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. It also establishes a new advanced dyslexia specialist endorsement competitive scholar program under the College Student Aid Commission (CSAC). This program aims to provide tuition reimbursement for teachers pursuing an advanced dyslexia specialist endorsement, with eligibility extending to those employed by various educational institutions in Iowa. The reimbursement is limited to a maximum of two years and is contingent upon the availability of funds.

Additionally, the bill creates a dedicated fund for the advanced dyslexia specialist endorsement competitive scholar program, which will consist of appropriated moneys and other funds received by the commission. It stipulates that any unencumbered or unobligated funds from the national board certification awards for the fiscal year 2025 will be transferred to this new fund. The CSAC is tasked with adopting rules for the program's administration and is required to report on its outcomes to the General Assembly. The bill is effective immediately upon enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 256.44, 256.145