Meeting Public Comments

Bambi Boggs [Schools]

In regards to bill HF 2030, I would like to discuss that teachers would have great difficulty accessing current professional development funds for the endorsement. I asked for my district's support when I accepted the Dyslexia specialist position. My application for the endorsement had already been sent and accepted in March. Courses had not started yet when I was hired in March for the Dyslexia Specialist position. I transitioned into my position in August of that school year. I was told I could use my $5,000 signon stipend towards the costs of the courses. However, after taxes, the remaining balance of the stipend was $2,000.While funds for Professional Development are allotted to the districts, the accessibility and about of negotiations that have to happen to get districts to support teachers collegelevel courses vs. filling out a PD requisition for attending a conference or AEA professional development training is significant. When I asked my Curriculum Director about the statement on how funds are used she provided a very detailed explanation. I will provide a summary here. Some of the Professional Development funds can be shifted to other needs like the possibility of hiring an additional Special Education teacher. There is not an abundance of unused funds just sitting around. When districts report Professional Development costs to the State it does not show that some of that money was moved to cover more significant needs. Thus, Not all the funds must go to Professional Development. We discussed allocating funds vs. one lump sum understanding the difference and the need could support understanding of the funds. The school districts need an explicit knowledge and understanding of how these funds support staff. One way to do this is to allocate funds directly to the Professional Development. Districts need more guidelines on the allocation of resources.

Nicole Pizzini []

I support HF 2030 competitive grant program for the dyslexia specialist endorsement. This bill will reduce the financial barrier to obtaining this endorsement. Unfortunately, too many of Iowa teachers have not been trained in the science of reading and even fewer have an expertise in dyslexia. The dyslexia specialist endorsement was created as a result of a lack of dyslexia experts in our state. We need these experts to fill this void. The cost of this endorsement for teachers wanting to completing it is a barrier for teachers. It is well beyond what most teachers are able to access through their schools professional development funds. This bill will reduce the financial barrier facing teachers who want to complete this endorsement.

Carrie Johnsen []

I support the dyslexia endorsement scholarship bill. Parents have to seek outside support in order for their children to learn how to read. This is very limiting for those who can afford such services. There are many teachers who would like to have this opportunity but the cost is preventing them to do so. School districts are not able to help financially. One of the ways we can reach all dyslexics students who come from different financial backgrounds is to put teachers in schools with this knowledge.

Randy Califf [Decoding Dyslexia Iowa]

I am in favor of this bill because the Dyslexia Specialist endorsement is a key element to supporting an environment that best equips our teachers to help all children reach their reading potential. This endorsement trains teachers in the science of reading, which is a gold standard all children, including both those with and without dyslexia or other learning disabilities. Further, the Dyslexia Specialist endorsement was created as direct outcome and recommendation of the Dyslexia Task Force which was created by the 2019 Legislature. Our organization has received feedback from teachers that the training is outstanding. Teachers should not have to invest their own money in receiving this essential training. This funding can have a tremendous impact on the lives of thousands of Iowa students every year.

Renee Saarloos []

I am writing in support of HF 2030. As a parent of a dyslexic son, my journey proved that Iowa educators have not been properly trained in how to identify dyslexic students in their classrooms each year. This is through no fault of their own. We need to come alongside those staying in the educational field and support their desire to deepen their knowledge of how to support their struggling students. Providing an opportunity to offset the cost of tuition is imperative. Ultimately, this knowledge will benefit all students across Iowa.