Iowa House Bill HF272

Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/10/25
• Refer: 2/10/25

Caption

A bill for an act establishing the advanced dyslexia specialist endorsement competitive scholar program within the college student aid commission and making appropriations.(Formerly HF 96.)

Impact

If enacted, HF272 will significantly impact teachers seeking to specialize in dyslexia education, enabling them financial assistance in their pursuit of advanced qualifications. The program is designed to further support educational initiatives aimed at improving literacy and educational outcomes for students with dyslexia. The bill designates $335,000 for the fiscal year 2025-2026 to fund the program, which underscores the commitment of the Iowa legislature to enhance educational support mechanisms. Additionally, it sets forth regulations and requirements for both the commission and the applicants, which correspond to improved accountability and transparency in program administration.

Summary

House File 272 aims to establish an advanced dyslexia specialist endorsement competitive scholar program within the Iowa College Student Aid Commission. The primary objective of this program is to provide tuition reimbursement to teachers pursuing an advanced dyslexia specialist endorsement. This initiative is expected to alleviate financial burdens related to obtaining specialized training to effectively support students with dyslexia in Iowa’s education system. By doing so, it seeks to enhance the quality of education and support available to students facing challenges associated with dyslexia.

Contention

While HF272 is largely viewed as a positive step towards improving educational outcomes for students with dyslexia, some may raise concerns about funding allocations and the extent to which the available resources will meet the demand for such endorsements. Potential contention may arise regarding the balance between support for dyslexia education and the need for adequate funding in other areas of educational needs across the state. Discussions around the bill may involve debates about prioritizing specific educational programs over broader resource distribution among various educational initiatives.