Iowa House Bill HSB650

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/24
• Refer: 2/1/24

Caption

A bill for an act relating to elementary literacy by modifying teacher preparation program requirements and teacher licensing requirements, requiring personalized reading plans for certain students, and providing parent and guardian discretion for their students to be retained at grade level.(See HF 2618.)

Impact

The bill requires school districts to notify parents or guardians of students in grade three who are not proficient in reading. If requested by the parent or guardian, the school district must retain these students in grade three rather than promoting them to grade four. Additionally, the bill mandates that students not reading proficiently will receive personalized reading plans to aid their development, continuing through the end of grade six if necessary. This approach encourages accountability and direct parental involvement in the educational progression of students.

Summary

House Study Bill 650 focuses on enhancing elementary literacy through various modifications to teacher preparation and licensing requirements. One of the bill's central tenets is the implementation of an assessment for teacher candidates prior to their completion of their programs, ensuring they meet minimum competencies in literacy instruction. This requirement aims to elevate the quality of education provided in early grades by ensuring that educators possess the necessary skills to teach reading effectively.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HSB650 revolve around the implications of mandatory retention and the assessment requirements for teachers. Critics may argue that retaining students could have negative impacts on their self-esteem and subsequent academic performance. Moreover, the requirement for teacher assessments raises concerns about the feasibility of such evaluations, particularly in terms of ensuring all educators are adequately prepared before entering the classroom. The debate will likely continue as stakeholders from various educational sectors weigh the benefits and drawbacks of the proposed measures.