A new report shows community college career and technical education programs provide a good economic return for Iowans earning a degree. The "Iowa Community Colleges Education Outcomes Report" links employment and wage information with students who earned diplomas, certificates and associate degrees from Iowa’s community colleges from the 2010 to the 2012 fiscal years. Among the [...]
The future of Iowa’s economy depends on a highly skilled workforce that is ready to compete with workers from around the globe. Iowa can compete and win in this global economy as long as we invest in education and job training to build our skilled workforce. Iowa is facing a skilled workforce shortage. Over 56% of [...]
Many Iowa children who receive free and reduced-price meals can also go hungry during the summer time. Just as learning does not end when school lets out, neither does a child’s need for good nutrition. The Summer Food Service Program, administered by the Iowa Department of Education, provides nutritious meals and snacks to children in low-income [...]
Starting soon teachers will receive training to help identify and support students suffering from dyslexia under a bill approved this year. Under Senate File 2319, Iowa's Reading Research Center is required to coordinate the training with Area Education Agencies at no cost to school districts to enhance teaching skills in the use of evidenced-based strategies. The [...]
After ignoring state law and local school officials for over a month, House Republicans again refused to take action on school funding today. “We’ve set high expectations for our schools and students but House Republicans still refuse to take action. They need to follow our own law that guarantees public schools are the top priority of [...]
According to a STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) advisory council report, Iowa has made progress in STEM education and is now seen as a leader in the nation. Iowa STEM enjoys bipartisan legislative support thanks to universal acknowledgement of the importance of well-prepared graduates. The state has been divided into six regional hubs to coordinate [...]
While refusing to take action to set basic state aid for public schools as required by state law, Iowa House Republicans are moving a bill to provide a new $207 million appropriation to home schools and private schools. “It’s stunning that House Republicans refuse to increase support for our public schools but believe home schools and [...]
