Education (Teachers)

in committee · Iowa · Senate Feb 17, 2025

SF 262: A bill for an act requiring the establishment of the state percent of growth and categorical state percent of growth for two consecutive budget years during the first regular session of the general assembly, and including effective date provisions.

This bill requires Iowa's legislature to set two specific budget growth percentages during the first regular session of each general assembly: the "state percent of growth" (a statewide funding rate) and the "categorical state percent of growth" (a rate for specific education programs like teacher supplements and transportation aid). For the 2022-2024 budget years, it fixes these rates at 2.5% or 3% as specified, and mandates that future rates be set within 30 days after the governor submits the budget. After initial setting, the legislature may only increase - never decrease - these percentages for the second budget year covered. The bill directly affects state budget planning for education funding and requires these rates to be established for two consecutive budget years.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates fixed 2.5-3% annual funding growth for education programs (including teacher supplements and transportation aid) over two budget years, ensuring stable and increased school finance.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Funding Teachers

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in committee · Iowa · House Feb 18, 2025

HF 262: A bill for an act providing for a teacher minimum salary budget adjustment for school budget years beginning July 1, 2025, and including effective date provisions.

HF 262 creates a budget adjustment for Iowa school districts that face higher actual costs than their current teacher salary funding covers. Specifically, districts would receive state funds if their costs (including retirement contributions and taxes) exceed existing teacher salary supplements for roles like classroom teachers, counselors, nurses, and teacher leadership positions. Districts must formally request this adjustment annually and spend the funds solely on teacher salaries within the same year. The bill aims to help districts comply with minimum salary requirements without creating budget shortfalls.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides state funds to school districts for teacher salary costs (including retirement/taxes), increasing budget allocation for education. Directly funds essential public services per topic description.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides state funds to cover teacher salary costs exceeding current supplements, directly supporting educator compensation and school budgets.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentFunds teacher salary increases for school districts, directly advancing wage standards for education workers per bill's salary-focused budget adjustment.92% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget School Funding Student Health Teachers

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in committee · Iowa · House Feb 20, 2025

HF 252: A bill for an act incorporating preparation in computer science, artificial intelligence, and computational thinking into the preparation required in approved practitioner preparation programs, and including applicability provisions.

HF 252 requires Iowa's approved teacher preparation programs to incorporate computer science, artificial intelligence, and computational thinking training tailored to the grade level and subject a future teacher will instruct. This requirement takes effect for students admitted on or after July 1, 2026, and allows colleges to meet it through a dedicated course, module, or by integrating the content into existing programs. The state board of regents must provide guidance to all higher education institutions on implementing these changes. The bill directly affects future teachers in Iowa by updating their training requirements to include foundational digital literacy skills.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates computer science/AI training for teacher prep programs, strengthening educator readiness in tech-focused curricula.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers

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in committee · Iowa · House Feb 20, 2025

HF 253: A bill for an act relating to computer science instruction, including by modifying provisions related to the graduation requirements, the computer science instruction provided by students enrolled in grades nine through twelve, computer science instruction endorsements and authorizations issued by the board of educational examiners, and the computer science professional development incentive fund.

HF 253 requires Iowa high school students graduating in 2029 or later to complete one semester of computer science coursework to meet graduation requirements, which may include classes taken in eighth grade. The bill modifies existing science and math graduation rules to allow up to one unit of computer science to count toward those requirements. School districts must report annually on computer science course offerings, teacher certifications, and student enrollment, while allowing limited waivers for implementation challenges. The law also establishes standards for computer science courses and teacher authorizations to ensure quality instruction.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates computer science coursework for graduation, expanding curriculum requirements and aligning with STEM education goals while requiring district reporting on implementation.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum Teachers

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in committee · Iowa · House Feb 24, 2025

HF 554: A bill for an act relating to public schools, including by modifying provisions related to school district library programs and requests to remove educational materials from classrooms and school libraries.

HF 554 modifies Iowa public school library requirements. It requires school districts to employ a licensed teacher librarian (starting July 1, 2025), removing the previous option of hiring someone previously employed at a public library. The bill eliminates enforcement mechanisms like written warnings and hearings for library program compliance, removes confidentiality protections for parents requesting book removals, and deletes prohibitions against student involvement in material removal decisions. These changes directly affect school districts, library staff, and parents making material removal requests.

Topics ✗ EducationOpposes EducationBill removes library compliance enforcement, confidentiality for book removal requests, and prohibits student involvement in material removal, enabling easier censorship and restricting educational access.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Libraries Teachers

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in committee · Iowa · House Feb 24, 2025

HF 336: A bill for an act providing for education on the holocaust for students and teachers in school districts.

HF 336 requires Iowa public school districts to incorporate age-appropriate Holocaust education into middle and high school curricula by the 2025-2026 school year. The bill mandates instruction covering the causes and consequences of the Holocaust, historical antisemitism, resistance efforts, and the U.S. role in defeating Nazi Germany, including contributions by diverse military groups. School districts must also provide teacher training on these topics through professional development programs using approved resources like the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. The Iowa Department of Education will annually report on school district compliance. This law applies to all public school districts in Iowa and uses existing state funding without requiring new appropriations.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates Holocaust curriculum and teacher training in K-12 schools, strengthening educational content and teacher preparedness per bill requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers

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in committee · Iowa · Senate Feb 25, 2025

SSB 1100: A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the calculation of the teacher salary supplement district cost per pupil, teacher preparation requirements, out-of-state placement of certain specified students requiring special education, the duties of the department of education, and minimum teacher salaries, and including effective date provisions.

This bill modifies Iowa's education funding and teacher policies. It establishes a tiered system grouping school districts by enrollment size to calculate teacher salary supplement costs, ensuring districts meet minimum salary requirements ($50,000 starting, $62,000 for 12+ years' experience) and related retirement/insurance costs. It also requires 80 hours of pre-student teaching field experience for new teacher candidates and sets new criteria for out-of-state placements of students needing special education, requiring state department approvals. The changes directly affect school districts, teacher preparation programs, and students with special education needs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesMandates minimum teacher salaries ($50k-$62k) and related costs, requiring state budget allocation for education funding under school finance provisions.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationSets minimum teacher salaries ($50k starting, $62k for 12+ years) and mandates 80-hour field experience, directly advancing educator compensation and preparation.90% confidence

Sub-Topics School Funding Special Education Teachers

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in committee · Iowa · Senate Feb 25, 2025

SSB 1092: A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to mathematics instruction, civics assessments, practitioner preparation programs, and the duties of the director of the department of education.

This bill (SSB 1092) updates Iowa's education laws to strengthen mathematics instruction and civics education. It requires all K-6 students to be assessed in math three times yearly using approved screeners, with schools providing targeted interventions for students consistently below benchmark. For civics, it mandates that high school students (grades 9-12) pass a standardized test (requiring 60% correct answers) to graduate, using a test based on the U.S. citizenship civics exam. The bill directly affects school districts, teachers, and students, adding new duties for the education director to develop math plans and distribute resources. It also modifies teacher training programs to include specific math competency requirements.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates stronger math assessments for K-6 and civics graduation requirement (60% pass), directly strengthening curriculum standards and student accountability in education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers Testing & Assessment

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in committee · Iowa · House Mar 4, 2025

HSB 283: A bill for an act requiring the board of educational examiners to issue certificates when directed by the board of directors of a school district to individuals who have attained a minimum of a baccalaureate degree and who have expertise or significant professional experience in a subject area that allows the individual to provide instruction in that subject area to students enrolled in the school district in grades nine through twelve.

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.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationAllows school districts to hire qualified non-traditional instructors (bachelor's degree + expertise) without standard licenses, expanding access to qualified educators in K-12 subject areas.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Teachers

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in committee · Iowa · House Mar 5, 2025

HSB 137: A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to mathematics instruction, civics assessments, practitioner preparation programs, and the duties of the director of the department of education.

This Iowa bill (HSB 137) modifies education requirements for K-12 schools, directly affecting public, nonpublic, charter, and innovation zone schools, along with teachers and students. It requires schools to administer math screeners three times yearly for K-6 students, identify those "persistently at risk" (scoring below benchmark twice), and provide weekly progress checks with personalized intervention plans. For civics, it mandates using the U.S. citizenship test (60% passing score) for high school graduation, with accommodations for students with disabilities. The bill also establishes a state math plan focused on foundational concepts like counting and number sense, and requires teacher training in evidence-based math instruction methods.

Topics ✗ EducationOpposes EducationImposes mandatory testing (math screeners, civics assessments) and intervention requirements on schools without funding, restricting curriculum flexibility and increasing administrative burden.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers Testing & Assessment

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