Meeting Public Comments

Subcommittee meeting and times are as follows:

A bill for an act establishing the advanced dyslexia specialist endorsement competitive scholar program within the college student aid commission and making appropriations.(See HF 272.)

Subcommittee members: Johnson, C.-CH, Ehlert, Weldon

Date: Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Time: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Location: House Lounge 2

Names and comments are public records. Remaining information is considered a confidential record.

Comments Submitted:

01-27-2025

Katy Severe [Grand View University]

Dear Members of the Subcommittee,I am writing to express my strong support for HF 96, which seeks to establish a scholarship fund for educators pursuing the Advanced Dyslexia Specialist Endorsement.As a faculty member at Grand View University, one of only two institutions in Iowa offering this vital endorsement program, I witness firsthand the transformative impact this training has on educators and the students they serve. This program equips educators with the specialized skills and knowledge necessary to address the needs of students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties, ensuring equitable access to literacy education across the state.The financial cost of pursuing this endorsement, however, can be a significant barrier for many educators. By establishing a scholarship program, HF 96 would make this highquality training accessible to more teachers, allowing them to better serve their students while reducing the personal financial burden of professional development.Passing this bill is an investment in Iowas future. It supports educators who are dedicated to addressing the literacy crisis, and it demonstrates Iowas commitment to evidencebased practices for teaching reading.I urge you to support HF 96 and give Iowas educators the resources they need to succeed. Thank you for your time and attention to this critical matter.Sincerely,Katy SevereCertified Structured Literacy Dyslexia SpecialistInstructor of Education, Grand View University

01-27-2025

Gabrielle Smithman

I am writing to express my strong support for the proposed bill establishing the Advanced Dyslexia Specialist Endorsement Competitive Scholar Program. This bill represents a critical step forward in addressing the literacy crisis in Iowa and making the endorsement accessible to more educators, and thus, improving student outcomes.Currently, the cost of obtaining the Iowa Dyslexia Specialist Endorsement is a significant barrier for most teachers. As an endorsement that does not guarantee a salary increase, many educators cannot justify the outofpocket expense. This financial hurdle limits the number of teachers trained in the evidencebased practices necessary to support the 1 in 5 students who are estimated to have Dyslexia.The need for this endorsement cannot be overstated. Many universities in Iowa still teach outdated reading practices, leaving educators illequipped to meet the diverse needs of their students. Without proper training, students with Dyslexia often struggle unnecessarily, which can have lifelong consequences. By removing the financial barrier, this bill will ensure more teachers are trained to provide effective, evidencebased reading instruction that benefits all students.This is not just an investment in our teachersit is an investment in our students, our schools, and our communities. Literacy is a foundational skill, and ensuring all children in Iowa learn to read will have farreaching benefits for our states future.I urge legislators to support this bill and make the endorsement accessible to more educators. This program will empower teachers to make a difference in the lives of their students and help close the literacy gap for children across Iowa.Thank you for considering this critical issue.

01-27-2025

Kirsten LaBlanc

I am writing to support bill HF 96. I am an English teacher and parent of a dyslexic student. Dyslexia education and school support are critically needed in Iowa classrooms. As a single parent, I will not be able to continue my studies to support the 20% of my students who are dyslexic unless this bill passes. My income goes to provide my child with a private tutor because we have failed to support all our learners. This bill will change the lives of not only our educators but also the lives of our students. It will improve literacy as well as the mental health of our dyslexic children. I urge you to pass this legislation. Thank you.

01-27-2025

Katie Greving [Decoding Dyslexia Iowa]

I support this bill because the Dyslexia Specialist endorsement is crucial training for Iowa educators. This 18 credit hour credential trains teachers in the science of reading, and this approach is the standard of care for ALL kids, not just those who have learning disabilities. The Dyslexia Specialist endorsement was created as a result of the 2019 Dyslexia Task Force. That group of a variety of stakeholders studied dyslexia and literacy in Iowa for over a year and unanimously recommended that this new credential be developed and offered in our state. The educators who have obtained this endorsement so far describe it as life changing! Many educators want to pursue it, but cost is a big barrier. Please invest in this so that all Iowa kids can become proficient readers! Remember that the legislature funds a number of other tuition grant/scholarship programs, so this type of funding is not unique. The structure of this program reimburses only those who stay in Iowa and work in our schools and AEAs, so it insures that taxpayer funds are spent responsibly to benefit Iowa students.

01-27-2025

Bambi Boggs [Ottumwa School ]

Having personally completed the 18credit coursework, I can attest to the profound impact it has had on my teaching and coaching. I observe daily the benefits of this endorsement in my daily tasks, as it has significantly enhanced my ability to effectively support and engage my students. This coursework has provided me with invaluable tools and strategies that I utilize regularly, resulting in a more inclusive and dynamic learning environment.Seeing firsthand the positive outcomes for my students reaffirms the importance of this endorsement and inspires me to continually strive for excellence in my teaching practices and encourageother practitioners.Warm regards,Bambi

01-27-2025

Rhiannon Ellerhoff

I am writing to express my strong support for the proposed bill establishing the Advanced Dyslexia Specialist Endorsement Competitive Scholar Program. This bill represents a critical step forward in addressing the literacy crisis in Iowa and making the endorsement accessible to more educators, and thus, improving student outcomes for ALL. Currently, the cost of obtaining the Iowa Dyslexia Specialist Endorsement is a significant barrier for most teachers, myself included. Because the endorsement does not guarantee a salary increase, I, along with many other educators cannot justify the outofpocket expense. This financial hurdle limits the number of teachers trained in the evidencebased practices necessary to support the 1 in 5 students who are estimated to have Dyslexia.The need for this endorsement cannot be overstated. Many universities in Iowa still teach outdated reading practices, leaving educators illequipped to meet the diverse needs of their students. Without proper training, students with Dyslexia often struggle unnecessarily, which can have lifelong consequences. By removing the financial barrier, this bill will ensure more teachers are trained to provide effective, evidencebased reading instruction that benefits all students.This is not just an investment in our teachers it is an investment in our students, our schools, and our communities. Literacy is a foundational skill, and ensuring all children in Iowa learn to read will have farreaching benefits for our state's future.I urge legislators to support this bill and make the endorsement accessible to more educators. This program will empower teachers to make a difference in the lives of their students and help close the literacy gap for children across Iowa.Thank you for considering this critical issue.

01-27-2025

Melissa Kissell [Great Prairie AEA]

I support HF 96 because the Dyslexia Specialist endorsement is a vital tool for Iowa educators, providing critical training in the science of reading. Educators need this 18credithour endorsement to help them gain the knowledge they need to support all students. With 1 in 5 children being affected by dyslexia, its clear that this training is essential for any educator who wants to pursue it.Although I do not have the endorsement, because of the cost barrier, I personally know some educators who have completed it. The impact on them and their students has been lifechanging. Investing in this program would ensure that Iowa teachers are equipped and confident in teaching all students how to read!Regards,Melissa Kissell

01-28-2025

Tammy Wilgenbusch [Iowa Branch - International Dyslexia Association]

I am writing to strongly provide my support to HF 96 which is a key piece of legislation that has the potential to substantially improve educational practices in the state of Iowa. As a pediatric neuropsychologist my expertise is in diagnosing children with dyslexia. I am also the president of the Iowa Branch of the International Dyslexia Association. I work frequently with children who struggle to learn to read and hear the frustration and difficulties expressed by parents and teachers about the lack of knowledge and services available to help these families. By providing support for teachers to get additional training in dyslexia and the science of reading all students will benefit. It is so important to education teachers about what is known about the science of reading and how this knowledge improves reading instruction for all children in Iowa, not just those with dyslexia. We cannot expect teachers to be able to properly address the difficulties of learning to read if they do not have the information, and unfortunately this has not been readily available at the university level. While the science of reading is working into the curriculum to educate teachers, this endorsement is critical to extend that knowledge and the number of teachers who can work better with students who struggle to learn to read. Please support this bill as it will open up key opportunities to improve the education of teachers which will in turn have a huge impact on not only children with dyslexia, but all children as they learn to read. Thank You.

01-28-2025

Edith Hodgell

I strongly support this bill. Asthe parent of a child with Dyslexia, I have seen the importance of as many people as possible being well versed in the condition and knowing what supports are needed to help kids in school.

01-28-2025

Megan Hunemuller [Parent]

I am in support of HF 96. As a mother of 2 dyslexics, I have seen first hand how important it is for our state to have dyslexia specialists available to support our public educators through the experience of teaching dyslexics. I also understand, as a mom, how hard it is to put yourself first and take the plunge when it comes to the financial strain it can put on families and/or young adults which is why I am in support of this scholarship. I also sincerely appreciate how well thought out and planned it is I love that it holds the teacher accountable to using the degree in Iowa for our Iowa students.

01-28-2025

Maria Lantz [Ottumwa Community School District ]

Heres a more professional version of the endorsement: **Endorsement for House File 96** I strongly support House File 96, a significant step forward in improving educational opportunities for students with dyslexia in Iowa. This bill aims to establish the Advanced Dyslexia Specialist Endorsement Competitive Scholar Program, a forwardthinking initiative within the College Student Aid Commission. By addressing the critical need for highly trained dyslexia specialists, this legislation demonstrates a commitment to providing students with the resources and support they need to overcome learning challenges and achieve their full potential. Dyslexia affects many students, and early expert intervention can make a transformative difference in their academic success and confidence. This bill's inclusion of a scholarship program is particularly noteworthy, as it encourages and incentivizes educators to pursue advanced training. This investment in our educators will ripple effect, benefiting countless students nationwide for years. House File 96 exemplifies Iowa's dedication to educational excellence and equity. I encourage the General Assembly to pass this bill and take a significant step toward ensuring that all students, regardless of their challenges, have access to the tools and support they need to thrive. Does this revision meet your needs? Let me know if youd like any further refinements!

01-28-2025

Mindy VanZuiden [Grand View University, Decoding Dyslexia Iowa, Tutorburg, Parent]

Dear Members of the Subcommittee,I am writing to express my strong support for HF 96, a bill that seeks to establish a scholarship fund for educators pursuing the Advanced Dyslexia Specialist Endorsement. As a parent, professional, and advocate, I have seen firsthand the critical need for this training and the transformational impact it can have on educators and students alike.When my son was diagnosed with dyslexia in 2017, I was confronted with the harsh reality of a serious shortage of trained professionals in our state. Determined to ensure my child received the support he needed, I returned to school to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to address not only his needs but also the needs of other struggling readers in Iowa. This journey led me to open a tutoring center, where I provided evidencebased literacy instruction to support students who were falling through the cracks. Over time, I expanded my reach, becoming an adjunct professor at Grand View University, serving as president with Decoding Dyslexia Iowa, and traveling across the state to provide professional development to teachers about dyslexia and the science of reading.Despite these efforts, it is clear that private tutoring alone cannot solve the literacy crisis in Iowa. Our 2024 report card highlights a staggering statistic: 77% of lowincome 4th graders in Iowa are not reading proficiently. This is a systemic issue that requires systemic solutions. Every student, regardless of income or zip code, deserves access to effective literacy instruction. The Dyslexia Specialist Endorsement equips educators with the tools and strategies needed to make this a reality.Unfortunately, the cost of obtaining this 18credithour endorsement can be a significant barrier for many educators. HF 96 addresses this challenge by providing scholarships that make this vital training accessible. Importantly, the structure of this program ensures that taxpayer funds are spent responsibly by requiring educators to remain in Iowa and serve our schools and AEAs after completing the endorsement. This investment in our teachers is an investment in Iowas future.I have witnessed the lifechanging impact that this training can have on educators and their students. The educators who have completed the Dyslexia Specialist Endorsement describe it as transformative, providing them with evidencebased tools that lead to measurable improvements in student outcomes. By passing HF 96, you will remove the financial barriers preventing many educators from accessing this training and help create a brighter future for Iowa students.I urge you to support HF 96 and take this critical step toward addressing Iowas literacy crisis. Thank you for your time and attention to this important matter.Sincerely,Mindy VanZuidenAdjunct Professor at Grand View UniversityPresident of Decoding Dyslexia IowaOwner and Dyslexia Specialist at TutorburgParent and Certified Dyslexia Advocate

01-28-2025

Casey Condon-Yu

I support HF 96. As a parent of two children with dyslexia and a certified dyslexia tutor and advocate, I recognize the critical need for educators in the classroom who are well trained and prepared to support our students with reading challenges. By funding this initiative, dedicated educators can pursue training without being hindered by costs. This will not only enhance the quality of education for students with dyslexia but also foster a more supportive and informed learning environment for all students.