This bill aims to enhance educational provisions in Iowa by modifying the Iowa statewide assessment of student progress and establishing new requirements for programs serving gifted and talented children. Specifically, it amends the assessment schedule to require that students in grades 5, 8, and 11 take science assessments, replacing the previous requirement for grade 10. Additionally, the bill mandates that school districts develop systematic procedures for identifying and serving gifted and talented students, ensuring that identification is based on multiple data sources and that no single criterion can exclude a student from participation. School districts are also required to provide tailored educational services that address the unique needs of these students and to review their progress annually.

Furthermore, the bill introduces the requirement for school districts to create an advanced mathematics pathway aimed at increasing the number of students completing higher-level math courses by enabling early enrollment in algebra I. Students who achieve advanced performance levels on the statewide assessments in grades 5, 6, or 7 will be automatically enrolled in this pathway. The bill also establishes procedures for subject and whole-grade acceleration, allowing students who meet specific performance criteria to be placed in advanced courses, while ensuring parental input is considered. The funding for any state mandates included in the bill will be covered by state school foundation aid, ensuring that school districts can comply without additional financial burden.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 256.7, 257.42