While it's always been one of the weakest state laws, modest yet significant amendments since 2022 have fostered the expansion of the state's charter landscape, making more public school options available to a growing number of students statewide.

Iowa is a leader in competency-based learning, providing schools with the flexibility, support, and resources to implement programming that measures student progress based on demonstrating mastery of standards and not just seat time. The state also supports...

Governor Kim Reynolds ignited a nationwide education freedom movement in 2023, making Iowa the epicenter of bold, parent-driven reform. Her relentless push to expand school choice continues as the state actively recruits innovative education providers to bring...

In just a few years, Iowa has expanded from no school choice to universal options, driven by strong leadership and parent support. Tens of thousands now use programs like Students First ESA to personalize their children’s education.

Iowa emphasizes transparency regarding school success. School report cards are featured on the main page of Iowa’s Department of Education homepage under Features, and clicking Iowa School Performance Profiles. Reports are displayed in a clear format, and give...

One of many data points to assess whether a state has the right policies in place to ensure teacher quality is the "use of student achievement data in teacher preparation accountability." How empty or full the fuel tank above is will give you the answer for your state.

Iowa does not have a Blaine Amendment, but its constitution contains a Compelled Support Clause, "which the Iowa Supreme Court has interpreted as prohibiting direct payment of public funds to religious schools. In general, however, the Court has noted that the...