Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF535

Introduced
3/1/23  
Introduced
3/1/23  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the Iowa school performance profiles published by the department of education, including how dropout students affect school performance grades contained in the profiles.

Impact

The implications of HF535 are significant, particularly for schools that have higher dropout rates. Advocates of the bill argue that by excluding the second or subsequent dropout instances from negatively impacting school grades, the bill could encourage schools to adopt more supportive measures for students at risk of dropping out. This could lead to changes in how schools approach student engagement and retention, ultimately aiming for improved academic outcomes. However, the bill's detractors may raise concerns about whether this approach sufficiently holds schools accountable for dropout rates and the educational outcomes of their students.

Summary

House File 535 aims to amend the existing regulations related to the Iowa school performance profiles published by the Iowa Department of Education. Specifically, the bill addresses how dropout students impact the performance grades of schools. By proposing that a student who drops out and then returns, only to drop out again will not negatively affect their school's performance grade, the bill seeks to refine the metrics used to evaluate school effectiveness. This amendment is designed to ensure that schools are not unduly penalized for the actions of students who struggle to remain enrolled.

Contention

The passage of HF535 could lead to a debate on the balance between accountability and support for schools dealing with dropout issues. Critics may argue that it could create a barrier to recognizing systemic problems within certain schools, where dropout rates could still indicate underlying issues needing attention. Furthermore, there may be discussions surrounding whether the revised performance measures accurately reflect a school's success or failure, particularly in serving all students effectively.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA HF136

A bill for an act relating to the Iowa school performance profiles published by the department of education, including how dropout students affect school performance grades contained in the profiles.(See HF 393.)

IA HF393

A bill for an act relating to the Iowa school performance profiles published by the department of education, including how dropout students affect school performance grades contained in the profiles. (Formerly HF 136.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

IA HF370

A bill for an act relating to entities supported in whole or in part by public moneys, including the sale of public bonds, the duties and responsibilities of the directors and officers of school boards, school districts, the department of education, the department of health and human services, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, community colleges, institutions under the control of the state board of regents, area education agencies, and election commissioners, and the membership and voting units of county and city conference boards. (Formerly HSB 118.)

IA HSB219

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying provisions related to school district library programs and the educational program provided to students enrolled in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools.(See HF 597.)

IA SF8

A bill for an act relating to the Iowa core curriculum and to assessment and content standards for school districts and accredited nonpublic schools and including effective date provisions.

IA HSB587

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying the social studies curriculum provided to students enrolled in grades one through twelve in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, and modifying the responsibilities of school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools related to requiring teachers and students to sing the national anthem.

IA HF1045

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the education system, including the funding and operation of the department for the blind, department of education, and state board of regents, and including contingent effective date provisions.(Formerly HSB 337.)

IA HF597

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying provisions related to school district library programs and the educational program provided to students enrolled in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools.(Formerly HSB 219.)

IA HF380

A bill for an act relating to certain amounts of school district funding for programs for at-risk students, secondary students who attend alternative programs or alternative schools, or returning dropouts and dropout prevention, and including effective date provisions.

IA HSB337

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the education system, including the funding and operation of the department for the blind, department of education, and state board of regents, and including contingent effective date provisions.(See HF 1045.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.