The bill mandates the director of the Iowa Department of Education to establish a special education weighting work group aimed at reviewing and potentially modifying the special education weighting plan outlined in section 256B.9, which has remained unchanged since 2004. The work group is tasked with considering ways to increase special education weightings to better support the evolving needs of students in Iowa. The bill highlights the necessity for this review due to significant demographic changes among Iowa students and the lack of adequate support for special education.

The work group will consist of various representatives, including members from the Iowa Association of School Boards, area education agencies, and the Iowa State Education Association, among others. Additionally, it will include representatives from school districts of varying sizes and locations within the state. The bill also stipulates that the work group must submit its recommendations for adjustments to the special education weightings to the general assembly and the governor by January 2, 2026.