Iowa House Bill HF2377

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/8/24
• Refer: 2/8/24

Caption

A bill for an act establishing the advanced dyslexia specialist endorsement competitive grant program within the department of education and making appropriations.(Formerly HF 2030; See HF 2643.)

Impact

The bill appropriates $335,000 from the general fund for the fiscal year 2024-2025 specifically for administering the grant program. Under the bill's provisions, a maximum of 25 grants may be awarded annually unless surplus funds are available, thus potentially limiting the reach of the program in its initial stages. Moreover, the establishment of a dedicated fund in the state treasury ensures continuity of financial resources for the program beyond the current fiscal year, preventing any reversion of unspent funds back to the general fund.

Summary

House File 2377 establishes the Advanced Dyslexia Specialist Endorsement Competitive Grant Program within the Department of Education, aiming to support teachers in acquiring an advanced dyslexia specialist endorsement. The program is designed to provide financial assistance, in the form of grants, to licensed teachers to help offset the costs associated with obtaining this specific endorsement. This initiative holds significant promise for enhancing educational support for students with dyslexia by enabling more educators to specialize in this area.

Contention

While the bill primarily garners support for its intent to bolster educational resources for dyslexia, there may be concerns about the adequacy of funding and the cap on grants, which some stakeholders might view as insufficient to meet the needs of all interested teachers. Critically, the effectiveness of the program will hinge on the implementation rules developed by the state board of education, which will outline eligibility and award criteria, ultimately influencing the program's accessibility and impact on addressing dyslexia comprehensively.