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As a result of the governor’s proposed reforms to Area Education Agencies, the AEAs have been a very hot topic so far this session.
At this point, the governor’s office has stated that an amendment to the original bill is being proposed that shifts the control of state and federal special education funding from the AEAs to local public school districts. It also allows schools to retain their share of the AEA funding for general education services.
The intent of the proposal would be that AEAs continue to provide all special education services they do now, including Child Find and Early Access for children birth to three. AEAs would also provide general education services and media services if requested by schools and approved by the Department of Education. Under the governor’s revised plan, special education oversight will shift to the Iowa Department of Education for accountability, transparency, and improved outcomes of students with disabilities.
Many have asked to see the education scores that the governor’s office references as part of the basis for the reform.
• NAEP: Since 2017, Iowa students with disabilities ranked 30th or worse on nine of 12 assessments.
• ISASP: Spring 2023 assessment results show a 41% proficiency gap for students with disabilities as compared to overall student results.
• The U.S. Department of Education has identified Iowa as “needs assistance” for implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Act since 2018.
I am continuing to take comment on this bill and appreciate everyone who has reached out already. I have learned so much and have received a lot of great ideas. Overall, many people see opportunities for compromise and change, but would prefer to see that process slowed down and toned down.
As always, please feel free to reach out and contact me anytime.
State Rep. Megan Jones, District 6, R-Sioux Rapids
Week three was busy in the Iowa Senate as it was our first full week of subcommittee and committee work.
The week started with the Iowa Prayer Rally for Life on Monday to celebrate the successes of the pro-life movement and the achievements we have had in Iowa in protecting life.
Thursday was iJAG Legislative Day at the Capitol. It was a pleasure to meet with these students and teachers and talk about what this program has done for them, what they have achieved, and how legislators can help with their mission.
We continue sorting through policy bills and moving ideas with enough support through the legislative process. Last week the Senate moved SSB 3069 past the first step in the legislative process.
SSB 3069 directs Iowa schools to implement evidence-based reading curriculum to teach elementary school students. It requires kindergarten through third grade students be taught using evidence-based instruction, including phonics, and prevents instruction which teaches kids how to read based on context, visual cues, or memory. It also requires teacher preparation programs to focus on evidence-based instruction.
Reading scores of Iowa students are near the national average. However, when students fall behind after third grade, most do not recover. The goal of SSB 3069 is to improve student achievement.
After listening to feedback from Iowans, the Governor announced that she plans to amend her original AEA bill proposal (HF543/SSB3073). While we (legislators) have not yet seen the amendment language, the understanding is that it will restore Ed Services and approved Media Services that was previously removed in the original bill language. I fully expect further changes to the bill as it works its way through the legislative process.
State Sen. Lynn Evans, District 3, R-Aurelia
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