Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF2615

Introduced
2/19/24  
Engrossed
2/28/24  
Introduced
2/19/24  
Refer
2/29/24  
Engrossed
2/28/24  
Enrolled
4/23/24  
Refer
2/29/24  
Passed
5/1/24  
Enrolled
4/23/24  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to education, including by requiring community colleges to publish information related to graduates, requiring school districts to provide students enrolled in grades eleven and twelve with information related to graduates of community colleges and the average income and student debt of graduates of institutions of higher education governed by the state board of regents, and modifying provisions related to supplementary weighting. (Formerly HF 2347.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

Impact

The enactment of HF2615 will require substantial changes in how educational institutions provide information to students, particularly as it relates to college and career transition counseling. School districts must ensure that all relevant data is accessible to students, which may enhance their preparedness for postsecondary education. This shift becomes crucial as educational outcomes and labor market realities become increasingly intertwined, reflecting a growing understanding of how education can affect economic mobility. The legislation could considerably improve transparency in postsecondary education, ultimately guiding students toward more informed decisions based on comprehensive data.

Summary

House File 2615 focuses on enhancing educational resources for high school students in Iowa, particularly those in grades eleven and twelve. The bill mandates community colleges to publish detailed information about their graduates, including average income levels and student debt. This information is designed to aid prospective students in making informed decisions regarding their postsecondary education pathways and understanding the potential financial implications of their choices. Furthermore, the bill supports school districts in disseminating this information to students interested in pursuing further education.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding HF2615 appears to be constructive, with strong support from legislators, schools, and community colleges. Advocates argue that transparency in educational outcomes will empower students and families, enabling them to make more informed decisions about their future. critics, however, may highlight concerns about the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the data presented and whether it adequately reflects diverse educational experiences. Nevertheless, the bill received overwhelming support in the vote, reflecting a bipartisan acknowledgment of the need for better educational resources.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise around the implementation logistics of HF2615, particularly regarding the requirements imposed on school districts and community colleges. The bill emphasizes that the state will cover any associated costs through state school foundation aid; however, there could be challenges related to data collection, reporting practices, and the effectiveness of the resources provided to students. This highlights the complexities inherent in educational policy changes and raises questions about how to best support schools in fulfilling these new obligations. Overall, while the bill is positioned as a step toward improving educational outcomes, questions regarding its execution and long-term effectiveness could surface as it moves forward.

Companion Bills

IA HF2347

Similar To A bill for an act relating to education, including by requiring community colleges and certain private institutions of higher education to publish information related to the average income and student debt of graduates, requiring school districts to provide students enrolled in grades eleven and twelve with information related to the average income and student debt of graduates of postsecondary institutions in the state, and modifying provisions related to supplementary weighting.(See HF 2615.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF2347

A bill for an act relating to education, including by requiring community colleges and certain private institutions of higher education to publish information related to the average income and student debt of graduates, requiring school districts to provide students enrolled in grades eleven and twelve with information related to the average income and student debt of graduates of postsecondary institutions in the state, and modifying provisions related to supplementary weighting.(See HF 2615.)

IA HF135

A bill for an act relating to the responsibilities of the state board of regents and the institutions of higher education governed by the state board of regents, including requiring the board to publish certain information related to the average income and student debt of institution graduates and requiring the institutions to provide the board with information related to the average income and student debt of institution graduates and to adopt procedures that require institutions to provide information related to the average income and student debt of institution graduates to undergraduates. (Formerly HF 11.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA HF11

A bill for an act relating to the responsibilities of the state board of regents and the institutions of higher education governed by the state board of regents, including requiring the board to publish certain information related to the average income and student debt of institution graduates and requiring the institutions to provide career services to undergraduates.(See HF 135.)

IA HF2544

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the social studies instruction provided to students enrolled in grades one through twelve and the educational programs provided by the institutions of higher education under the control of the state board of regents, and requiring education related to the holocaust for students and teachers in school districts. (Formerly HF 2330.)

IA SF288

A bill for an act relating to students who are pregnant or who recently gave birth who attend state institutions of higher education governed by the board of regents and community colleges. (Formerly SF 12.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

IA HF2330

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the social studies instruction provided to students enrolled in grades one through twelve and the educational programs provided by the institutions of higher education under the control of the state board of regents.(See HF 2544.)

IA SF2368

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the sale of real property by school districts, charter school and open enrollment funding, and the participation in school activities by students enrolled in charter schools. (Formerly SSB 3157.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

IA HF2558

A bill for an act relating to higher education, including by modifying the responsibilities of private institutions of higher education, community colleges, the state board of regents, and institutions of higher education governed by the state board of regents, modifying provisions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, tuition, and administrator hiring at state universities, membership of the state board of regents, and student-employer work and tuition programs at state universities and community colleges, and including applicability provisions. (Formerly HF 2327.)

IA HF2545

A bill for an act relating to education, including by requiring the director of the department of education to review the state's high school graduation requirements, core curriculum, core content standards, and educational standards, requiring the state board of education to review and revise the state's social studies standards, requiring that the social studies instruction provided to students enrolled in school districts and accredited nonpublic schools in grades seven and eight include instruction related to civics, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HF 2329.) Effective date: 05/15/2024, 07/01/2024.

IA SF252

A bill for an act relating to students who are pregnant or who recently gave birth who attend state institutions of higher education governed by the board of regents and community colleges.(Formerly SF 58.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.