This bill modifies existing education provisions by changing the national board certification pilot project to a national board certification program, which will continue to be administered by the Department of Education. The program provides financial awards to teachers who achieve certification. Additionally, the bill establishes a new advanced dyslexia specialist endorsement competitive scholar program under the College Student Aid Commission (CSAC). This program aims to offer tuition reimbursement to teachers pursuing an advanced dyslexia specialist endorsement, provided they are employed by various educational institutions in Iowa.

Eligible teachers can receive tuition reimbursement for up to two years, with the total reimbursement not exceeding their endorsement tuition costs. The bill also creates a dedicated fund for the advanced dyslexia specialist endorsement competitive scholar program, which will be financed through appropriations and other funds received by the CSAC. Furthermore, any unencumbered or unobligated funds from the national board certification awards for the fiscal year 2025 will be redirected to this new fund. The bill includes provisions for CSAC to report on the program's outcomes and requires the commission to adopt rules for its administration. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 256.44, 256.145