Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HSB44

Introduced
1/21/25  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to career education, including middle school career exploration and industry-recognized credential seals and certificates for high school students.(See HF 316.)

Impact

The proposed legislation significantly alters the landscape of career education in Iowa by incentivizing students to pursue industry-recognized credentials, which may lead to better post-graduation employment outcomes. The requirement for middle school career exploration and planning aims to prepare students for their high school career and technical education programs, suggesting a comprehensive approach to career readiness. Additionally, the implementation of the bill is expected to lead to improved reporting and tracking of student credentials, potentially benefiting both students and future employers in identifying qualified candidates.

Summary

House Study Bill 44 (HSB44) seeks to enhance career education for students in grades 5 to 12 in Iowa. It lays the groundwork for a structured career education framework by requiring the Iowa Department of Education (DE) to compile and maintain a list of industry-recognized credentials and certifications that are accessible to high school students. These credentials will be aligned with career and technical education service areas, ensuring that educational pathways are relevant to job market needs. The bill also mandates that students achieving these credentials be recognized by their respective school districts with a certification seal that can be affixed to their transcripts.

Contention

While HSB44 has gained support for its potential to boost career readiness, points of contention include concerns about the sufficiency of funding and resources needed for its implementation. Some educators have expressed apprehension about the added responsibilities on school districts, particularly regarding the tracking and reporting of credentials. There are also questions about how these changes might shift the focus of educational institutions towards vocational training at the expense of traditional academic education. The measure raises important discussions regarding the balance between preparing students for the workforce and providing a well-rounded educational experience.

Companion Bills

IA HF316

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to career education, including middle school career exploration and industry-recognized credential seals and certificates for high school students. (Formerly HSB 44.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

Previously Filed As

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 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 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 HF513

A bill for an act relating to education, including requiring instruction related to persons with disabilities in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools in kindergarten through grade eight, modifying the responsibilities of the state board of education, and modifying provisions related to school district and accredited nonpublic school programs that are designed to eliminate harassment and bullying.

IA SF2223

A bill for an act relating to children and students, including by modifying provisions related to a parent's or guardian's rights to make decisions affecting the parent's or guardian's child, the educational program and human growth and development curriculum provided to students enrolled in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, student health screenings, school district library programs, special education, and other duties of school districts and the governing boards of charter schools and innovation zone schools.

IA HF2031

A bill for an act incorporating provisions related to pregnancy and fetal development into the human growth and development and health curriculum provided by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to students enrolled in grades one through twelve.(See HF 2617.)

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 SSB1145

A bill for an act relating to children and students, including establishing a parent's or guardian's right to make decisions affecting the parent's or guardian's child, modifying provisions related to student health screenings and the curriculum in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools, other duties of school districts, competent private instruction, and special education, making appropriations, and providing civil penalties.(See SF 496.)

IA HF73

A bill for an act relating to firearm education in schools, including requiring the director of the department of education to develop and distribute age-appropriate model programs for firearm safety instruction and modifying provisions related to the required instruction in public schools and accredited nonpublic schools in grades six through twelve.

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.)

Similar Bills

NM SB67

Career Development Success Program

NM SB211

Career Development Success Pilot Program

NJ A5183

Directs DOLWD to develop and maintain industry-valued credential list.

NV SB176

Revises provisions relating to education. (BDR S-45)

NJ S4009

Directs DOLWD to develop and maintain industry-valued credential list.

KS HB2509

Providing reimbursement payments for the cost of career technical education assessments to school districts under the career technical education credential and transition incentive for employment success act.

CA AB182

Teacher credentialing: computer science: workgroup.

CA AB1251

Teacher credentialing: computer science instruction: workgroup.