House File 2380 - Reprinted HOUSE FILE 2380 BY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION (SUCCESSOR TO HSB 517) (As Amended and Passed by the House March 13, 2012 ) A BILL FOR An Act relating to programs and activities under the purview of 1 the department of education, the state board of education, 2 the board of educational examiners, the department of 3 management, school districts, and accredited nonpublic 4 schools; providing for the retention of certain fees and 5 for the use of certain funds; and including effective date 6 provisions. 7 BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA: 8 HF 2380 (7) 84 kh/rj

H.F. 2380 DIVISION I 1 COMPETENCY-BASED INSTRUCTION 2 Section 1. Section 256.7, subsection 26, paragraph a, 3 Code Supplement 2011, is amended by adding the following new 4 subparagraph: 5 NEW SUBPARAGRAPH . (02) The rules shall allow a school 6 district or accredited nonpublic school to award high school 7 credit to a student upon the demonstration of required 8 competencies for a course or content area, as approved by 9 an appropriately licensed teacher. The school district or 10 accredited nonpublic school shall determine the assessment 11 methods by which a student demonstrates sufficient evidence of 12 the required competencies. 13 Sec. 2. COMPETENCY-BASED INSTRUCTION TASK FORCE. 14 1. The superintendents of the school districts that have 15 been approved by the department of education to implement 16 competency-based instruction shall appoint a task force 17 to conduct a study regarding competency-based instruction 18 standards and options and the integration of competency-based 19 instruction with the Iowa core curriculum, and to develop 20 related assessment models and professional development focused 21 on competency-based instruction. 22 2. At a minimum, the task force shall do all of the 23 following: 24 a. Redefine the Carnegie unit into competencies. 25 b. Construct personal learning plans and templates. 26 c. Develop student-centered accountability and assessment 27 models. 28 d. Empower learning through technology. 29 e. Develop supports and professional development for 30 educators to transition to a competency-based system. 31 3. a. The task force shall be comprised of at least sixteen 32 members, nine of whom shall represent education stakeholders 33 and practitioners knowledgeable about the Iowa core curriculum; 34 one of whom shall be the deputy director and administrator 35 -1- HF 2380 (7) 84 kh/rj 1/ 71

H.F. 2380 of the division of learning and results of the department 1 of education or the deputy director’s designee; one of whom 2 shall represent the area education agencies; one of whom shall 3 represent the Iowa state education association; and four of 4 whom shall represent the general assembly. 5 b. The four members of the general assembly shall serve as 6 ex officio, nonvoting members. One representative shall be 7 appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, one 8 representative shall be appointed by the minority leader of the 9 house of representatives, one senator shall be appointed by 10 the majority leader of the senate after consultation with the 11 president of the senate, and one senator shall be appointed by 12 the minority leader of the senate. 13 4. The person representing the area education agency shall 14 convene the initial meeting. The task force shall elect one 15 of its members as chairperson. After the initial meeting, the 16 task force shall meet at the time and place specified by call 17 of the chairperson. The department of education shall provide 18 staffing services for the task force. 19 5. a. The task force shall submit a preliminary report that 20 includes but is not limited to its findings and recommendations 21 relating to subsection 2, paragraphs “b” , “d” , and “e” , by 22 January 15, 2013. 23 b. The task force shall submit its plan, findings, models, 24 and recommendations in a final report to the state board of 25 education, the governor, and the general assembly by November 26 15, 2013. 27 Sec. 3. EFFECTIVE UPON ENACTMENT. This division of this 28 Act, being deemed of immediate importance, takes effect upon 29 enactment. 30 DIVISION II 31 CORE CURRICULUM MATTERS 32 Sec. 4. Section 256.7, subsection 26, paragraph a, Code 33 Supplement 2011, is amended by adding the following new 34 subparagraph: 35 -2- HF 2380 (7) 84 kh/rj 2/ 71

H.F. 2380 NEW SUBPARAGRAPH . (3) Notwithstanding any provision to 1 the contrary, an accredited nonpublic school is not required 2 to meet the core curriculum and core content standards 3 requirements of this chapter that are in conflict with tenets 4 and practices of the bona fide religious institution in charge 5 of the school. 6 Sec. 5. Section 256.7, subsection 26, paragraph a, Code 7 Supplement 2011, is amended by adding the following new 8 subparagraph: 9 NEW SUBPARAGRAPH . (4) The provisions of section 256.18 10 shall be considered by the state board in developing the core 11 curriculum requirements. 12 Sec. 6. Section 256.9, Code Supplement 2011, is amended by 13 adding the following new subsections: 14 NEW SUBSECTION . 62. Appoint members to the core curriculum 15 framework and core content standards advisory council 16 established in section 256.41. The director may establish 17 objectives for the council in accordance with section 256.41. 18 NEW SUBSECTION . 63. a. Create and disseminate to school 19 districts, charter schools, and accredited nonpublic schools 20 a model curriculum that is directly tied to the goals, 21 outcomes, and assessment strategies identified in the core 22 content standards. The model curriculum shall identify a 23 developmentally appropriate scope and sequence of instruction 24 applicable to the core content standards, instructional 25 material resources, and teaching and assessment strategies. 26 The model curriculum shall provide guidance to school districts 27 and schools and expand on the core content standards. The 28 model curriculum shall be modified as necessary to incorporate 29 the core curriculum framework developed pursuant to paragraph 30 “b” . 31 b. Develop by July 1, 2015, a core curriculum framework 32 aligned to the core curriculum standards established pursuant 33 to section 256.7, subsection 26. 34 Sec. 7. NEW SECTION . 256.27 Remediation council. 35 -3- HF 2380 (7) 84 kh/rj 3/ 71

H.F. 2380 1. A remediation council is established consisting of eight 1 members appointed as follows: 2 a. One member representing the community colleges appointed 3 by the president of the Iowa association of community college 4 presidents. 5 b. One member representing the accredited private 6 institutions appointed by the president of the Iowa association 7 of independent colleges and universities. 8 c. One member representing the institutions of higher 9 education governed by the state board of regents appointed by 10 the president of the state board of regents. 11 d. One member representing the practitioner preparation 12 programs at institutions of higher education governed by the 13 state board of regents appointed by the president of the state 14 board of regents. 15 e. One member representing school districts appointed by the 16 president of the Iowa association of school boards. 17 f. One member representing accredited nonpublic schools 18 appointed by the director of the department of education. 19 g. One member representing the department of education 20 appointed by the director of the department of education. 21 h. One member representing the area education agencies 22 appointed by the area education agency administrators. 23 2. Council members shall serve three-year terms beginning 24 and ending as provided in section 69.19, and appointments 25 shall comply with sections 69.16 and 69.16A. Vacancies on the 26 council shall be filled in the same manner as the original 27 appointment. A person appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve 28 only for the unexpired portion of the term. 29 3. The member representing the department of education 30 shall convene the initial meeting. The council shall elect one 31 of its members as chairperson. The council shall meet at least 32 quarterly, and at any time on the call of the chairperson. 33 4. a. The department shall provide staffing services for 34 the council. 35 -4- HF 2380 (7) 84 kh/rj 4/ 71

H.F. 2380 b. Notwithstanding section 257.16, subsection 5, the 1 administrative costs of the council shall be paid from the 2 appropriation made pursuant to section 257.16, subsection 5. 3 5. a. Prior to the initial meeting of the council, the 4 member representing the community colleges shall convene 5 a meeting of members appointed pursuant to subsection 1, 6 paragraphs “a” through “d” to define “remediation” for purposes 7 of the council and outline the skills and expectations for 8 postsecondary level attendance. The definitions and outline 9 shall be distributed and discussed at the initial council 10 meeting. 11 b. The council shall identify measures to help students 12 transition from the secondary to the postsecondary level, 13 limit the cost of remediation, define and standardize the 14 skill sets that determine the need for remediation, and create 15 effective partnerships between secondary schools and higher 16 education institutions. The council shall review activities 17 and services designed to align school district curricula with 18 core postsecondary level requirements and decrease the need 19 for remedial coursework at the secondary school grade level 20 through grade sixteen. The council shall develop strategies 21 to strengthen grade nine through grade sixteen standards, 22 competencies, assessment systems, and the professional 23 development of teachers. For the fiscal year beginning July 24 1, 2012, the council shall focus on mathematics and English 25 remediation measures. 26 6. The council shall submit its findings and 27 recommendations in a report to the state board of education 28 and the general assembly by November 15 annually. The state 29 board and department of education shall use the findings and 30 recommendations to strengthen the common core curriculum and 31 core content standards. 32 Sec. 8. Section 256.18, subsection 1, Code 2011, is amended 33 by adding the following new paragraph: 34 NEW PARAGRAPH . 0b. Implementation of the core curriculum 35 -5- HF 2380 (7) 84 kh/rj 5/ 71

H.F. 2380 requirements established pursuant to section 256.7, subsection 1 26, on-going professional development, and assessment in the 2 areas of student performance and educator performance shall 3 include high expectations, fair and reliable measures of 4 student achievement and teacher performance, and building 5 capacities that address research-based and data-driven 6 intentional cultures of safety and engagement, competencies 7 for positive behaviors, competencies for deeper learning, and 8 college, career, and citizenship readiness. 9 Sec. 9. NEW SECTION . 256.41 Core curriculum framework and 10 core content standards advisory council. 11 1. A core curriculum framework and core content standards 12 advisory council is established under the department. 13 2. The advisory council shall consist of no less than seven 14 members appointed by the director in accordance with sections 15 69.16, 69.16A, and 69.16C. Members shall serve at the pleasure 16 of the director. 17 3. The department is the primary agency responsible for 18 providing administrative personnel and services for the 19 advisory council. 20 4. Members shall elect a chair annually and other officers 21 as the members determine. Members shall establish rules of 22 procedure for the advisory council. 23 5. The advisory council shall meet at least quarterly and at 24 the call of the chair. 25 6. Members of the advisory council shall serve without 26 compensation but may be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred 27 in the performance of their duties. 28 7. The advisory council shall review the core curriculum, 29 the core content standards, and the model curriculum adopted 30 pursuant to section 256.7, subsections 26, 28, and 63 upon 31 request of the director and make recommendations to the 32 director regarding a core curriculum framework and any 33 necessary changes to the core curriculum content standards and 34 model curriculum. In making recommendations, the advisory 35 -6- HF 2380 (7) 84 kh/rj 6/ 71

H.F. 2380 council shall seek to further the goals of the core content 1 standards and any objectives established by the director. 2 Sec. 10. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION —— CORE CURRICULUM 3 STUDY. The department of education shall conduct a study 4 of the core curriculum and the core content standards and 5 the skills necessary to prepare students for the future. 6 The department shall develop a plan for meeting the global 7 education needs of students in kindergarten through grade 8 twelve that, at a minimum, determines how to incorporate 9 content areas that include but are not limited to fine arts, 10 applied arts, humanities, physical education, and world 11 languages into the core curriculum. The department shall 12 submit its findings and recommendations in a report to the 13 general assembly by November 15, 2012. 14 DIVISION III 15 TEACHER AND ADMINISTRATOR PERFORMANCE 16 Sec. 11. Section 256.7, Code Supplement 2011, is amended by 17 adding the following new subsection: 18 NEW SUBSECTION . 31. a. By January 1, 2013, adopt rules 19 establishing Iowa teaching standards that are aligned with best 20 practices and nationally accepted standards. 21 b. By July 1, 2013, adopt by rule statewide teacher 22 evaluation system and statewide administrator evaluation system 23 pilot programs which shall be implemented during the 2013-2014 24 school year. This paragraph is repealed July 1, 2015. 25 Sec. 12. Section 256.9, Code Supplement 2011, is amended by 26 adding the following new subsection: 27 NEW SUBSECTION . 64. a. Develop a statewide teacher 28 evaluation system and a statewide administrator evaluation 29 system that school districts, charter schools, and accredited 30 nonpublic schools shall use to standardize the instruments 31 and processes used to evaluate teachers and administrators 32 throughout the state. However, a charter school or accredited 33 nonpublic school may develop and submit to the department for 34 approval an alternative teacher evaluation system that meets 35 -7- HF 2380 (7) 84 kh/rj 7/ 71

H.F. 2380 local and state educational goals. Upon receiving approval 1 from the department, the charter school or accredited nonpublic 2 school may adopt and implement the approved alternative teacher 3 evaluation system in lieu of the statewide teacher evaluation 4 system. 5 b. The components of the statewide teacher evaluation system 6 shall include but not be limited to the following: 7 (1) Direct observation of classroom teaching behaviors. 8 (2) Strong consideration of student outcome measures, when 9 available for tested subjects and grades, to validate direct 10 observation of classroom teaching behaviors. 11 (3) Integration of the Iowa teaching standards. 12 (4) System applicability to teachers in all content areas 13 taught in a school. 14 Sec. 13. Section 284.3, Code 2011, is amended by adding the 15 following new subsection: 16 NEW SUBSECTION . 4. This section is repealed July 1, 2013. 17 Sec. 14. Section 284.4, subsection 1, paragraph e, Code 18 2011, is amended to read as follows: 19 e. (1) Adopt a teacher evaluation plan that, at minimum, 20 requires a an annual performance review of teachers in the 21 district at least once every three years based upon the Iowa 22 teaching standards and individual professional development 23 plans in accordance with section 284.8 , and requires 24 administrators to complete evaluator training in accordance 25 with section 284.10 . 26 (2) Adopt, by July 1, 2013, the statewide teacher evaluation 27 system developed pursuant to section 256.9, subsection 64. 28 However, the school district may develop and submit to the 29 department for approval an alternative teacher evaluation 30 system that meets local and state educational goals. In lieu 31 of the statewide teacher evaluation system, the school district 32 may adopt and implement the alternative teacher evaluation 33 system upon receiving approval from the department. 34 Sec. 15. Section 284.8, subsections 1 and 2, Code 2011, are 35 -8- HF 2380 (7) 84 kh/rj 8/ 71

H.F. 2380 amended to read as follows: 1 1. A school district shall provide for an annual 2 review a of each teacher’s performance at least once every 3 three years for purposes of assisting teachers in making 4 continuous improvement, documenting continued competence in 5 the Iowa teaching standards, identifying teachers in need of 6 improvement, or to determine whether the teacher’s practice 7 meets school district expectations for career advancement in 8 accordance with section 284.7 . The review shall be conducted 9 by at least one evaluator certified in accordance with section 10 284.10, and shall include, at minimum, classroom observation 11 of the teacher, the teacher’s progress, and implementation of 12 the teacher’s individual professional development plan, subject 13 to the level of resources provided to implement the plan; and 14 shall include supporting documentation from parents, students, 15 and other teachers. 16 2. If , as a result of a review conducted pursuant to 17 subsection 1, a supervisor or an evaluator determines , at any 18 time, as a result of a teacher’s performance that the a teacher 19 is not meeting district expectations under the Iowa teaching 20 standards specified in section 284.3, subsection 1 , paragraphs 21 “a” through “h” established by the state board by rule , the 22 criteria for the Iowa teaching standards developed by the 23 department in accordance with section 256.9, subsection 46 , and 24 any other standards or criteria established in the collective 25 bargaining agreement, the evaluator shall, at the direction of 26 the teacher’s supervisor, recommend to the district that the 27 teacher participate in an intensive assistance program. The 28 intensive assistance program and its implementation are subject 29 to negotiation and grievance procedures established pursuant to 30 chapter 20 . All school districts shall be prepared to offer an 31 intensive assistance program. 32 Sec. 16. Section 284A.7, Code 2011, is amended to read as 33 follows: 34 284A.7 Evaluation requirements for administrators. 35 -9- HF 2380 (7) 84 kh/rj 9/ 71

H.F. 2380 1. A school district shall conduct an annual evaluation 1 of an administrator who holds a professional administrator 2 license issued under chapter 272 at least once every three 3 years for purposes of assisting the administrator in making 4 continuous improvement, documenting continued competence in 5 the Iowa standards for school administrators adopted pursuant 6 to section 256.7, subsection 27 , or to determine whether the 7 administrator’s practice meets school district expectations. 8 The review shall include, at a minimum, an assessment of the 9 administrator’s competence in meeting the Iowa standards for 10 school administrators and the goals of the administrator’s 11 individual professional development plan, including supporting 12 documentation or artifacts aligned to the Iowa standards for 13 school administrators and the individual administrator’s 14 professional development plan. 15 2. Adopt the statewide administrator evaluation system 16 developed pursuant to section 256.9, subsection 64. However, 17 the school district may develop and submit to the department 18 for approval an alternative administrator evaluation system 19 that meets local and state educational goals. In lieu of 20 the statewide administrator evaluation system, the school 21 district may adopt and implement the alternative administrator 22 evaluation system upon receiving approval from the department. 23 Sec. 17. STATEWIDE EDUCATOR EVALUATION SYSTEM TASK 24 FORCE. The director of the department of education shall 25 appoint, and provide staffing services for, a task force to 26 conduct a study regarding a statewide teacher evaluation 27 system and a statewide administrator evaluation system. The 28 study of a statewide teacher evaluation system shall include a 29 review of student outcome measures described in section 256.9, 30 subsection 64, paragraph “b”, subparagraph (2). To the extent 31 possible, appointments shall be made to provide geographical 32 area representation and to comply with sections 69.16, 69.16A, 33 and 69.16C. The task force, at a minimum, shall include in its 34 recommendations and proposal a tiered evaluation system that 35 -10- HF 2380 (7) 84 kh/rj 10/ 71

H.F. 2380 differentiates ineffective, minimally effective, effective, and 1 highly effective performance by teachers and administrators. 2 The task force shall submit its findings, recommendations, and 3 a proposal for each system to the state board of education and 4 the general assembly by October 15, 2012. By November 26, 5 2012, the department of education shall submit a departmental 6 bill drafting request to the legislative services agency 7 in bill draft format making specific and detailed proposed 8 amendments to the Code of Iowa necessary to advance the 9 proposed task force recommendations as approved by the state 10 board of education. 11 Sec. 18. TEACHER PERFORMANCE, COMPENSATION, AND CAREER 12 DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE. 13 1. The director of the department of education shall 14 appoint, and provide staffing services for, a teacher 15 performance, compensation, and career development task force 16 to develop recommendations for a new teacher compensation 17 system to replace the current teacher compensation system which 18 addresses, at a minimum, the following: 19 a. The duties and responsibilities of apprentice, career, 20 mentor, and master teachers. 21 b. Utilizing retired teachers as mentors. 22 c. Strategic and meaningful uses of finite resources and the 23 realignment of resources currently available. 24 d. Mechanisms to substantially increase the average salary 25 of teachers who assume leadership roles within the profession. 26 e. Standardizing implementation of task force 27 recommendations in all of Iowa’s school districts and public 28 charter schools. 29 2. The director of the department of education shall appoint 30 and provide staffing services for a task force whose members 31 shall represent teachers, parents, school administrators, 32 and business and community leaders. Insofar as practicable, 33 appointments shall be made to provide geographical area 34 representation and to comply with sections 69.16, 69.16A, and 35 -11- HF 2380 (7) 84 kh/rj 11/ 71

H.F. 2380 69.16C. 1 3. The state board of education shall consider the findings 2 and recommendations of the task force when adopting rules 3 establishing Iowa teaching standards pursuant to this Act. 4 4. The task force shall submit its findings and 5 recommendations in a report to the state board of education, 6 the governor, and the general assembly by October 15, 2012. 7 Sec. 19. REPEAL. Section 284.14A, Code 2011, is repealed. 8 Sec. 20. EFFECTIVE UPON ENACTMENT. The sections of 9 this division of this Act providing for the appointment of 10 the statewide educator evaluation system task force and the 11 appointment of the teacher performance, compensation, and 12 career development task force, being deemed of immediate 13 importance, take effect upon enactment. 14 Sec. 21. FUTURE CONTINGENT REPEAL AND USE OF EVALUATION 15 SYSTEMS. 16 1. Section 256.7, subsection 31, and section 256.9, 17 subsection 64, as enacted in this division of this Act, are 18 repealed effective July 1, 2013, if the general assembly fails 19 to enact legislation during the 2013 Regular Session of the 20 Eighty-fifth General Assembly advancing the proposed statewide 21 evaluator evaluation system task force recommendations, as 22 approved by the state board of education, relating to the 23 establishment of a statewide teacher evaluation system and a 24 statewide administrator evaluation system. 25 2. Notwithstanding the sections of this division of this 26 Act amending sections 284.3, 284.8, and 284A.7, if the general 27 assembly fails to enact legislation during the 2013 Regular 28 Session of the Eighty-fifth General Assembly advancing the 29 proposed statewide evaluator evaluation system task force 30 recommendations, as approved by the state board of education, 31 relating to the establishment of a statewide teacher evaluation 32 system and a statewide administrator evaluation system, 33 effective July 1, 2013, all school districts shall continue to 34 use the teacher and administrator evaluation systems in place 35 -12- HF 2380 (7) 84 kh/rj 12/ 71

H.F. 2380 on June 30, 2013. 1 DIVISION IV 2 INNOVATION ACCELERATION PROGRAM —— FUND 3 Sec. 22. NEW SECTION . 256.65 Innovation acceleration 4 program —— fund. 5 1. An innovation acceleration program is established 6 in the department to be administered by the department to 7 provide competitive grants to applicants with a record of 8 improving student achievement and educational attainment in 9 order to expand the implementation of, and investment in, 10 innovative practices that are demonstrated to have an impact 11 on improving student achievement or student growth, closing 12 achievement gaps, decreasing dropout rates, increasing parental 13 involvement, increasing attendance rates, increasing high 14 school graduation rates, or increasing college and career 15 program enrollment and completion rates. The state board shall 16 adopt rules relating to applicant eligibility, application 17 procedures, and awarding of grants. 18 2. The program shall be designed to enable grantees to 19 accomplish all of the following: 20 a. Expand and develop innovative practices that can serve as 21 models of best practices. 22 b. Work in partnership with the private sector, 23 community-based organizations, and the philanthropic community. 24 c. Identify and document best practices that can be shared 25 and expanded based on demonstrated success. 26 3. An innovation acceleration fund is created in the 27 state treasury under the control of the department. Except 28 as otherwise provided in this subsection, the fund shall be 29 administered by the director and shall consist of all moneys 30 deposited in the fund, including any moneys appropriated by the 31 general assembly and any other moneys available to and obtained 32 or accepted by the department from local, state, federal, or 33 private sources for purposes of the innovation acceleration 34 program. Moneys in the fund shall not be disbursed for a grant 35 -13- HF 2380 (7) 84 kh/rj 13/ 71

H.F. 2380 award under this section without the approval of the state 1 board. Notwithstanding section 8.33, moneys in the fund at 2 the end of a fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund 3 of the state. Notwithstanding section 12C.7, subsection 2, 4 interest or earnings on moneys in the fund shall be credited 5 to the fund. 6 DIVISION V 7 ONLINE LEARNING 8 Sec. 23. Section 256.7, subsection 8, Code Supplement 2011, 9 is amended by striking the subsection and inserting in lieu 10 thereof the following: 11 8. Adopt rules providing for the establishment of an online 12 learning program model. 13 a. The rules shall limit the statewide enrollment of 14 pupils in educational instruction and course content that is 15 delivered primarily over the internet to not more than eighteen 16 one-hundredths of one percent of the statewide enrollment of 17 all pupils, and shall limit a school district’s enrollment of 18 pupils in educational instruction and course content that is 19 delivered over the internet to not more than one percent of the 20 school district’s enrollment. 21 b. For purposes of this section and sections 256.9 and 22 256.27, “online learning” means educational instruction and 23 content which is delivered primarily over the internet. 24 “Online learning” does not include printed-based correspondence 25 education, broadcast television or radio, videocassettes, or 26 stand-alone educational software programs that do not have a 27 significant internet-based instructional component. 28 Sec. 24. Section 256.9, Code Supplement 2011, is amended by 29 adding the following new subsection: 30 NEW SUBSECTION . 65. a. Develop and establish an online 31 learning program model in accordance with rules adopted 32 pursuant to section 256.7, subsection 8. 33 b. Grant a waiver to school districts, charter schools, 34 and accredited nonpublic schools that implement an online 35 -14- HF 2380 (7) 84 kh/rj 14/ 71

H.F. 2380 learning program aligned with the program model developed and 1 established pursuant to this subsection. A school district or 2 school seeking a waiver pursuant to this paragraph shall submit 3 a plan for an online learning program to the director for 4 approval. A school district or school whose online learning 5 program plan is approved by the director may be granted a 6 waiver only for purposes of implementing the approved online 7 learning program. The standards that may be waived pursuant to 8 this paragraph are as follows: 9 (1) The minimum number of instructional days required 10 pursuant to section 279.10, subsection 1, and the minimum 11 number of instructional hours required pursuant to section 12 256.7, subsection 19. Notwithstanding any provision to the 13 contrary, the waiver may exempt school districts and schools 14 from any statutory requirement that students be physically 15 present in a school building and under the guidance and 16 instruction of the instructional professional staff employed by 17 the school district or the school except as necessary under the 18 rules adopted pursuant to section 256.7, subsection 8. 19 (2) Any statutory requirement that a subject being studied 20 by a student enrolled in an approved online learning program be 21 a subject that is offered and taught by the professional staff 22 of the school district or school. 23 c. Require that the school district or school granted a 24 waiver pursuant to paragraph “b” implement and incorporate 25 into its comprehensive school improvement plan required under 26 section 256.7, subsection 21, accountability measures designed 27 to demonstrate that academic credit is awarded based upon 28 successful completion of content or achievement of competencies 29 by students enrolled in the approved online learning program. 30 d. Establish criteria for school districts or schools to 31 use when choosing providers of online learning to meet the 32 online learning program requirements specified in rules adopted 33 pursuant to section 256.7, subsection 8. 34 Sec. 25. NEW SECTION . 256.27 Online learning program model. 35 -15- HF 2380 (7) 84 kh/rj 15/ 71

H.F. 2380 1. Online learning program model established. The director, 1 pursuant to section 256.9, subsection 65, shall establish an 2 online learning program model that provides for the following: 3 a. Online access to high-quality content, instructional 4 materials, and blended learning. 5 b. Coursework customized to the needs of the student using 6 online content. 7 c. A means for a student to demonstrate competency in 8 completed online coursework. 9 d. High-quality online instruction taught by appropriately 10 licensed teachers. 11 e. Online content and instruction evaluated on the basis of 12 student learning outcomes. 13 f. Use of funds available for online learning for program 14 development, implementation, and innovation. 15 g. Infrastructure that supports online learning. 16 h. Online administration of online course assessments. 17 2. Online learning program waiver application. A school 18 district, charter school, or accredited nonpublic school may 19 apply to the department for a waiver to implement an online 20 learning program pursuant to section 256.9, subsection 65. 21 3. Private providers. At the discretion of the school board 22 or authorities in charge of an accredited nonpublic school, 23 after consideration of circumstances created by necessity, 24 convenience, and cost-effectiveness, courses developed by 25 private providers may be utilized by the school district or 26 school in implementing a high-quality online learning program. 27 Courses obtained from private providers shall be taught by 28 teachers licensed under this chapter. 29 4. Grading. Grades in online courses shall be based, 30 at a minimum, on whether a student mastered the subject, 31 demonstrated competency, and met the standards established 32 by the school district. Grades shall be conferred by 33 appropriately licensed teachers only. 34 5. Accreditation criteria. All online courses and programs 35 -16- HF 2380 (7) 84 kh/rj 16/ 71

H.F. 2380 shall meet existing accreditation standards. 1 Sec. 26. NEW SECTION . 256.28 Iowa learning online 2 initiative. 3 1. An Iowa learning online initiative is established 4 within the department of education to partner with school 5 districts and accredited nonpublic schools to provide distance 6 education to high school students statewide. The department 7 shall utilize a variety of content repositories, including 8 those maintained by the area education agencies and the public 9 broadcasting division, in administering the initiative. 10 2. Coursework offered under the initiative shall 11 meet the requirements of section 256.7, subsections 12 7, 8, and 9, and shall be taught by an appropriately 13 licensed teacher who has completed an online-learning 14 -for-Iowa-educators-professional-development project offered 15 by area education agencies, a teacher preservice program, or 16 comparable coursework. 17 3. Under the initiative, students must be enrolled in a 18 participating school district or school, which is responsible 19 for recording grades received for initiative coursework in a 20 student’s permanent record, awarding high school credit for 21 initiative coursework, and issuing high school diplomas to 22 students enrolled in the district or school who participate and 23 complete coursework under the initiative. Each participating 24 school district or school shall identify a site coordinator 25 to serve as a student advocate and as a liaison between the 26 initiative staff and teachers and the school district or 27 school. 28 4. Coursework offered under the initiative shall be 29 rigorous and high quality, and the department shall annually 30 evaluate the quality of the courses, ensure that coursework 31 is aligned with the state’s core curriculum and core content 32 requirements and standards, as well as national standards 33 of quality for online courses issued by an internationally 34 recognized association for kindergarten through grade twelve 35 -17- HF 2380 (7) 84 kh/rj 17/ 71

H.F. 2380 online learning. 1 5. The department may waive any requirement that a subject 2 being studied under the initiative by a student enrolled in a 3 school district or school participating in the initiative be a 4 subject that is offered and taught by the professional staff of 5 the participating school district or school. 6 Sec. 27. Section 256.33, subsection 1, Code 2011, is amended 7 to read as follows: 8 1. The department shall consort with school districts, 9 area education agencies, community colleges, and colleges 10 and universities to provide assistance to them in the use 11 of educational technology for instruction purposes. The 12 department shall consult with the advisory committee on 13 telecommunications, established in section 256.7, subsection 7 , 14 and other users of educational technology on the development 15 and operation of programs under this section , section 256.9, 16 subsection 65, and section 256.27 . 17 Sec. 28. CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR ONLINE LEARNING —— 18 LEGISLATIVE INTENT. It is the intent of the general assembly 19 to encourage and support the establishment of a center for 20 excellence for online learning at the university of northern 21 Iowa. 22 DIVISION VI 23 EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS EXEMPTIONS 24 Sec. 29. Section 256.11, subsection 8, Code 2011, is amended 25 to read as follows: 26 8. a. Upon request of the board of directors of a 27 public school district or the authorities in charge of a 28 nonpublic school, the director may, for a number of years to 29 be specified by the director, grant the district board or the 30 authorities in charge of the nonpublic school exemption from 31 one or more of the requirements of the educational program 32 specified in subsection 5 this section . The exemption may be 33 renewed. Exemptions shall be granted only if the director 34 deems that the request made is an essential part of a planned 35 -18- HF 2380 (7) 84 kh/rj 18/ 71

H.F. 2380 innovative curriculum project which the director determines 1 will adequately meet the educational needs and interests of 2 the pupils and be broadly consistent with the intent of the 3 educational program as defined in subsection 5 this section . 4 The request for exemption shall include all of the following: 5 a. (1) Rationale of the project to include supportive 6 research evidence. 7 b. (2) Objectives of the project. 8 c. (3) Provisions for administration and conduct of the 9 project, including the use of personnel, facilities, time, 10 techniques, and activities. 11 d. (4) Plans for evaluation of the project by testing 12 and observational measures of pupil progress in reaching the 13 objectives. 14 e. (5) Plans for revisions of the project based on 15 evaluation measures. 16 f. (6) Plans for periodic reports to the department. 17 g. (7) The estimated cost of the project. 18 b. Upon request of the board of directors of a public 19 school district, the director may, for a number of years to be 20 specified by the director, grant the district board exemption 21 from one or more of the requirements of the educational program 22 specified in this section if the school district complies with 23 the requirements set forth in section 256F.4, subsection 2, 24 paragraphs “a” through “m” , the request for exemption includes 25 the components specified in paragraph “a” , subparagraphs (1) 26 through (7), and the director deems that the request made is an 27 essential part of a planned innovative curriculum project which 28 the director determines will adequately meet the educational 29 needs and interests of the pupils and be broadly consistent 30 with the intent of the educational program as defined in this 31 section. 32 c. The director shall submit a report by February 1, 33 annually, to the state board, the governor, and the general 34 assembly that lists all of the exemptions granted pursuant to 35 -19- HF 2380 (7) 84 kh/rj 19/ 71

H.F. 2380 this subsection and the reasons for which each exemption was 1 granted by the director. 2 DIVISION VII 3 EDUCATION JOB OPENINGS POSTING 4 Sec. 30. Section 256.9, Code Supplement 2011, is amended by 5 adding the following new subsection: 6 NEW SUBSECTION . 70. Maintain, on the department’s internet 7 site, education job openings which shall be submitted for 8 posting by school districts, area education agencies, and 9 charter schools; and may be submitted by accredited nonpublic 10 schools. 11 DIVISION VIII 12 CLASS SHARING AGREEMENTS 13 Sec. 31. Section 257.11, subsection 3, Code 2011, is amended 14 by adding the following new paragraph: 15 NEW PARAGRAPH . c. A school district that collaborates with 16 a community college to provide a college-level class that uses 17 an activities-based, project-based, and problem-based learning 18 approach and that is offered through a partnership with a 19 nationally recognized provider of rigorous and innovative 20 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics curriculum 21 for schools, which provider is exempt from taxation under 22 section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, is eligible to 23 receive additional weighting under a supplementary weighting 24 plan adopted pursuant to this subsection. 25 Sec. 32. Section 257.11, subsection 7, Code 2011, is amended 26 to read as follows: 27 7. Shared classes delivered over the Iowa communications 28 network . 29 a. A school district that provides a virtual class to 30 a pupil in another school district and the school district 31 receiving that virtual class for a pupil shall each receive 32 a supplemental weighting of one-twentieth of the percentage 33 of the pupil’s school day during which the pupil attends the 34 virtual class. 35 -20- HF 2380 (7) 84 kh/rj 20/ 71