HF 2494 (LSB 5483HV (1) 91)

HOUSE FILE 2494

BY  COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

(SUCCESSOR TO HSB 599)

A BILL FOR

An Act requiring the director of the department of education to prepare, publish, and submit to the general assembly annual reports related to reading proficiency, mathematics proficiency, and area education agencies.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 256.9, Code 2026, is amended by adding the following new subsections:
   NEW SUBSECTION.  80.  a.  Prepare an annual report that includes detailed information related to all of the following:
   (1)  The reading proficiency of students enrolled in school districts in kindergarten through grade three, including how well school districts are fulfilling the requirements established in section 279.68.
   (2)  The mathematics proficiency of students enrolled in school districts in kindergarten through grade six, including how well school districts are fulfilling the requirements established in section 279.68A.
   b.  Submit the annual report described in paragraph “a” to the general assembly on or before December 31 of each year and publish the annual report on the department’s internet site.
   NEW SUBSECTION.  81.  a.  Prepare an annual report that includes a detailed and ongoing examination and evaluation of the impact to area education agencies, and the operations of area education agencies, made by 2024 Iowa Acts, ch. 1002.
   b.  Submit the annual report described in paragraph “a” to the general assembly on or before December 31 of each year and publish the annual report on the department’s internet site.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with
the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill requires the director of the department of education (DE) to prepare, publish, and submit to the general assembly annual reports related to reading proficiency, mathematics proficiency, and area education agencies.
   The director of DE is required to prepare an annual report that includes detailed information related to the reading proficiency of students enrolled in school districts in kindergarten through grade three, including how well school districts are fulfilling the requirements established in Code section 279.68 (student progression —— intensive reading instruction —— reporting requirements), and detailed information related to the mathematics proficiency of students enrolled in school districts in kindergarten through grade six, including how well school districts are fulfilling the requirements established in Code section 279.68A (student progression —— mathematics proficiency). The director is required to submit the annual report to the general assembly on or before December 31 and publish the annual report on DE’s internet site.
   The director of DE is also required to prepare an annual report that includes a detailed and ongoing examination and evaluation of the impact to area education agencies, and the operations of area education agencies, made by 2024 Iowa Acts, chapter 1002. The director is required to submit the annual report to the general assembly on or before December 31 and publish the annual report on DE’s internet site.