- Opportunity
- Innovation
- Policy Environment
Score:
53%
Grade:
F
Rank:
#46
A modest change in law enacted in May 2021 created more opportunities for charter schools in the state, but given the lack of funding certainly, independence and vital authorizers needed to make the state’s charter law truly conducive to opportunity, this change does not alter the sad score of F.
Law passed: 2002
Most recently amended: 2021
Number of charter schools: 2
Number of charter students: 119
Cap on the number of schools allowed:? Yes. No caps on the number of charter schools, but the state board may approve no more than 10 innovation zone applications.
Virtual charters allowed? No
AUTHORIZERS: Iowa’s original charter school law required school districts to first approve applicants, then go to the state board of education for approval. On May 19, 2021 the state changed the law and now allows charter school applicants to bypass school districts and go directly to the state board of education for approvals. Applicants still have the option to follow the previous procedure of going through local school districts first if they choose.
GROWTH: The recently passed HF 813 will allow the state board of education to approve charter schools established by independent founding groups, operating as a new attendance center independently from a public school district, so its more likely to yield fruit, but still too soon to tell.
OPERATIONS: Charter schools are subject to all the same regulatory restrictions as traditional district schools, but can apply for exemptions in their application as to which statutes and regulations they do not intend to comply with. They are also automatically subject to collective bargaining agreements.
EQUITY: There is no parity with charters; districts control the funds.
Score:
Grade:
D
Rank:
#30
A very modest tax-credit scholarship program which serves just under 11,000 students was enacted in 2006.
Law enacted: 1987 & 2006 (amended in 2021)
Number of programs: 2
Statewide Participation: 10,791
Types of programs: Tax Credit Scholarship, Individual Tax Credit / Deduction
Tax-Credit Scholarship
School Tuition Organization Tax Credit
In May 2021, the state increased funding for the state’s tax-credit scholarship program enacted in 2006 by $5 million, from $15 million to $20 million as of January 2022. The amendment also increases tax credits received for donations from 65% to 75%. This program traditionally serves low-income and working class households and may affect roughly 11,000 students in the state with an average scholarship amount of $1,614.
Individual Tax Credit/Deduction
Tuition and Textbook Tax Credit
Parents receive a very limited tax credit for qualified educational expenses including textbooks, materials for extracurricular activities and music rentals, uniforms, tuitions, and more, helping approximately 116,000 participating tax-payers. While the most recent law (HF 847) doubles the tax credit amount students receive from $250 to $500 and makes homeschool families eligible for the program, it’s still negligible and makes little impact on a parent who needs to pay for their kids’ own education.
Score:
Grade:
D
Rank:
#50
Neither has requirements for teacher content knowledge, nor performance metrics in evaluations.
TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT: 66%
General Teacher Preparation 65%
Elementary Teacher Preparation 60%
Secondary Teacher Preparation 65%
Special Education Teacher Preparation 68%
Alternate Routes 70%
STAFFING AND SUPPORT: 58%
Hiring 55%
Retaining Effective Teachers 61%
TEACHER EVALUATION: 69%
TEACHER COMPENSATION: 58%
Score:
53%
Grade:
F
Rank:
#46
A modest change in law enacted in May 2021 created more opportunities for charter schools in the state, but given the lack of funding certainly, independence and vital authorizers needed to make the state’s charter law truly conducive to opportunity, this change does not alter the sad score of F.
Law passed: 2002
Most recently amended: 2021
Number of charter schools: 2
Number of charter students: 119
Cap on the number of schools allowed:? Yes. No caps on the number of charter schools, but the state board may approve no more than 10 innovation zone applications.
Virtual charters allowed? No
AUTHORIZERS: Iowa’s original charter school law required school districts to first approve applicants, then go to the state board of education for approval. On May 19, 2021 the state changed the law and now allows charter school applicants to bypass school districts and go directly to the state board of education for approvals. Applicants still have the option to follow the previous procedure of going through local school districts first if they choose.
GROWTH: The recently passed HF 813 will allow the state board of education to approve charter schools established by independent founding groups, operating as a new attendance center independently from a public school district, so its more likely to yield fruit, but still too soon to tell.
OPERATIONS: Charter schools are subject to all the same regulatory restrictions as traditional district schools, but can apply for exemptions in their application as to which statutes and regulations they do not intend to comply with. They are also automatically subject to collective bargaining agreements.
EQUITY: There is no parity with charters; districts control the funds.
Score:
Grade:
D
Rank:
#30
A very modest tax-credit scholarship program which serves just under 11,000 students was enacted in 2006.
Law enacted: 1987 & 2006 (amended in 2021)
Number of programs: 2
Statewide Participation: 10,791
Types of programs: Tax Credit Scholarship, Individual Tax Credit / Deduction
Tax-Credit Scholarship
School Tuition Organization Tax Credit
In May 2021, the state increased funding for the state’s tax-credit scholarship program enacted in 2006 by $5 million, from $15 million to $20 million as of January 2022. The amendment also increases tax credits received for donations from 65% to 75%. This program traditionally serves low-income and working class households and may affect roughly 11,000 students in the state with an average scholarship amount of $1,614.
Individual Tax Credit/Deduction
Tuition and Textbook Tax Credit
Parents receive a very limited tax credit for qualified educational expenses including textbooks, materials for extracurricular activities and music rentals, uniforms, tuitions, and more, helping approximately 116,000 participating tax-payers. While the most recent law (HF 847) doubles the tax credit amount students receive from $250 to $500 and makes homeschool families eligible for the program, it’s still negligible and makes little impact on a parent who needs to pay for their kids’ own education.
Score:
Grade:
D
Rank:
#50
Neither has requirements for teacher content knowledge, nor performance metrics in evaluations.
TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT: 66%
General Teacher Preparation 65%
Elementary Teacher Preparation 60%
Secondary Teacher Preparation 65%
Special Education Teacher Preparation 68%
Alternate Routes 70%
STAFFING AND SUPPORT: 58%
Hiring 55%
Retaining Effective Teachers 61%
TEACHER EVALUATION: 69%
TEACHER COMPENSATION: 58%
Score:
Grade:
C
Rank:
#28
Iowa has worked to improve internet connectivity and access to devices. The Iowa Communications Network (ICN) is a state agency that manages the fiber optic telecommunications network in the state. There are currently 498 K-12 public and private schools, 47 Higher Institutions, and 9 Area Education Agencies authorized to use the network to receive high speed internet.
Iowa Learning Online was a statewide virtual school offering online courses to public school students, however ILO services ended June 30, 2020. The DOE made an announcement that after the 2019-2020 school year, “districts will either need to create their own online classes or work with a third-party vendor.”
In terms of access to devices, the Iowa DOE has been continuously increasing their 1:1 device per student goal over the past 10 years. The Iowa Digital Learning Plan is a roadmap for transitioning all schools to digital learning. The plan outlines “a vision for what digital learning could look like in Iowa.
Future Ready Iowa: Iowa’s goal by the end of 2025 is for 70% of the workforce to have education or training beyond high school to meet evolving industry needs. Future Ready Iowa has resulted in various legislation, such as the Iowa Clearinghouse for WorkBased Learning. This program connects students and employers using virtual work-based learning projects.
The Iowa Digital Learning Plan aims to ensure that states “teacher preparation programs with a solid understanding of how to use technology to support learning. Effective use of technology is not an optional add-on or a skill that we simply can expect teachers to pick up once they get into the classroom.” Two examples reflecting this are happening now at The University of Iowa and Iowa State University:
- The University of Iowa’s The Baker Teacher Leader Center has the goal of cultivating digital literate teachers by developing mandatory digital learning coursework to graduate. “Through the Center, students are required to progress through a series of professional development workshops, community engagement experiences, and complete the Level 1 Google Educator Certification.” After graduating from this program, first year teachers are well-equipped with a Level 1 Google Educator Certification and a Chromebook.
- Iowa State University’s School of Education offers a minor in Learning Technologies, which prepares prospective teachers to enter the classroom adept in educational technology from day one. The benefits of ISU’s teacher preparation program are evident through their partnership with local K-12 school districts. “Roland-Story, Gilbert, and Colo-Nesco schools all maintain 1:1 device programs in their districts and hire ISU teacher candidates enrolled in the Learning Technologies minor to help support these programs.”
The Iowa City Community School District is a part of the Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools, giving over 13,000 students in the state access to digital learning opportunities. The League of Innovative Schools is a network of school leaders in 114 districts in 34 states that aim to enhance and scale digital learning opportunities for students across the nation.
Bandwidth: “99.7% of students in Iowa can access the Internet at speeds of 100 kbps per student, and many students are connected at higher speeds. But there is still work to be done. 1,640 students still need more bandwidth for digital learning.”
The state once had two promising programs to support personalized learning—Innovation Zone Schools and Competency-Based Education Grant—but they are no longer active.
In the wake of Covid, Iowa did much less than most other states to ensure continuity of learning. After closing schools on March 15, on. March 27, they provided guidelines for remote learning that discouraged continuous learning.
“Districts and accredited nonpublic schools may choose not to offer continuous learning, in which case the Department will follow up to ensure that missed days of instruction are made up. The total required hours or days of instruction will be reduced by those already waived by the legislature.” Some resources for those that choose to offer remote learning were provided.
Iowa’s resource page is also very poor. It is not very interactive and provides little information catered directly for parents. Many links take users to outside web pages, which limits the effectiveness of the service for low bandwidth families, who need the resources the most.
Gov. Reynolds has made it clear that schools must provide in person instruction in the fall, as she is requiring 50% of time to be spent in the classroom across the state despite bipartisan criticism for this plan.
Fast Facts
4th Grade Math Proficiency:
8th Grade Math Proficiency:
12th Grade Math Proficiency:
4th Grade Reading Proficiency:
8th Grade Reading Proficiency:
12th Grade Reading Proficiency:
Graduation Rate:
Average SAT Score:
Average ACT Score:
Public School Enrollment:
Percent Enrolled in Charter Schools:
Average Student Funding:
Score:
Grade:
C
Rank:
#28
Iowa has worked to improve internet connectivity and access to devices. The Iowa Communications Network (ICN) is a state agency that manages the fiber optic telecommunications network in the state. There are currently 498 K-12 public and private schools, 47 Higher Institutions, and 9 Area Education Agencies authorized to use the network to receive high speed internet.
Iowa Learning Online was a statewide virtual school offering online courses to public school students, however ILO services ended June 30, 2020. The DOE made an announcement that after the 2019-2020 school year, “districts will either need to create their own online classes or work with a third-party vendor.”
In terms of access to devices, the Iowa DOE has been continuously increasing their 1:1 device per student goal over the past 10 years. The Iowa Digital Learning Plan is a roadmap for transitioning all schools to digital learning. The plan outlines “a vision for what digital learning could look like in Iowa.
Future Ready Iowa: Iowa’s goal by the end of 2025 is for 70% of the workforce to have education or training beyond high school to meet evolving industry needs. Future Ready Iowa has resulted in various legislation, such as the Iowa Clearinghouse for WorkBased Learning. This program connects students and employers using virtual work-based learning projects.
The Iowa Digital Learning Plan aims to ensure that states “teacher preparation programs with a solid understanding of how to use technology to support learning. Effective use of technology is not an optional add-on or a skill that we simply can expect teachers to pick up once they get into the classroom.” Two examples reflecting this are happening now at The University of Iowa and Iowa State University:
- The University of Iowa’s The Baker Teacher Leader Center has the goal of cultivating digital literate teachers by developing mandatory digital learning coursework to graduate. “Through the Center, students are required to progress through a series of professional development workshops, community engagement experiences, and complete the Level 1 Google Educator Certification.” After graduating from this program, first year teachers are well-equipped with a Level 1 Google Educator Certification and a Chromebook.
- Iowa State University’s School of Education offers a minor in Learning Technologies, which prepares prospective teachers to enter the classroom adept in educational technology from day one. The benefits of ISU’s teacher preparation program are evident through their partnership with local K-12 school districts. “Roland-Story, Gilbert, and Colo-Nesco schools all maintain 1:1 device programs in their districts and hire ISU teacher candidates enrolled in the Learning Technologies minor to help support these programs.”
The Iowa City Community School District is a part of the Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools, giving over 13,000 students in the state access to digital learning opportunities. The League of Innovative Schools is a network of school leaders in 114 districts in 34 states that aim to enhance and scale digital learning opportunities for students across the nation.
Bandwidth: “99.7% of students in Iowa can access the Internet at speeds of 100 kbps per student, and many students are connected at higher speeds. But there is still work to be done. 1,640 students still need more bandwidth for digital learning.”
The state once had two promising programs to support personalized learning—Innovation Zone Schools and Competency-Based Education Grant—but they are no longer active.
In the wake of Covid, Iowa did much less than most other states to ensure continuity of learning. After closing schools on March 15, on. March 27, they provided guidelines for remote learning that discouraged continuous learning.
“Districts and accredited nonpublic schools may choose not to offer continuous learning, in which case the Department will follow up to ensure that missed days of instruction are made up. The total required hours or days of instruction will be reduced by those already waived by the legislature.” Some resources for those that choose to offer remote learning were provided.
Iowa’s resource page is also very poor. It is not very interactive and provides little information catered directly for parents. Many links take users to outside web pages, which limits the effectiveness of the service for low bandwidth families, who need the resources the most.
Gov. Reynolds has made it clear that schools must provide in person instruction in the fall, as she is requiring 50% of time to be spent in the classroom across the state despite bipartisan criticism for this plan.
4th Grade Math Proficiency:
8th Grade Math Proficiency:
12th Grade Math Proficiency:
4th Grade Reading Proficiency:
8th Grade Reading Proficiency:
12th Grade Reading Proficiency:
Graduation Rate:
Average SAT Score:
Average ACT Score:
Public School Enrollment:
Percent Enrolled in Charter Schools:
Average Student Funding:
Kim Reynolds (R)
First term began in 2017 (no term limit)
Gov. Kim Reynolds has been a steady supporter of parent power since her days as Lt. Governor and has helped to expand the tiny programs that afford that power in 2021. As she said when she signed the new charter law, “If there’s one thing that the pandemic taught us, it’s that parents should have the opportunity to choose what’s best for their children.” Still lots to do to ensure that cornhuskers have a great harvest for every child.
Iowa’s legislature recently has been more aggressive in providing parents more options with charter and choice expansion bills. Obviously when a Governor boldly leads, a legislature will respond.
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 Compelled Support Clause seeks to achieve the same end as the federal Establishment Clause and should be interpreted in line with federal Establishment Clause precedent.” (Institute for Justice)
School report cards are featured on the main page of Iowa’s DOE website under Features, and clicking Iowa School Performance Profiles. Reports are displayed in a clear format, and give a summative rating of overall performance and a state average score,which is a useful feature for parents. The report includes detailed information on learning measures such as achievement, graduate rate, and postsecondary readiness. The report also includes important non-academic data to demonstrate school environment and culture. Educational options are easily accessible on the main DOE page by clicking PK12 –> Options for Educational Choice.
School board elections are not at the same time as general elections, which usually means lower voter turnout.
Kim Reynolds (R)
First term began in 2017 (no term limit)
Gov. Kim Reynolds has been a steady supporter of parent power since her days as Lt. Governor and has helped to expand the tiny programs that afford that power in 2021. As she said when she signed the new charter law, “If there’s one thing that the pandemic taught us, it’s that parents should have the opportunity to choose what’s best for their children.” Still lots to do to ensure that cornhuskers have a great harvest for every child.
Iowa’s legislature recently has been more aggressive in providing parents more options with charter and choice expansion bills. Obviously when a Governor boldly leads, a legislature will respond.
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 Compelled Support Clause seeks to achieve the same end as the federal Establishment Clause and should be interpreted in line with federal Establishment Clause precedent.” (Institute for Justice)
School report cards are featured on the main page of Iowa’s DOE website under Features, and clicking Iowa School Performance Profiles. Reports are displayed in a clear format, and give a summative rating of overall performance and a state average score,which is a useful feature for parents. The report includes detailed information on learning measures such as achievement, graduate rate, and postsecondary readiness. The report also includes important non-academic data to demonstrate school environment and culture. Educational options are easily accessible on the main DOE page by clicking PK12 –> Options for Educational Choice.
School board elections are not at the same time as general elections, which usually means lower voter turnout.