Iowa House Education Bill Debated, Still No Vote

| March 14, 2012

state-capitolThe Iowa House is debating their version of  Governor Terry Branstad’s education reform bill – HF 2380.  They went to around midnight.  Some highlights:

  • An amendment was passed that allows private schools the option to excuse themselves from some of the Iowa Core.
  • They took power away from the Director of the Iowa Department of Education to dole out grants.
  • The expansion of the Iowa Core was taken down for study, so that’s not happening this year.
  • Competency-based education was approved, this is allow students to earn academic credit by demonstrating mastery of a subject rather than completing the course.
  • The House also approved alternative credentialing of teachers.
  • The GPA requirement for teacher preparation programs was nixed.

Today they’ll debate online education.  Attorney General Tom Miller offered an opinion that it was legal so that should help give it some traction as they debate it.

The House starts back up at 8:00a.  I’ll update later on with what the final product coming out of the House will look like.

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Category: Education Espresso, Iowa Legislature

About the Author ()

Shane Vander Hart is the founder and editor-in-chief of Caffeinated Thoughts.  He is also the President of 4:15 Communications, LLC, a social media & communications consulting/management firm.  He is a communications director for American Principles Project’s Preserve Innocence Initiative.  Prior to this Shane spent 20 years in youth ministry serving in church, parachurch, and school settings.  He has also served as an interim pastor and is a sought after speaker and pulpit fill-in.  Shane has been married to his wife Cheryl since 1993 and they have three kids.  Shane and his family reside near Des Moines, IA.  You can connect with Shane on Facebook or follow him on Twitter and Google +.

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