Iowa House Bill HF563

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/2/23
• Refer: 3/2/23

Caption

A bill for an act directing the department of education to convene a working group to study the effectiveness of efforts related to increasing the reading proficiency of students enrolled in school districts in kindergarten through grade three.

Impact

The working group is tasked with assessing key statistics, such as the annual reading proficiency data reported by school districts, as well as the effectiveness of interventions put in place for students who struggle with reading. It is expected that the group will evaluate classroom practices, including the frequency of assessments and the number of classrooms delivering whole-class phonics instruction along with interventions. These findings are intended to guide future educational policies and practices related to early literacy.

Summary

House File 563 mandates the Iowa Department of Education to convene a working group aimed at examining the efficacy of strategies designed to enhance reading proficiency among students in kindergarten through third grade. The bill stipulates that this working group will thoroughly analyze various aspects of the implementation of Reading Proficiency initiatives under Code section 279.68. This section pertains to intensive reading instruction aimed at ensuring that early readers can successfully progress through their educational journey.

Contention

Critics of the bill may raise concerns regarding potential disparities in how different districts implement intensive reading interventions and assess student progress. The success of such a mandate could vary based on resource availability and the specific educational frameworks adopted by individual school districts. The administrative obligation imposed on the Department of Education to oversee and support this working group may also lead to discussions regarding budget allocations and resource management within the state's educational system.