This bill addresses various aspects of education in Iowa, specifically focusing on community college reporting requirements, the national board certification program, and the employment conditions for staff at the Iowa educational services for the blind and visually impaired and the Iowa school for the deaf. It modifies existing laws to require community colleges to submit data directly to the Department of Education (DE) rather than the community colleges bureau, and it specifies that this data must include individual-level information. Additionally, the bill updates the timeline for submitting reports to the state board and the general assembly, ensuring that the annual condition of community colleges report includes educational and employment outcomes.

Furthermore, the bill renames the national board certification pilot project to a national board certification program and allows unencumbered funds from the program to be used for stipends for individuals receiving an advanced dyslexia specialist endorsement. It also clarifies that discharge procedures apply to all employees of the Iowa educational services for the blind and visually impaired and the Iowa school for the deaf, regardless of their licensing status. Lastly, it mandates the establishment of an annual compensation schedule for these employees, ensuring they receive appropriate benefits.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 256.7, 260C.14, 256.145, 8.33