grants covering up to 100% of teacher costs for up to 60 days of additional instruction in new agriculture programs (under 10 years old), or 50% for established programs. Funds must supplement, not replace, existing district funding for similar purposes and will be tracked through a statewide system. The bill establishes a permanent state fund for these grants, with unused balances carrying over annually.
This bill creates a new deduction for Iowa individual income tax filers covering expenses for career-focused education and apprenticeships. It allows deductions for tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment paid for: (1) non-college-credit career programs at qualifying institutions (like community colleges or state-regent schools), and (2) registered Iowa apprenticeship programs. Payments from education savings plans do not qualify, and the deduction applies retroactively to tax years starting January 1, 2025.
SSB 1164 modifies Iowa's high school curriculum requirements to allow students in grades 9-12 to fulfill part of their computer science graduation requirement through courses in technology, engineering, or manufacturing. This includes classes covering topics like transportation, logistics, architecture, and construction, which can be offered as standalone courses or integrated into existing career and technical education programs. The bill applies to all public schools, charter schools, and accredited nonpublic schools in Iowa. The state board of education must develop implementing rules for this change.
This bill allows school districts in Iowa to hire qualified non-traditional instructors for grades 9-12 without standard teaching licenses. It requires the Board of Educational Examiners to issue certificates to individuals with a bachelor's degree and relevant expertise or professional experience in a subject area (like math, science, or career fields), provided school districts verify subject mastery through tests or industry credentials. School districts must conduct background checks, assign supervising teachers, and report certificate usage by subject and grade level. The bill limits core subject instructors to three years of certification (renewable annually if effective) and ensures these instructors have similar rights as licensed teachers. It directly affects school districts, non-traditional educators, and students in affected classrooms.
HF 514 would require Iowa's Department of Education to provide technical assistance to school districts for chartering robotics-focused career and technical student organizations (CTSOs) that meet federal Perkins Act standards. It also authorizes high school athletic organizations receiving school district or state funding to sponsor interscholastic robotics competitions. The bill directly affects school districts, the Department of Education, and athletic organizations by creating new pathways for robotics programs and competitions. This legislation was introduced in February 2025 but was substituted and withdrawn on March 4, 2025.
HF 369 proposes a grant program within Iowa's Department of Education to expand high school agriculture education. It allows school districts to apply for grants covering up to 100% of costs for teachers providing up to 60 days of extra instruction in agriculture, food, and natural resources programs (for new programs under 10 years) or 50% of costs (for established programs). Grants must supplement, not replace, existing district funding, and the program includes a statewide tracking system for teacher hours. Funds would be held in a dedicated state treasury account that rolls over annually, avoiding fiscal year expiration. This bill directly affects Iowa public school districts offering agriculture education for grades 9-12.
HF 204 requires Iowa's Department of Education to provide technical assistance to school districts for starting career-focused robotics clubs that comply with federal education rules. It also allows high school athletic organizations to sponsor robotics competitions using school district or state funds. The bill specifically supports robotics teams and competitions under existing career and technical education frameworks. This directly affects school districts, athletic organizations, and students participating in robotics programs.
