Iowa Senate Bill SSB3155

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/24
• Refer: 2/6/24

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.

Impact

Furthermore, SSB3155 requires school districts to notify parents or guardians of any student in grade three who is struggling with reading. This notification includes the option for parents to request that their child be retained in grade three if they are not reading proficiently. The bill establishes a framework where a personalized reading plan is to be provided for these students, extending from grade three through grade six if necessary. This approach focuses on addressing individual student needs, fostering better outcomes in literacy.

Summary

Senate Study Bill 3155 (SSB3155) aims to enhance elementary literacy in Iowa by implementing new teacher preparation and licensing requirements, as well as establishing protocols for student reading proficiency. The bill mandates that higher education institutions must administer a reading assessment prior to the completion of teacher preparation programs. A passing score, determined by the state's educational department, is required for program completion, thereby ensuring that future educators are adequately prepared to teach reading skills effectively.

Contention

The bill has sparked discussions regarding the balance between setting high educational standards and the discretion given to parents in retention decisions. Proponents argue that the bill is essential for raising literacy rates and accountability in education, while critics voice concerns about the pressures it may place on students and the consequences of retention on their emotional and academic development. This contention highlights a broader debate over educational policies aimed at improving literacy and the implications of such mandates on schools and families.