Meeting Public Comments

Jordan Zakery [ExcelinEd in Action/Foundation for Excellence in Education.]

DATE: 02/25/225 Dear House Education Subcommittee, My name is Jordan Zakery, Legislative Director for ExcelinEd in Action. Our organization works with state lawmakers and partner organizations to pass legislation that empowers families with educational opportunity, prepares students for college and career, prioritizes early literacy grounded in the science of reading, expands innovation and strengthens school performance. I am writing to express ExcelinEd in Actions support for HSB 219, which would create an automatic advanced math enrollment pathway in Iowa. It is important for students who are proficient in Math to continue to be challenged in the classroom rather than staying in a class that does not adequately do so. Challenging students to continue learning is important when educating students and preparing them for the next grade level or postsecondary life. This bill also correctly balances parental decision making with advancement by allowing a parent to opt their student out of automatic enrollment. HSB 219 would help Iowa take a crucial step toward challenging their students in the classroom by creating an advanced math pathway for students who are scoring at or above grade level in mathematics. We urge you to pass HSB 219 to strengthen Math education in Iowa. Thank you for your leadership and consideration of this important policy. Respectfully, Jordan Zakery Legislative Director, Midwest Region ExcelinEd in Action