This bill aims to enhance mathematics instruction and support for students in Iowa by introducing several new provisions related to education. It mandates the director of the Department of Education to develop and distribute family-centered resources to assist in student mathematics development at home, as well as to create a comprehensive state mathematics plan by July 1, 2025, aimed at improving student proficiency in mathematics. Additionally, the bill requires the director to provide evidence-based professional development for teachers in schools identified as needing support and to publish a list of valid mathematics screeners for teachers to identify students in grades K-6 who may require additional assistance.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that school districts must assess all K-6 students' mathematics proficiency at least three times a year using the approved screeners. If a student is identified as persistently at risk in mathematics, the district is required to implement specific interventions and develop personalized mathematics plans in consultation with the student's parents or guardians. The bill also mandates higher education institutions to include mathematics teaching methods in their practitioner preparation programs. It specifies that the costs associated with these mandates will be covered by state school foundation aid, ensuring that no additional state funding is necessary for implementation.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 256.9, 256.16