Reynolds to Order Iowa Schools Closed for Rest of School Year

Gov. Kim Reynolds announced that Iowa’s schools would remain closed for the rest of the school year, and the late August school start date is waived.

Reynolds Extends Business, School Closings to April 30 In Response to COVID-19

Gov. Kim Reynolds extended business and school closings, and her prohibition on gatherings of more than ten people through April 30 in response to COVID-19.

Iowa Will Not Expect Schools to Reschedule Missed Days Due to COVID-19 Closings

Legislation is expected to be passed and signed that waives the requirement that Iowa’s K-12 schools reschedule days missed for COVID-19 closings.

Reynolds Appoints Dr. Ann Lebo to Lead the Iowa Department of Education

Gov. Kim Reynolds announced that Dr. Ann Lebo, executive director of the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners, will lead the Iowa Department of Education.

Iowa Earns “D+” on Student Data Privacy Report Card

The Parent Coalition for Student Privacy and Network for Public Education gave the state of Iowa a “D+” for their ability to protect student data privacy.

Is Iowa’s Investment in Pre-K Education Worthwhile?

The Iowa Department of Education released revised standards for the state’s voluntary pre-K program, but skeptics point out studies show no long-term benefits.

Update: Reynolds Signs Bill Changing Iowa’s Statewide Assessment Developer

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed a bipartisan bill rejecting the Iowa Department of Education’s choice for a statewide assessment in favor of one developed by the University of Iowa’s Iowa Testing Program.

Iowa Student Opportunities Act Introduced in Iowa House

HSB 651, the Iowa Student Opportunities Act, was introduced in the Iowa House of Representatives on Thursday. The bill would create an educations savings grant program and a new charter school program to expand school choice for Iowa’s public school families.

Bill Overriding Iowa Department of Education’s Assessment Choice Advances

A bill, HSB 578, making the University of Iowa’s Iowa Testing Programs the vendor who develops and administers Iowa’s statewide student assessment passed the Iowa House Education Committee 21 to 1.

Five Concerns About Iowa’s ESSA Accountability Plan

Shane Vander Hart shares five primary concerns he has about the final draft of Iowa’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) accountability plan.

Five Concerns With Iowa’s Winning Student Assessment Vendor

The Iowa Department of Education announced American Institutes for Research (AIR) was selected develop Iowa’s new student assessment. Here are five concerns.

After Adopting Smarter Balanced, Iowa Looks for a New Assessment

After the Iowa State Board of Education had adopted Smarter Balanced, a new law required the Department of Education to issue an RFP for a new assessment.

Democrats Display Anti-Religious Bigotry During Iowa House Floor Debate

State Representatives Mary Mascher (D-Iowa City) and Sharon Steckman (D-Mason) vilified a 21-year-old Christian residential facility in Ft. Dodge, Iowa.

New Iowa House Bills Address Common Core, Smarter Balanced

State Rep. Sandy Salmon (R-Janesville) introduces bills in the Iowa House opposing Common Core, Next Generation Science Standards and Smarter Balanced.

Iowa Lawmakers Reach for Local Control of Education

There have been several bills filed in the Iowa House and Senate this year dedicated to devolving the power and control the Iowa Department of Education.