This bill focuses on enhancing education in Iowa by introducing new provisions related to mathematics instruction and civics assessments. It mandates the director of the Department of Education to develop and distribute family-centered resources to support mathematics learning at home, provide professional development for teachers in schools identified as needing support, and create a comprehensive state mathematics plan aimed at improving student proficiency. Additionally, the bill requires school districts to assess students in kindergarten through sixth grade at least three times a year using approved mathematics screeners, and to implement personalized intervention plans for students identified as persistently at risk in mathematics.

In terms of civics education, the bill requires the development and distribution of a civics test based on the U.S. citizenship and immigration services' most recent version, which must be administered to high school students as a graduation requirement. Schools are tasked with ensuring that students achieve a passing score, with provisions for retakes and modifications for students with special needs. Furthermore, individuals seeking a high school equivalency diploma must also pass this civics test. The bill also specifies that any costs associated with these mandates will be covered by state school foundation aid, ensuring that school districts are not financially burdened by the new requirements.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 256.9, 256.16, 256E.7, 280.9A